CNN

Here are the members that didn't show up:

James M. Inhofe (R – OK)
George V. Voinovich (R – OH)
David Vitter (R – LA)
John Barrasso (R – WY)
Mike Crapo (R – ID)
Christopher S. Bond (R – MO)
Lamar Alexander (R – TN)

Email them and tell them how you feel.

Whether you believe in the theory of global warming or not, walking out of committee makes you a waste of a Senate seat. Abstaining from debate is not participation in the political process, it's just headline-seeking. In any case, is it really even news that the Republicans disagree with the Democrats on the issue of climate change and related legislation?

And as a general hint to those worried about the effect that climate legislation would have on the economy, take a look at how the Maldvies are dealing with this: They plan to take a sizable portion of their yearly tourism revenue and put it in to a fund to buy a new home for the 300000+ Maldivians in the event that the islands go underwater due to climate change. Apparently it's real enough to them that it's a concern.

How can Republicans be the problem when they have no power?! You liberals are being fooled by a myth and in return your pockets will suffer deeply... 2010 can't wait for it to come. It's going to be a storm of conservatives and GOP back in control... CAN'T WAIT.

The GOP is nothing more than a modern day NAZI party pure and simple,it they had there way,and could get away with it,all non white americans would be done away with...
Think of the name Prescott Bush,look it up,he actually helped the NAZI party,and this modern day NAZI party is trying to do the same thing...PERIOD

If you don't want Democrats to use a "nuclear option" then be ADULTS and get in the game...

You don't have any real right to complain about the system if you don't participate in it.
Isn't that what we tell people who don't VOTE??? You are there to do a job. If you take the money, DO THE JOB, even if you can't get your way...
All of you Republichildren, remember, you had the ball for a long time, and demanded that Democrybabies play by your rules, now the Demochildren have the ball, Republicrybabies, take your own medicine (sorry for all of the mixed metaphors).

Its shocking how ignorant some of you are. Your worried about "puting burden on your children" with taxes, but not with the fact that NEARLY ALL credible scientists, including many commissioned by Bush, say that the climate is shifting rapidly because of our actions... Every day there are reports on melting glaciers and the absence of summer ice in the arctic ocean, but that apparently means nothing to some of the 'experts' who write on this site.

Alos, all I ever hear is how the current admin is ruining the economy...Weren't any of you here for the economic plunge and the free falling real estate market under the Republicans? Are you telling me that everything was peachy but 'Obama is going to be the problem? Get a clue, you morons almost ran us into the ground already..

Your greed is going to leave your children and mine with less than you know unless you all wake up.

it's one thing to disagree. it's another totally different thing to boycott it.

again

when are republicans going to just try to be part of a solution? ANY solution?

Its funny how some conservatives that comment on this subject try to mock science. Hey BOZO, it was science that made it possible for you to comment.. Let me get this right. Conservatives think science is BS when it comes to GOD and our planet but would sentence a guy to death if DNA test proves his guilt. Hmmmm So believe science when its convenient for you? Are we really this stupid as a society?

Someone needs to through themselves on the cap-and-trade grenade.

Democrats can't seem to write a bill that anyone other than democrats would vote for. These bills are just that bad.

Hang in there Republicans. Help is on the way in 2010.

These people are like little kids. Take their football and go home.
There is way too much important business to conduct.
Move on without them. They obviously have nothing positive to contribute anyway. When was the last time you heard anything but criticism from them. Rush and friends are professional critics and folks, critics are a dime a dozen. They are not worth the time.

During the summer months we no longer have an Artic ice cap! Large chunks of Antartica keep breaking off and floating away! How much more proof do these GOP corporate puppets need?

The "R" party hasn't showed up for anything since Ronnie was pres and if it didn't line their pockets, e.g., an oil lobbyists' convention. Traitors who pledge allegience to their wallets over their country. Who cares what they do? The party is DOA wherever it shows up anyway. Another slow day in the CNN newsroom. Thank goodness we have pro football, the Word Series, hockey and basketball to fill the airwaves right now because what passes for news comes across as gossip at an old lady's tea party.

God bless this country.

GOP just walked out on the senate without any consequence?

Its hard to believe!

You have to have an abundance of faith to believe the global warming theories (especially when the majority of scientists disagree on man as being the cause) so, since this is based on faith, not true theory, one should assume man made global warming is a form of religion; and the separation of church and state should apply.

All they want is power.

I can't work with absolutists. Let them go Dems. Let's save the planet without the GOP.

Why can we not have these people fired for not doing their jobs? It is true that if I were to boycott a meeting at my workplace I would be fired. Why is this not the case for politicians?? The meeting is called a "DEBATE" so if you disagree get your ass up there and lay out your thoughts on the subject. This is ridiculous! I demand that they be fired as any regular american would be if they behaved this way at their jobs.

Another perfect example of what the GOP cares about

NOTHING ... but themselves

THE PARTY OF NO ... solutions

I am a Republican but I don't like the above. Boycotting an important issue is not representing the people. You're trying to be like the Democrats on thinking what's important to an individual instead of the population. You're only confirming what I've been saying. WAKE UP AMERICA it is time to rid ourselves of all these do nothing incumberents wheather he be Republican-Democrat-Or Independant. If they don't work send them home. It is time for this country to have a functioning government working together to make a better world and to leave public party supporters out of the picture like the NCAAP, NRA, ICLU and etc.

If we do nothing and the republicians are wrong...then we die.

Republicans seem to be participating like Ostriches by putting their heads in the sand. When foreign countries boycott elections , they ridicule and mock those "ignorants" for their stupidity. I guess pot/kettle applies here. All they do is say how bad the Democrats are and how they want to destroy the Republic , but offer nothing in its' stead. The Democrats are will to compromise , but to no avail. The Rebuplican PLAYBOOK forbids them to do anything that might help the country. One more thing , Newt even said that the Right Wing is not right (correct) , by slamming Republican Moderates!

Mother Earth should be respected, as a gift from the Grand Creator, we are destroying our planet with our greed and disrepect of the Creator, Where do you read in the Bible that it is okay to destroy a perfect gift from God, your home, the Earth. Republicans Repent and ye shall live on a beautiful planet for many years to come.

It's just typical childish republican crap. Just like, Shushannah Walshe's (the co author of the new Palin fantasy book) comments that Palin was duped into getting all those expensive clothes. Palin bought them herself. This is a documented fact...but then truth & facts mean knothing to Palin or Ms. Walshe who is a Fox news producer...duh...nuff said!

