House Republicans Vote Against Science

In a less than shocking turn of events, the Republicans of the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted that Global Warming does not exist.  Instead of accepting the scientific data detailing how the Earth continues to warm causing severe changes to our climate, these brave Congressional leaders covered their eyes and ears to pretend that nothing is happening.

Henry Waxman (D-Ca) introduced an amendment that would let Congress admit that the "warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level.’’  This first amendment only resolved THAT Global Warming was happening.  A later amendment asserted that human actions have played a role in the acceleration of the event (like the burning of fossil fuels and more).  While both of amendments carry consensus among the people who actually model climates (you know, experts), the first amendment carries less political promise. Basically, you can agree that it is happening but if it isn't our fault we don't have to do anything about it.  


Instead, the 31 Republicans and 3 Democrats on the committee voted to keep their heads in the sand about a problem with society, economic, and security concerns for the future of the planet.  It should be noted that each member who voted against the amendment have received considerable contributions from Koch Industries.  


At least one congressman, Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass), recognized that a committee vote (biased by money and ideology) does not actually affect climate science.  Even with this event, the Earth will continue to get warmer and our actions will continue to harm the planet.  Reality continues to exist even if we ignore it.  Markey delivers the best response to this vote in the video below.



For more information about Global Climate Change check out NASA's website on the topic.