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Statement on
ACES Legislation
June 25, 2009
“In recent weeks I have heard from and personally spoken with countless individuals and organizations in the 7th Congressional District regarding my position on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES).
“From the beginning I, along with many of my constituents, have had serious concerns and reservations about the legislation and, apart from health care I’ve devoted all of my time to researching the issues and pressing for stronger provisions in the legislation.
“Specifically, I have been deeply concerned about the potential for another financial meltdown in America if the legislation does not have strong consumer protections, a strict market regimen, and solid oversight of any derivatives market associated with reducing carbon emissions. The language in the legislation was too broad in my judgment and I raised my concerns directly with the White House and committee chairs. They listened and responded.
“In another example, I felt that America’s most vulnerable people needed more financial assistance than was included in the working draft legislation to neutralize any financial impact from market changes to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. As chairman of the Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee, my jurisdiction is to protect low income Americans and I fought for greater financial allocations within ACES that will do just that.
“There are those who say the legislation is not good enough and urge a no vote. There are those who say the legislation is not strong enough and to draw a line in the sand and refuse to cross it. And there are those who stand with me and say the time is now for America to demonstrate its global leadership and commitment to address climate change. I am voting in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act because it is change we can believe in, from a President we can believe in, from a nation we all believe in.”
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