Pence - President Should Address Serious Concerns Before Traveling to Copenhagen

Pence: President Should Address Serious Concerns Before Traveling to Copenhagen

DECEMBER 7, 2009

Washington, DC - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement today as the global climate change talks began in Copenhagen, Denmark:

"At a time of double-digit unemployment, the last thing our country needs is a jobs-killing cap and trade scheme imposed on our families and small businesses by bureaucrats at the United Nations.  The American people have a right to debate this issue at home and with their elected leaders.

"The American people deserve to know whether the president is going to enter the United States into a so-called ‘political agreement' on cap and trade when the Constitution reserves to the Senate the power to ratify legally binding treaties. The president must clarify statements made by officials within his administration that suggest they will attempt an end-run around the Constitution in the name of global cap and trade.

"The president must also address how reducing carbon emissions will affect our struggling small businesses, manufacturers and farmers.  Further, developing countries have pledged to protect their growing economies from international carbon caps. Why are we placing American workers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage? I strongly urge the president to address these concerns before he flies to Copenhagen and commits our nation to a devastating cap and tax agreement."

NOTE: On Friday, several House Republicans sent a letter to President Obama outlining a number of key concerns regarding his administration's participation in the United Nations climate change negotiations.  To read the letter sent by House Republicans, click here.

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For additional information, contact:

The House Republican Conference Press Office at (202) 226-9000 or
Matt Lloyd (matt.lloyd@mail.house.gov)
Mary Vought (mary.vought@mail.house.gov)