Menendez Statement on Trump Administration’s Formal Withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement

NEWARK – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Trump Administration completed the United States’ official withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement:

“As the American people wait for every one of their votes to be counted, we are painfully reminded that the damage caused by President Trump’s failed and morally bankrupt foreign policy will not disappear with his presidency.  Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement is as antithetical to our nation’s interests today as it was three years ago, when Trump first began this effort.

“As our partners and allies collectively hold their breath in hopes that our nation will again be a responsible actor in confronting the real dangers of climate change, we must not forget this presidential election will be decided in no small part because of the importance of restoring American global leadership. That process starts by rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement. 

“Congress also has a role to play in ensuring this climate crisis is turned into a tremendous opportunity for U.S. leadership and economic growth. That is why I will soon introduce the U.S. Climate Leadership in International Mitigation, Adaptation, and Technology Enhancement (U.S. Climate) Act, legislation to officially designate climate diplomacy a priority for U.S. foreign policy.”

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