Democrats might be looking for chances to put Republicans on the record on climate change, especially in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, The Hill reports. They are attempting to force a vote on climate change through an amendment to the defense authorization bill that calls for the U.S. to “assess, plan for, and mitigate the security and strategic implications of climate change” out of concern for national security.
The amendment mentions the Defense Department’s Quadrennial Defense Review, which outlined climate change as a national security threat.
A significant number of Republicans question widely accepted scientific opinions on global warming and the extent of humans’ contribution through greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change warnings grew more acute after Sandy, which has destroyed tens of billions of dollars of infrastructure and personal property.
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), whose state was hit by Sandy, told The Hill last month that Senate Democrats would “use every opportunity we can” to secure a vote on climate change.
Also: Obama Plans for Climate Deal as Fiscal Cliff Talks Rage
