Today a majority of the Senate sent a message to Americans and the rest of the world that they believe the time is now to confront climate change. Including statements of support from Senators unable to cast their votes, fifty four Senators went on record as believing this is too important an issue to ignore, and this is too important an opportunity for progress to refuse a serious debate.

These fifty four Senators rejected scare tactics from opponents of the bill and had the courage to insist that the nation confront energy security, climate security, and the economic opportunities that lie waiting for us in a transformed economy.

The policies contained in this bill will provide the incentives and resources for the American economy to engage our vast reserves of innovation, enterprise and hard work to thrive in tomorrow’s markets and tomorrow’s environment.