House Democrats wonder why GOP won't agree to debate on climate change

House Democrats on Wednesday questioned why Republicans had not responded after being challenged to a climate change debate.

"Today, I rise to cite the fact that the American people and Democrats and scientists agree that climate change is a danger to us all, but where are the Republicans?" Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) said on the House floor.

Johnson and other members of the Safe Climate Caucus challenged Republicans to a debate on the House Floor about climate change last week. In a letter (PDF), the Safe Climate Caucus alleged Republicans had not even used the word "climate change" on the House floor and accused them of blocking pro-environment efforts.

"We received no response," Johnson said. "It's time for a real debate on the House floor about the dangers of climate change. We are already seeing the powerful forces and effects of nature. We are witnessing the predictions of our premiere scientists come true and they are alarming."

Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) said there appeared to be a "conspiracy of silence" regarding climate change. Rep. Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) added that Democrats had requested more than 20 hearings on climate change, but Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee had refused.

Watch video, uploaded to YouTube by the Safe Climate Caucus, below:

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[Image via Center for American Progress, Creative Commons-licensed]