Senate Democrats on Thursday introduced a 43-word climate change resolution that they hope can serve as an alternative to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal.
The resolution declares a sense of Congress that “climate change is real; human activity during the last century is the dominant cause of the climate crisis; and the United States and Congress should take immediate action to address the challenge of climate change.” But it’s not nearly as detailed as the 14-page resolution put out by Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.
Democrats are seeking a way to avoid voting for the Green New Deal. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he’ll bring up the controversial resolution for a vote before the August recess in order to put Democratic support for the measure on the record.
The Green New Deal calls for replacing fossil fuels with wind and solar, retrofitting homes and buildings, and overhauling the nation’s agriculture system to make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The resolution calls for providing healthcare, higher education, and jobs for all.
Most Democrats have distanced themselves from the ambitious goals of the Green New Deal and had planned to vote “present” on the measure.
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Democrats are angry that McConnell is bringing it up for a vote. The short resolution, introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Tom Carper, D-Del., gives Democrats another option.
“In the days and weeks ahead, Senator McConnell intends to engage in a ploy to inflict damage on the Democratic Party and the entire climate change movement,” Carper said. “To the American people, hear this: We cannot and will not allow cynicism to win. Not now, and not with so much at stake. Climate action should not be an issue that divides us. That’s why Democrats are united behind this resolution and in support of policies that reduce our nation’s carbon footprint, help create a fairer, stronger economy and support those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”