How can the New GOP possibly get behind science? The New GOP is nothing but a bunch of fundaMENTAList morons who believe the Earth is only 6,000 years old. What could science possibly mean to them. Go with the nuclear option, Dems, and let's move on to the future. Also, for those who throw out the "everything will cost 50% more" mantra, that is completely bogus.

The GOP has it right on this one. Climate change is not worth even debating, it is not happening. Let the idiots who still think the bad science is real talk about it. If the Democrats want to pass cap and trade which will crush the US economy and make everyone, rich and poor, pay more for all there energy, let them. In 2010 the Democrats will be 100% to blame for the cap and trade bill and Republicans will be running on the promise to repeal it which is what a majority of voters will want.

Not even showing up to voice their opinions? Seems like this is worst than at least just showing up to vote "present".

Jesus taught that we can only attain peace if we keep our environs thusly our bodies clean–so why does the Republican Party advocate corporate waste and pollution? Today's conservatives are antithetical to Christ, and reason.

It would be more helpful if people commenting on this blog would actually read the story before bashing people. "Voinovich asked the committee to hold off its debate until getting a full Environmental Protection Agency analysis of a bill that he said would affect every American." That's a quote from the story and makes absolute sense. The committee has obviously beaten this thing to death, and there's not much point talking until the report is made available. Some of you might start thinking about the consequences of passing this "cap and trade" fiasco and the millions of jobs that it could very easily cost. This country can't afford to loose anymore jobs.

boycott mother nature and confucious

next the easter bunny, santa claus, the 10 commandments would complete the family values you say you endorse

The Rethugs are beyond Repair .....They are taking orders from no socks RUSH !!!!

The trouble with the GOP is that they think they are war with Democrats but they are in fact at wwar with reality. There are indeed about 20 million Americans who are part of the Rush/Beck/Fox cult that believes Global Waming is fake, the Bush administration was honest, and Obama is out to destroy the country. But it takes an enormous amount of energy to sustain the mass psychisis needed to believe these things, and you will will never get more than about 20 million Americans to turn on the radio, turn off their brains, and stubbornly refuse to see the real world. The rest of us can only shake our heads, wish a kind thought for the ill, and move on with the nation's business.

Oh, the polarity! Right-wrong, good-bad, up-down, red-blue, wingnuts-socialists - yecch! From the sides, the middle looks like mush. From within, it is the only place to find balance, reason, fairness and the blending of ideas.

Do you find it really easy to lump issues and people easily into "sides" and to starkly characterize the sides as right and wrong? Do you offer knee-jerk condemnation of the "so-called science" of global warming? Or conversely, do you cling to the certainty of human-caused global warming, mind closed to data that might be contradictory?

Do you, in other words, simply ignore and disdain anything that seems to cast doubt on a cartoonishly certain conclusion one way or another? Then pipe down and let wiser minds work! They're out there. Demand their presence. Insist that the best thinkers and reasoners are at the table, and not simply your pet ideologues.

This ain't the schoolyard, it's the world. Adults needed.

So what is the alternative to the GOP boycott? Nothing? Do nothing? Just say NO? More angry old white men! The Dems should work without them because this legislation is geared toward future generations like our children and grandchildren. If one party refuses to work on anything cooperatively, then go on without them and stop attempting to get bipartisanship!

The problem here is not with Republican opposition to the proposed climate change legislation, it's with their obstructionist politics. If the Republicans disagree with the proposed legislation they should go into the committee and TALK ABOUT IT. Give REASONS, based on INFORMATION and propose ALTERNATIVES. I've bolded the words for a reason. It seems Republicans are unfamiliar with all of these concepts. All they do is attempt to subvert the political process and say "No" to everything.

GOPers have their heads stuck in the sand. Their loyalty is to Big Corporations that do not want the pollution standards tightened! Republicans are the party of Big Corporations, Big Insurance, Big Pharma!

The GOP is is still in the middle ages when people believed the Sun circled the Earth, when Gallileo was imprisoned for saying otherwise!

You do not have to worry about Global Warming, IF you are powerful and wealthy!

Every time we look around these foolish Greedy Old Party congress people are doing something rude or uncivilized. We should all, as sane people, be completely repulsed by these ridiculous politicians. Also their 230 page healthcare proposal is a flaming joke! Let's just all vote to keep the status quo (sarcasm), because that is what it will do? I certainly cannot continue to watch people die because of no healthcare coverage, nor can I afford to continue to let these greedy pharamaceutical and insurance companies gouge me with their premiums and costs. It's only commonsense that the dems are heading in the right direction on this matter insuring competition, and the repubs are AS USUAL just plain wrong!

I really do not understand republicans. Climate is peril and the are just obstructing the process in order to start doing something positive to save the planet. We Americans are the biggest polluters on earth and it is shameful that some people really do not care about that, we need to start to be responsible and start doing our part to curb climate change.

No problem. The next major extinction will be the GOP!!!

"Matt Dempsey, a spokesman for the committee's Republicans, told CNN that applying the exception would be a "nuclear option" by Democrats that would worsen the panel's already strained political climate."

Who cares? The conservative parties of all other industrial countries recognize the danger of global warming. Our conservative party is back woods. They are an embarrassment.
We can't wait for our conservatives to evolve. Some people will not believe any amount of proof because they don't want to. That's the case with our GOP. They are worthless on this issue. Toss them out. Go nuclear option. This is not an issue we can play around with.

GOP Stupidy as usual. I just don't get it from supposedly educated elected officials. But I see Armordillos in North Alabama, true illegal aliens and I get it. Society better stop their carbon emmissions now because we and our over populating species are screwing up God's planet.However, maybe Repugs will be the first to go extinct; you krow like the Dodos they truly are.

The Republicans, The Party of Ostriches! Dig yourselves deeper into the sand but not us. We want to live on a healthy planet. Climate shange is not IF it IS!!!!!!!!!!

It's one thing to disagree, it's another to not even allow a debate to be had. Republican's claim to be patriots, but isn't the whole point of the American system to get together and try to work things out through DEBATE, making COMPROMISE. Instead they just leave the room if they don't thing they can win. It makes me think of Cartman from Southpark... "Screw you guys, I'm going home"

There isn't a real scientific discourse on global warming anymore; its a fact accepted by the vast scientific community. I could pay a scientist to say the sky is yellow but I can' pay them all. Conversely I could afford to pay a few scientists to say global warming is a myth.

Assuming that there is more to this than money; what exactly is the reason Republicans won't admit there's a problem? Its not like we're going to solve it or that taxes will fix it but seriously why can't people even admit there's a problem.

