Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, announced on Apr. 30 a new weekly series in the Senate aimed at urging agreement on fundamental facts about climate change. The announcement followed an attempt by Whitehouse to secure unanimous consent for a resolution recognizing that sea level rise is real and driven by fossil fuel-caused climate change—a request that was blocked by Senator Ron Johnson.
The effort highlights ongoing divisions in the Senate over accepting scientific consensus on climate issues. Whitehouse said, “Climate change is real. Earlier this year, I came to the floor and asked my colleagues if they could all agree on that simple, scientific fact. Sadly, given the nature of this body, they could not.” He continued, “So, we’re going to break it down into smaller bits because the reality of climate change is made up of many, many simple truths. And I hope that by breaking it down piece by piece, I can find areas where my colleagues will agree. Today’s simple truth: sea levels are rising. Can we agree on that?”
Whitehouse’s initiative began with resolutions introduced in December 2025 and included a first request in January affirming fossil fuel combustion as a cause of climate change—also blocked at that time by Senate Republicans.
According to the official website, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee maintains its administrative base in the Senate Dirksen Office Building to support hearings and operations. The committee oversees federal programs related to environmental quality, natural resources and infrastructure to balance conservation with national needs according to its official website. Shelley Moore Capito chairs the committee alongside members including Kevin Cramer and Cynthia Lummis according to its official website.
The committee handles legislation affecting environmental and infrastructure matters nationwide according to its official website, influences federal policy on regulations regarding wildlife protection and infrastructure maintenance across the country according to its official website, and collaborates through subcommittees focused on clean air, water resources and transportation infrastructure according to its official website.
Whitehouse’s series will continue with further weekly requests aimed at fostering bipartisan recognition of science-backed facts related to climate change.
