The National Climate Assessment (NCA) released last month reaffirms what 97% of climate scientists have made abundantly clear: climate change poses a real danger to American’s health and economic well-being. The report also explains that the catastrophic damage done by climate change will continue to intensify, and that inaction will be far costlier than confronting the problem now.
In my view, the President has double-downed on his anti-climate policies by publicly disputing the findings in the NCA. This is disappointing, but not surprising. This year alone, our nation witnessed deadly wildfires, disastrous hurricanes, and debilitating droughts and heat waves that have displaced thousands across the country. Instead of prioritizing solutions that could reverse the effects of climate change, I believe the Administration has pursued policies that expand offshore drilling, weaken clean air and water protections, and dismantle renewable energy programs, all of which I vehemently oppose. The effects of climate change are undeniable, and the American people deserve a Congress that will stand up to the oil industry and fight for real solutions that will preserve our planet for future generations.
Combating Hate Crimes & Anti-Semitism in Our Communities
According to the New York Police Department, anti-Semitic hate crimes are up 22% compared to last year, and anti-Semitic incidents have constituted half of all hate crimes in New York this year. A recent report by the Anti-Defamation League found a 57% rise in anti-Semitic incidents nationwide since 2016. I am deeply concerned and heartbroken by these crimes, which have cast an unsettling shadow on our community and our country as whole. As a Member of Congress, it is my duty to ensure that this disgusting, hate-fueled behavior does not go unaddressed. Earlier this month, I joined my fellow NYC Members of Congress in pressing the NYPD for answers on how they are combating what appears to be a recent wave of anti-Semitic acts, and I have made this a priority for the House Judiciary Committee next year in the new Congress. Hate crimes and anti-Semitism should have no place in our city or country.
To read our full letter to the NYPD, please click here.
Rep. Nadler standing with Democratic lawmakers discussing the importance of protecting the rights of victims of harassment and assault.
Improving Protections for Victims of Workplace Harassment
Across workplaces, schools, and communities, our nation is beginning to come to terms with how our laws have failed victims of harassment. This month, Congress passed bipartisan MeToo legislation which helps foster a climate of respect and dignity by fundamentally changing the flawed process Congress had previously used to address sexual harassment claims. While this is an important first step, Congress must not stop it’s work there.
I am proud to be a lead sponsor of H.R. 6406, the EMPOWER Act, which would lift the veil of secrecy surrounding workplace harassment, and bolster transparency and accountability. Every man and woman deserves a safe, transparent, and fair work environment, and if the women and men who have been victimized, shamed, and abandoned by our laws and society can find the courage to stand up and tell their stories, then Congress must step-up and act in their names and the names of the millions who don’t have the platform to speak out. Time is up for this misconduct to go unpunished.
To read more about the EMPOWER Act, please click here.
Ending the Unconstitutional War in Yemen
For over three years, military forces led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -with direct U.S. military participation-have been fighting the Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group that are not covered under any Authorization for Use of Military Force. As a Member of Congress, I have always opposed intervening in international conflicts with military force without congressional approval. That is why I am a cosponsor H.Con.Res. 138, which would stop the unauthorized U.S. military participation in Yemen and help bring an end to this humanitarian crisis. Unfortunately, the Majority prevented this resolution from being voted on, and instead passed legislation that would prevent any vote to limit our military involvement in Yemen for the rest of the year.
It is essential that the power to decide whether or not to commit the country to war rest with the people, through their representatives in Congress, and I will continue to work to ensure the Administration does not overstep their power.
Honoring Shirley Chisholm in Prospect Park
Rep. Shirley Chisholm's portrait honoring her life and career inside of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Last month, I joined She Built NYC to announce that a monument to Representative Shirley Chisholm, a political trailblazer from Brooklyn who was the first black Congresswoman in the U.S. House of Representatives, will be erected in Prospect Park. Rep. Shirley Chisholm was a model of courage and conviction who worked tirelessly on behalf of women and minorities at a critical time in our nation’s history. For too long, we have not done enough to honor the significant contributions of women in our city and our nation, and this monument is an important step in correcting that omission.