The first step is admitting there is a problem.

Republicans are correct when they claim that Democrats are not trying to be bipartisan. There is no way for Democrats to be bipartisan with Republicans when Republicans do not even show up for a meeting.

Democrats on the other hand need to have the backbone Republicans had when they were in power. If Democrats did not like what was being proposed and could not stop it then Republicans went forward with it. If Democrats tried to stop Republicans then Republicans cheated. They changed the rules. They moved the bar. They did whatever they had to do to get the job done. They didn't pussyfoot around. Democrats it will be an ugly thing for you to do but if you have hopes of getting anything done, you will have to do it without Republicans.

Global warming is based on faulty science. The planet has been cooling for the last decade and all the global warming models and science did not predict that. Carbon levels have never been higher and the planet is cooling. And many global warming believing scientest are just making stuff up to explain why the planet is cooling and not warming. So the simple fact that they are making stuff up to explain the cooling proves it is cooling, they don't dispute it and are trying to explain it.
If Republicans stand up to and reject cap and trade and any legislation that is based on global warming, they are HEROS to the United States. Time to stop the global warming lie. It is being used by the world governments to bring down the US and redistribute wealth on a global basis. Al Gore is a traitor, this is his revenage.

When the icecaps melt...will the Taliban apologize? I think not....

Is there a way we could get all of the Republicans in one place so they could be taken in to custody and placed in Mental Institutions? Remember what FDR said, " A conservative is a person who has two ood legs but never learned to move forward!" It was true then and it is even more true today. God help us if they are not banished from the earth.

The GOP continues to be an embarassment – and to ricky – take a look at the climates and the pollution in China, India and South America – it's no wonder they ignore the problem as well. This is not a Cap and Trade issue – it's an issue of clean air, clean water and a sustainable environment – but should not surprise ANYONE that the GOP continues to ignore and will continue to ignore this issue. They behave more and more like two year olds who don't get their way!
GROW UP!

I want a new bill where DUMocRATS pay more income tax.

The party of TAX and SPEND, can TAX themselves.

PS:
Al Gore was a joke, is a joke, and always will be a joke.

Nancy Pelosi is even worse. If the BOTOX QUEEN is the brains of the DNC, I guess the whole world will be laughing at the DNC.

The Republicans are part of the problem and not part of the solution.
Obama and the Democrats in Congress should go ahead and get stuff done without Republican support.

Shame shame shame...when the world is in catastrophe wo will the Republicans blame then? Arrogance and Greed and Hate, a good definition of REPUBLICAN these days!

Just proceed without the childish Republican'ts!

My God, what are the Republicans doing? They are taking the 'Party of no' to new heights. Everything the Dems propose, they shoot down. These guys will obstruct just to score political points. Bad move.

This is not about Global Warming or Climate Change. This is about MONEY. Always follow the money people. Despite what Al Gore and the environmental nuts would tell you, there is no scientific consensus that humans are causing the climate to alter. Some things in nature that would cause major climate alterations are solar flares, volcano eruptions, El Nino and La Nina, etc. All these people have is a hypothesis at best. They have been unable to provide the concrete link as to what humans are doing and the climate changing. They cannot prove that Co2 is a pollutant, which is what plants need to thrive. If it were a pollutant, wouldn't all the plants and animals be dead? Al Gore once said "The debate is over". Until they can prove this, there is always going to be debate.

I love the naive people here fussing about the Republicans ignoring Global Warming. You AL GORE drones have drank the KOOL AID.

We have numerous scientists saying the GW is a myth.

Let's put it this way. Its a good thing to be effecient and proactive, but not at the COST of TAXES and FEES. Most of you GW worshippers have no clue about the acclerated COSTS and who do you think is going to pay for all of this.

The REPUBLICANS are SMARTER than the DUMocRATS on this one, because they are preaching a plan that says let's take steps in moderation and use incentives (not TAX and FEE burdens). People will accept more alternative energy resources WHEN IT ECONOMICALLY VIABLE.

Otherwise, go forward with this crap, but make sure it's the DUMocRATS who pay HIGHER TAXES and FEES. You want it, you PAY FOR IT.

I'm not paying for you anymore.

Contact your representative and tell them to go to work, whatever party they are. Sit down discuss and vote. We're paying these turds about $200K a year to not work. They all suck.

GOP doeasnt want to help anyone

Polution is the opiate of the GOP,it's their medicine without it. Their mind will be blank.

The GOP are not very evolved humans these days. That was not always the case. The Grand Old Party of my fathers day would have supported a bill to protect America from the threat of global warming. There once was a time when the purity and care of our environment was a republican issues. What happen to the republicans? No they are so obtuse and childish. It's embarrassing.

Why show up when no one listens?

I don't believe in "Man-Made Global Warming" no matter what the loonies say about the "Debate" is over. Even if scientists see the earths temps rising in the future, I don;t want to see any increases in my taxes or cost of living to try and save the ice caps on Killamangero. This is pure and simple a huge tax increase on the so called "Rich" countries to give to the poor. It will do nothing to help them in the long run because as the saying goes ".....teach a man how mto fish and he will provide for himself....." but it will surely hurt our economy now and well into the future. And for what??? They think that they can affect Global Temperature???? This is lunacy, and it needs to be stopped or at least held up untill the American people come to their senses and vote these people out of power.

Nov. 2010 can't come fast enough.

Clearly, thats a mature responce.

"We don't like what you have to say, so we're just gonna put our heads in the sand and not do our jobs..."

Every conservative out there should be pissed about this!

Republicans can't admit that there's a problem – because it would mean
that THEY ARE THE PROBLEM!

Please replace Climate change with Clean Air in my previous comment.

The modern Republican Party is the worst thing to happen to this country in decades. If they don't get their way 100% of the time, they pout and obstruct. They had 15 years in power to take action on global warming. Instead, they pocketed Big Oil's money and shelved all efforts. Drop the "nuclear option," Dems. Make the GOP 100% irrelevant.

And we are surprised at this. This Republican party will not do anything to help in any issue.

President Obama and the true Democrats should just get things done anyway they can and the hell with the Republicans/Blue dogs and Lieberman.

Fear/hate/obstructionism just won't cut it anymore.

So when the meeting on Climate changes is held in Denmark next week, our President is going to have to look like the only weak link....why?

When we look at one year after, and you wonder why Obama can't get what he promised done....why do you think?

And when you look at the state of this economy, our wars, our education system....why?

The GOP has hijacked our government and are determined to make this POTUS and therefore America fail!!

Excellent! Now that they're blocking progress so openly - let's just get their names and go to work making certain these GOP-ers are never ever allowed to hold their seats again after the next election.

Next they're going to tell us that evolution isn't real.

Oh. Wait. They already did.

Just put one small ton of coal ash in every republican's front yard once a year. It has to go somewhere. Democrats don't want it in their yards. But republicans don't mind.

Way to show the world that we are a leader in principles of democracy – you know, the principle of reaching consensus through debate...

Hard to debate when one side is not even prepared to engage in conversation but act like little unruly kids. And I hope all kids of this country close their eyes and ears (and minds) to this sort of behavior.

Go for it democrats! Make our country move forward with or without these guys - might want to consider offering them a 101 course in the concept of 'democracy.'

Let's see, Europe has a plan to deal with this issue and we do not. Therefore, the Europeans must be dying in socialism and must be one of the most horrible places on Earth. Europe is full of poverty and criminal behavior and people dying in the streets. It must be true because they have socialized medicine and cap and trade laws.

Shouldn't we be helping the poor Europeans who have such horrible lives living in such a god-forsaken, poor, over-taxed place? We need to teach those Europeans how a civilized society works.

And China has a Billion people living in poverty. We can't allow them to use one drop of oil to heat their houses because that adds to climate change.

Imagine 500 years ago when the powers in charge then denied that the earth was round. Well we are seeing the same thing with Republicans today.

Americans shut down this party as they are emabarassing your whole nation.

the GOP likes hot air. Glenn Beck. Rush Limbaugh. Ann Coulter. Why do you think John Boehner's whole head is orange? It's from all of the greenhouse gases those jokers emit. Why in the world would the far right wingers be in favor of lowering greenhouse gases? They want to pollute. It's all they've got, man.

Boxer is an idiot, and she better enjoy the seat while she can, cuz in a year she's losing it.

I find it amazing how all these libs whackos go on and on about 'Global Warming", yet absolutely none of the bad, terrible things they've warned would happen have actually happened. The only thing 'Global Warming' has accomplished is its given Sting an excuse to throw a few concerts and made Algore's wallet as fat as he is.

Whether the earth is warming or not, it is probably better to avoid poluting our planet. Anyone against making our footprint on the earth smaller is selfish and lazy. New technology is our next door to a robust and energized economy. Just like the car, this could lead to another period of a truly dominant American economy. Everyone should grown up and start picking up their own mess.

At this point all the Republican party can say to the voters is that they are the party of "No". They bring nothing to the table, offer no solutions, are not willing to compromise. At this point if the Democrats tried to pass a law to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Republicans would vote "NO" in spite of themselves.

How is it possible to "worsen the panel's strained political climate" when it is already so strained that the Republicans are boycotting?

Am I missing something? Is it really possible for it to get worse?

What is the next step? The GOP setting fire to the meeting room?

I say hold the meetings with or without the cry baby republicans who want things their way or no way.

I am tired of the little children running aroung acting like they want all the candy and toys. They can go to burning furnace for all I care. I have voted republican for the last time, never again.

Has it occurred to any of you sub-geniuses that NEITHER party has done anything for the American people?
Their sole purpose is to strengthen their positions of power and maintain their political power and connections.
When was the last time ANYONE in Washington knew what the everyday American wants, thinks or needs?

If there is a representative of God on this earth it has to be Lou Dobbs because he still represents the truth in a bastion of spin.

There is no reason to blame the GOP for not wanting to participate in another of the Democrats self-righteous plans which are meaningless and just another projected load on the backs of the middle-class. What is wrong with this Congress?? Seems that the obsession with empty grandosity has completely taken the place of common sense!! People are hurting, jobs have just not materialized from the Dems recent grandiose blunders and yet each day brings another grand idea to be supported by tax dollars. Seems that the world has gone crazy and the Dems are at the front of the line pulling and shoving everyone along. Please, GOP, stand up!! Some of us would have boycotted or walked out before now!! Someone must stop the insanity. If any of us ran our own household budgets the way this Congress wants to operate with our tax money, we would all be in the poor house! Excuse me, but are we already there but can't see it for the Democratic facade and smoke deflecting????

Gop really are going down hill

voters should note that come next year , that your GOP law makers are boycotting

this is only the beginning trust me

How can the GOP be so selfish and closed minded ?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

CNN, please cite or at least post a link to the MIT study (yes, that's MIT, one of the top universities in the world you GOPer nutbags), that showed that cap & trade would result in approximately $340 more per household in energy expenses for all types of energy.

It would also be nice to see a link to the letter the scientists sent Boehner reprimanding him for citing the study and saying it indicated thousands of dollars per year per household.

Both are online, yet the "news" media studiously ignores them because it's easier to feed the public selective facts in order to drum up subscription-generating, viewer-drawing, click-increasing controversy that way so they can make more ad revenue. Wanna know why we're so divided as a people right now? You need look no further than your television set.

What kind of evidence are politicians looking for? It is a fact that glaciers are melting, ice cap is shrinking fast. Would that not be considered climate change by any rational person. If in fact it will impact our way of life, food production, rising sea levels, and we know why it's happening now, wouldn't that be enough reason to take action. A proactive stance, rather than reactive, is the intelligent thing to do. It has been the history of the US to talk, argue and dither about everything that could happen, until it does happen. Then we take action.

I think many politicians do not realize that higher prices on energy and some products is a small price to pay when the alternative could destroy our way of life more completely than the threats from religious fundamentalism What is the sense of worrying about higher prices when the place you used to live is underwater, you don't have anything to eat, and/or the weather is so messed up it interferes with every day life. The focus should be on keeping our temperate climate intact for the benefit of all of mankind.

Must have been a Congressman who recognized it as a gas and called it Greenhouse in an attempt to sanitize its definition. It amazes me how some humans think they have any bearing on what really happens on this earth. The dinosaurs changed nothing and in the end we will not have made any difference. The earth has been an experiment that we have no hand in or control.If it is destroyed it will not be by us.

I spoke with a repub once about global warming. They correctly pointed out that ice melting in a glass doesn't raise the level of liquid in the glass. I then pointed out that the ice we all are worried about isn't sitting in water, it's ON LAND!!!! And now it's running into the water......and it is rising.

DUH!!!

The republican party makes me sick. How can anyone in their right mind not see that global warming is man made and has to be stopped! I'm no scientist but I have some sense of comprehension of facts and truth when I hear it. The scientists know what they are talking about. How many of these republican idiots even know what makes the seasons change? How many of them visit the Natural Science museum in their area or believe in evolution? Duh? Please, beam me up Scotty! This planet doesn't have intelligent life!

I applaud all GOP legislators who keep their feet firmly planted in the ground - instead of riding the Obama unicorn of spend-spend-spend-with-no-thought-about-tomorrow.

It's not easy, because "they won," but keep up the good work, GOP. The pendulum WILL swing back to sanity before long - so hold the ground for us - PLEASE!

"With China, India and all of South America saying No to climate change..."

Climate change is FACT, so anyone who says No to climate change is a fool whether they live in China, India, all of South America or are U.S. Republican. Bbut unfortunately YOU and your foolishness will hurt everyone.

The nuclear option is the Republicans' refusal to even work with Democrats on ANYTHING.

who needs them??? the dopes are irrelevant anyway

GOP abdicates responsibility. Screw them. I'm tired of their childishness. Get rid of the republican party. You can bet the conservative party would show up and make sure a good result comes out. Down with the GOP up with the Conservative party.

Party of NO strikes again.

What a bunch of whiny babies. Who are the idiots that vote for these neanderthals?

I just heard the world was flat.
I think Rush said it...or maybe Joe Lieberman.

Only the idiot Democrats would have the gall, under the current economic conditions, to even consider a bill that would crush industries under enormous new expenses and raise consumer prices through the roof, all based on an environmental myth that was debunked years ago.

These people seriously need to lose their jobs, now, before they do any more damage.

What too many folks don't understand is that the "science" behind global warming/climate changes studies isn't science at all. It is computer algorithm modeling. Recently, our economy and our country have been decimated largely because a bunch of financial "experts" believed they had developed the holy grail of financial modeding. Guess what the models were WRONG. Not just wrong, but "flat earth" wrong. Those "perfect" models that everyone piggy-backed on were incapable of even recognizing the fatal flaw assumptions that were embedded in them. Now we suffer as a result of our overconfidence. The global warming/climate change models are no different. But let's hurry and base our entire future on the models. In 50 years the Chinese will love us for crippling ourselves and for leaving all of our oil in the ground (they will be happy to forgive a little bit of our debt for the right to drill on American soil).

global warming isn't caused by man.

take your climate change and shove it.

Global warming deniers inevitably fit in one of three categories: They drive Hummers and don't want anyone telling them not to, they're in the pocket of the oil industry, or they just hate Al Gore and can't let him be right about this. Come on, people, it's NEVER about the science, it's about the politics.
The problem is when they pretend they know more than scientists who have been studying this for years. Why we even give a moment of attention to some idiot who claims a heavy snowfall means it's all a hoax is beyond me. Climate science is complex, far too complex for the average Republican voter to wrap their little head around.

I think the problem with the national GOP party (not the local state parties) is that they have no recognized leader. I am sure Limbaugh, Hannity would LOVE Sarah Palin to be the nominee in 2012 but I don't think that will happen because it would be like the 1980's and 90's when Reagan and Clinton where in office. It would be better to keep them in office and help the state level GOP and Democrats get nominated and elected for a possible future runs at national office. However, the national GOP have nothing to offer, let them stand aside and let the ruling party have at it. This is one time I wish that the US was more like a parliamentary system.

Democrat propaganda. Global warming isn't the myth... it's the notion that mankind has ANY impact one way or another that is BEYOND myth. It is absolutely rediculous and foolish to believe that man has had ANY measurable impact on climate. Those of you who believe in Al Gore's lie are beyond dim. If you took every single ounce of carbon released by man for the entirety of our history on this planet... it would not equal 1/1000th of the amount released from ONE volcanic eruption. Yet we are willing to DESTROY our entire economy for the simple self-gratification of saying... "hey, we DID something about global warming!" It disgusts me that people are so easily led by guilt into acting contrary to their own self interests. WE HAVE NO IMPACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE! GOOD OR BAD!

I am sorry but whether or not you believe that global warming exists, these Republican committee members are being paid to be there!!! They work for you! You should be outraged that they chose to just not show up, rather than show up and debate the issues. Gosh I wish I could just not show up to meetings where I disagree with the subject matter....wonder how long I would retain my job??

Wait... "climate change?" What happened to global warming?

Oh, that's right, we've been in a global cooldown for more than 11 years now, so the hope smokers can no longer claim "global warming."

But my question is, what are we doing to combat the twin dreaded catastrophies of "man made global plate tectonics change" and "man made global gravity change?"

Republicans are refusing to participate in government because they think that by being nasty, doomsday, finger-pointing, bad-mouthing jerks they will earn votes just like Rush Limbaugh earns listeners. So there's no point in participating, just starting the hate campaign now and carry it in to 2010. That's what's happening.

The sad thing is, they are probably right. Republicans in this country are by and large more interested in hurting democrats then they are trying to fix problems, or do their job as civil servants. Any attempt to do something by the democrats results in screaming temper tantrums and threats. So nothing can get done.

Thanks guys. I sure hope voters can see through this garbage.

Once upon a time, when Republicans accused you congressional Democrats of being soft on terrorism, lacking family values, promoting promiscuigty, ad infinitum, we used to tell you to fight them tooth and nail. More recently, when Obama told us his post-election desire to bridge the chasm between the parties to unite US, we dismissed it as naive, encouraging you to instead be more realistic, and stand by progressive principles...

We never thought we'd ever be doling out the following advice to congressional Democrats preparing for a floor debate, but considering the GOP's more-than-usual-out-of-touch-with-reality rhetoric of the past few weeks...

Don't argue with a self-righteous fool, people often can't tell the difference (apologies to Murphy).

Does the Republican base also still think the Earth is flat? The Neo-Confederates are delusional and seem to think they are more qualified than the international scientific community which overwhelmingly agree that Greenhouse gases pose a serious risk. Plus India, China and Brazil are quickly emerging as new threats...but if America doesn't become accountable to controlling pollution, nobody will either.

Well they have been no help anywhere else I don't know why they would start with this issue.

They are so SHAMEFUL ! What will they claim next ? That the earth is flat?

Let's see. How many times did the Republicans invoke the nuclear option? I know they did passing Bush tax cuts while we were at war and getting in deeper by the day. How many other times did it happen?
I'm with the 'show up and at least do your job whether you agree or not. Put your position out on the table'. If not, give your pay back cause you sure arent' earning it.
It's all about 'looking like' they are standing up for normal Americans. How did that work for you while they were in power all those years!

What is wrong with these people? I am so floored by the GOP's total lack of concern for anything that affects this planet and it's people. If they are not the stars of the show or running it they act like petulant children. We are trying to dig ourselves out of dire straits here. There is NO time for this kind of useless and selfish posturing. Their outlandish behaviour might be more easily dismissed if we were experiencing 'normal' economic/climatic/ and international times, but we're not. Really, enough already of their madness.

The reason the Republican'ts are stalling on every single piece of legislation put forth by the Democrats is really very simple. Their plan is to stall and stall and stall and stall until the mid-term elections. They figure that if it looks like the Democrats haven't accomplished all of the things the President campaigned on, the people of this country are so stupid they will all blame the Democrats. That's what the Republican'ts think of the citizens of this country . . . THAT WE ARE ALL STUPID!!! They are counting on the fact that people are so short sighted and ignorant that when they go to the polls they'll all forget about what weasels the Republican'ts have been and just blame the Democrats for everything that hasn't been accomplished due to the Republican't's obstuctionism. We MUST show them that we, the American people, are smarting than that!

are they holding their ears and saying 'lalalalala I can't heeaaar yyoooouu', too?

Maybe they are too busy working with Boner on the GOP health care reform plan – though, a couple of days ago (on TV!) Boner said it was in place and everyone could read it on the Internet, but today it's still being worked on. Busy, busy, you know!

Do they ever do ANY real work?

That is because they are ignorant, disgusting worms. They would rather pout. Go home GOP and let Washington fix the problems, GOP you all are in the way, blocking progress!!!!!!!

Global warming is a hoax. When this bill passes, if it passes, we will all see $4 gallon gas and we can all add $170 every month to our light bill. How's that going to work out for you idiots? It will force us into solar power and wind power. I am all for solar and wind but don't force me into it. Let us take that money and buy solar panels and windmills.
Give us a chance before they break all of us. Call you senators and representatives, tell them vote "hell no". I can't afford these extra costs and will have to go back to living like they did before we had electricity or horseless carriages.

Can't really blame them, this is going to be another wealth grab for the libertards, that really doesn't solve the problem, gives more money to ACORN and the unions, like health care and the stimulus bill. Can't wait till 2010 when we can get rid of the fools, but by then the current thug administration will probably have declared martial law and have any dissenters in a concentration camp.

Immature and ignorant...just plain immature and ignorant.

takin' your ball and goin' home.

Way to stand by your convictions, GOP. I'm sure you scored some political points by skulking

I am going to avoid the political aspect and just relate my personal experience. I am a professional pilot who has regularly flown the North Atlantic for the last 15 years. During the winters in the nineties, the ice pack near the Southern portion of Greenland with the fjords was completely iced up. Sorry guys, that is no more. During my last winter crossings, December to February, the ice pack was gone, no icebergs and the fjords were all open.

Traveling the Artic area, the conditions are the same. We may argue about the causes, but nevertheless the warming is real. For those that disagree, I am going to assume that you do not believe that smog is real, but I guess since I grew up on the West Coast, my eyes were shaded with false images.

I guess not showing up for work is the new Republican platform. "Vote for us, we don't even show up."

Is there anything the repubs aren't boycotting???

They're boycotting it?? Seriously??? It's their JOB to debate the issues before a vote is taken! The Republican party is holding the country hostage and we, the people, need to hold them accountable!

Jeez, if it isn't health care reform then it's about climate change....Come to Arizona where we have been in a drought for over 7 years! Oh, yeah, it's November and the temp is still in the 90s!

I am so surprised that the republicans after 8 years of trying to remove all protections to air, water and land and after putting a petroleum employee over the EPA, would not attend a meeting on enviromental protection.

Gosh, if republicans would had kept power, I wonder what other diseases our children will grow up with.

A while back I saw Congressman Dana Roehrbacker on some cable talk show. He was argueing against the ligitimacy of climate change. His technique was to shout louder than everybody else and simply dominate the debate so that actual FACTS could not be brought out.

He said that Greenland used to be green. I must admit I found this to be a compelling point. So (instead of just accepting it at face value) I did a little research. Turns out (shock of shocks) Greenland was never green. It was so named by the viking Eric the Red so as to falsly pursuade people to move there and live under his rule. So Rohrbacher is either an idiot, or a liar. I STRONGLY suspect liar.

The whole thing was illuminating for me. It showed me what the opponents of climate change are willing to do in order to serve their corporate masters.

Unbelievable!!! Just awful!!! first they blew up health care reform with 1 american citizen dieing every 12 mins due to lack of coverage! NOW THIS!!! Who in gods name votes for these jerks??? Democrats or whoever just go on without them. If you delay they will do everything in their power to corrupt the whole issue! Just remember this is the same party who decided in the 1980's that you cant have a clean environment and a healthy economy. Do not wait for them to play , they left and took their ball with them. It is all our problem they need to just get out of the way!!!

Will it never end?
The republicans are not out only to destroy our country, but the world.
How can anyone support these unpatriotic, irresponsible, radical
politicians is beyond me.
They are well on their way to becoming our countries most dangerous domestic terrorists, and, with their latest actions, worldwide.

DITTO!

no surprise, more sensless obstructionism.
gop is so desperate, solutions are like distant stars.

It is time for all the parties of NO to be removed from their seats, regardless if they are Republican, Democrat or Independent. They were elected for the people and anyone who wants to boycott, filibuster, or just being down right mean needs to be removed from office now. They were not elected to say NO to everything while still occupying a seat and getting paid to do so. Give the opportunity to people who are willing to work with each other and get the job done! Just like molecules cannot occupy the same place at the same time, no two opinions are ever going to be the same, so get over it and get on with the important matters at hand.

Wow, the brand new GOP teens.
they're no longer the party of "no".... they just don't show up.

Einstein theorized that Time Travel was possible based upon his knowledge of the day and a desired outcome.
Guess what, Time Travel is possible!

So now we have the theory of Global Warming, based upon someone’s knowledge of today and a desired outcome.
Guess what, the Earth is warming!

You wake me when someone truely proves the first one.

Why is it that we're only getting half the story? Okay, the Republican's boycotted, but it never says why. Isn't the reason newsworthy or only the outcome?

This form the country who 3 times did not want to sign the Kyoto treaty. Are we really that suprised.

Is the earth heated by the sun, and has the Sun spots been down this year, and how much co2 is put into the air when a volcano eruptes

Ah, republicans...the good of the pary always comes before the good of the country.

For shame...

OK LET'S FOLLOW THE 'DO NOTHING' PHILOSOPY OF THE GOP.....the waters will be covering coastline cities, drought and famine, devastating hardships for our children. Our future generations are going to suffer MORE from the economic impact of global warming than the current deficit if we do nothing!
WAIT.....THE GOP IS ANTI SCIENCE AND ANTI HUMANITARIAN. IT IS ALL ABOUT BIG POCKETS.

Go NUCLEAR Dems! Go NUKE em all.

Pass the bills and then sit back and laugh at the RepubliSCUMS

I know the GOP hates America and Americans, but this is proof that they hate the earth too.

WHY are the GOP still in existence?

I'm getting sick and tired of Republicans using the term "nuclear option" to describe any situation in which their obstructionist ways are being thwarted by Democrats.

Republican are smart they are not as dumb as Independenr voters of this country, who like to vote with republican in today's election in NJ,Virginia and 23 rd dist in NY.

Man the Republicans are going to be obstructionists now that their party has been neutered and is no longer relevant. Oh well, buh bye anyway...good riddance.

This is a simple one. Let them go.

Here's another thought. Seems to me the biggest problem with taxing corporations is that they will just dump the taxes on consumers. Which seems strange because raising prices should mean that they increase their tax liability anyway. Guess it depends on the tax. At any rate, why not outlaw this practice? Don't allow corporations to raise prices on products because of tax increases. Make them verify the reasons for this. Not quite sure how to go about this, but it's an idea.

Why are we still having this stupid debate? Is Global Warming real or not? What does it matter?
We are killing the planet either by causing the planet to warm due to emissions or dumping toxic sewage into the enviroment. Either way it's a man made catastorophe waiting to happen.

I'd say keeping a livable planet is more important than higher taxes or losing a few jobs. If we keep going the way we are, taxes and unemployment will be the lest of our worries. These Republicans show their arrogance and ignorance to the gretest issue any of us will ever face, and it just may be the last issue we face.

If you don't like the bill come up with an alternative. Don't take your ball and go home. Spineless...

Wake up people....there is no plan B.

We are endowed by our Creator... when they acknowledge HIM,
I will have more respect for their ideas. Global warming is bad science at so many levels. Let us look up.. look around and clean up our environment. Some people worship the creation, rather than the creator, which is what Jesus spoke against. Planet Earth is just one of God's blessings. There are too many to count.

If the GOP prefers to take the stance that there is no Global Warming, I can live with that. It's selfish and self serving, but that's what being Republican is all about. But what I can't understand is that regardless of being anti science, the GOP must admit that the ice is melting and that flooding of coastal area will occur. As a result, they are being irresponsible when they chose to ignore the problem because it will cost too much money. History shows that Republican inaction results in more cost later on, sort of like the current economic mess we are in.

I look at a dozen articles and didn't see ONE mention that any Democrats "boycotted" this committee meeting, so Greg in MO is the dope ... or maybe the liar.

The Republican would like nothing better than to send us back to about 1958 and everything they do seems designed to do just that. Ever think anything about environmental legislation, including cap and trade, might actually CREATE entire industries?

Of course they don't, because the conservative mind revolves almost entirely around protecting the status quo that existed yesterday, NEVER about gaining ground for tomorrow. Well, keep talking about your yester-principles ... the rest of the world is moving on.

The republican plan is to run on wide generalizations with no facts and figures to back them up. they propose a budget....with no figures; they propose some basic goals for health care reform...with no figures and no details; they refuse to deal with energy....with no feasible alternative; they bemoan job lose....with no concrete plan for what they would do...the list goes on....and their "followers" are following them off the cliff....and trying to take the country with them.

I am thankful that the ultraconservative wing of the republic party is making the GOP irrelevant.

Why does everything in the US have to be a competition, including politics? Left vs. Right. Conservative vs. Liberal. Republican vs. Democrat. Can't you guys ever do something collectively because it's the right thing to do?!

A majority of the American people support action to combat climate change. Sounds like the Neanderthals didn't get the memo.....or would just rather ignore it and do NOTHING.

If people 'created' global warming on Earth, then could someone explain how the same phenomena is happening on other planets?
Is this the proof that there is life on other planets? Maybe there really are Martians!
Seriously, this debate has become so loud that we have all forgotten a few basics learned in elementary school – there have been ice ages and great warming periods throughout Earth's history. For much of those eons, there were no humans, no industry, no development to blame.
Come on, folks. Get real here. Or is it just too hard to admit that there are somethings people can't control?

Republican= No change+No science+No technology+No ideas

My god, the GOP get stupider every day. Just when you think they can't possibly get any more moronic, they do something else that stupid.

The reason the GOP does not support climate change legislation is because it would harm a major donor of theirs, oil and coal. Of course they know climate change is occurring, they are just not willing to forgo the wellbeing of a major GOP donor.

Its always about money and preserving their political seat with the GOP.

The truly sad thing is that when the planet is in real trouble in a few decades, the new batch of republicans will probably blame the democrats for not fixing the problem decades ago. Short-sighted flat-earthers...

I want to know who's on this committee anyway?
If you are selected or sign up for it, don't you have to do your job and show up? I just don't get it. Also, all you have to do is look at the smog across the world and realize we are not taking care of our home (planet earth). I don't care if you don't believe in "global warming" or "climate change". You still see signs of our planet being stressed by too many people not caring.

Must be nice to hold a position – decide when you will work and when you won't. Draw a paycheck in the meantime and have full health benefits! I'd like a job like that. It's a shame they play this little game as it is us tax payers who are getting the shaft!

Republicans left because the bill set forth by the democrats does not address climate change. It is only a tax increase to fund another government agency. Just like the stimulus, where 62% of the jobs "created or saved" were government jobs whose paycheck comes from the taxpayers.

Democrats and liberals are mentally handicapped.

If the GOP senators did not agree with the position of the Democrats, then that is what debate is for. How can they call themselves responsible legislators when they pick up their marbles and go home when they cannot get their way. Does the GOP realize that this is a democracy? It is clear by their obstructionist tactics that they are not interested in participating in the workings of our democracy. Country before party, Senators. Country before ideology. Please submit your resignations, now.

To be honest, none of them should boycott. Republicans, Democrats, or Independents. Just because you don't agree with something doesn't mean you get to walk out–we elected you to do the people's business. So kindly do the people's business, or be prepared to risk your seat. If the people don't agree with climate change, then walk into that room and make your argument–and stick with it. If the people agree with climate change, then pass a bill legislating change. Pick one.

It's obvious that the Republicans have no interest in doing anything to protect "we the people." They're protecting the oil industry's interests. What else is new ("drill baby drill")? That's ok. As long as we're aware, we can deal with it. Sadly. (I want to know how many non-fringed Republicans are actually left in Congress.)

As far as climate change goes, I'm not a scientist. We can't know for sure, but good grief, do we take the chance? The numbers speak volumes.

Now the sun and wind are there for the taking every single day. They represents job creation and cleaner air. Are we waiting for China to do it because it's cheaper? Where's our innovation? What are we waiting for?

Democrats just love to soak you with the Global warming fairy tale.........another excuse for even more taxes. Amazing how many fools buy into it. Al Gore, inventor in the internet is a global warming expert. If he's so concerned about it he should get off his private jet. Cap And TAX is another excuse to rape our pockets. Democrats never met a tax they didn't like!

The party of NO speaks again .... again in our favor. Why is it the US is the only 'civilized' country in the world that has not signed on to Kiota accords and is letting the religious zealots determine the SCIENTIFIC 'value' of global warming. But then would any one of us say that a 'civilized' country is one that raises kids to stand around watching some poor girl get gang raped at her HS dance, or allow a gang of heathens to toss rubbing alcohol and a match on a kid who owes them $40 or has more deaths by random shootings in one weekend than we suffer in Iraq in a week. And again the war zone is where? We should all be proud of this, the 'newest' generation of kids who are all teamplayers .... Wow, hold on folks the ride is going to get quite bumpy.

It's ironic that the very people who profess to be so concerned about our grandchildren's financial fate don't care if little Johnny's planet will still be around when he grows up.

Where is the harm is reducing emissions?

People, before you bash either side – get educated about what they're talking about – there were, in fact, several DEMS who boycotted this meeting as well – and if Americans were smart, this isn't the way to go to improve our climate – for god sakes people, everyone hears the words "climate change" and automatically assumes it's good for us – when this, in fact, isn't.

You know, people who automatically dislike one side or the other are the "fanatics" we can all do without, especially right now with everyone's nerves at a boiling point over politics – the true Americans and true politicians (if there's any such thing left) are the ones willing to at least hear out each side, regardless of what you believe, so people – keep an open mind and get yourselves educated on this stuff rather than stereotyping!

The "Climate Change" will cost us all ALOT of money in the future if it passes as the Dems currently have it – please, I beg you, before you automatically bash the GOP for not playing nice in the sandbox – get educated about all of this climate bill!!

There is no threat from carbon emission, at least not to the extent some woudl like us to believe. This whole debate is about power and the democrats want it for the government. This is a boondogle and a windfall for Wall Street. There is a ton of money to be made through this false threat. And worst of all it will have no effect on the environment. We'll all pay through the nose for electricity and just about everything else if this is passed. And all that money will go to the investment advisors, utilities, Al Gore, and every company that produces one product. Funny thing, the liberals hate corporations and Wall St. yet will enrich them beyond belief with this.

Govenment working at it's best. Crap!
If you don't like it man up and vote against it, not this garbage.

Anyone out there–when did this become accepted science? When Al Gore said it was so? We are supposed to ignore the fact that it has been cooler the last 10 years. And this just in, even if it gets warmer, wingnuts, WE GET CLOSER TO THE SUN EACH AND EVERY TIME AROUND IT. If we tax Americans because we get closer to the sun, when does it end?

Typical republican attitude:

DON"T EVEN TALK WITH THE OTHER SIDE!!!

If the GOP hadn't boycotted the meeting the Democrats would have locked them out anyway. The Democrats locked the Republicans out of the health care meetings so they would have locked the GOP out of this meeting.

And I wonder why Al Gore won't debate Lord Monckton regarding Global Warming. Lord Monckton has asked Al Gore on several occasions to debate this issue, but Al Gore won't. Guess Al Gore knows Lord Monckton will show the American people what Al Gore is all about. Al Gore........the first carbon footprint scammer to become a billionaire.

Am I missing something? The repubs refuse to even show up, but they say that the dems going it alone would be a "nuclear option". There is absolutely NO logic in this. Not that I'm surprised. Science and Logic do not appear to be the GOP's strongest assets.

i'm starting to get some respect for the Republican party again...showing some backbone and standing up to those enviromental wack jobs.

Someone explain to me: how is reducing greenhouse gases NOT a good thing. WHY does it need to be boycotted. and WHY is this a political issue?

And for this kind of childish prank we actually pay these people? Get your butts back to work and attend the meetings. All the Repubs are doing is trying the delay. Pretty funny a Repub wanting an Enivronmental Impact Statement before proceeding. So to coin a phrase, stop dithering and do your job.

It appears that contrary to Republican rhetoric they are doing everything they can possibly do to sabotage Democratic Party leadership in the Congress. This is not functioning in the best interests of the country, it is behavior that serves the Republican Party's own self serving interests. Just like an inmature infant.

And al gore convinced other world leaders that global warming is real... Is that the best these republicans have? I'm amazed by the idiocracy

jobs ,,, jobs,,, jobs,,, dont worry if there is no jobs then there is no need to worry about the the golbal warming hoax..gore is the pied piper .. what ever he says is taken as fact,,,,insane,,,,

why shoukld the republicans be there? The dumbocrats will not listen anyway!!

I am a professional geologist, and there is not one iota of proof that mankind is affecting climate change. It is a natural phenomenon that has been occurring for millions of years, all by itself.

How typical! Republicans whine about EVERYTHING and act like spoiled children throwing a tantrum!

Typical Republican tactic. Obstruct. Refuse to engage. Ignore the information. Lie. Stay ignorant and embrace the status quo.

I guess the nay sayers went out for a smoke break and, as they listen to one anothers cough, try to convince every one that all scientists are unqualified, anti-american liberals who don't know global warming from an ice berg melting.

Does the GOP think the Big Tank of Oil underneath us will never run dry? This is also part of the problem, even if you deniers think you can distract by calling it all an Al Gore conspiracy. Why on earth wouldn't you want to get away from mostly foreign controlled oil, and start heading towards a new renewable economy. It will offer jobs and clean air for your grandchildren. Short sighted and stupid.

The Republican Party is, above all, a party of selfishness, short-term thinking: "Me, Me, Me!"

The evidence is overwhelming: humans are significantly changing the climate for the worse. The oil companies and industry who control the Republicans (and not a few Democrats) don't like certain information to get out.

The reality of global warming will be all too evident in a generation. I get that makes me a socialist–or even communist

Why should they come to meetings when EVERYTHING they propose is just ignored by the Democrats and any opposition is made out to mean "we hate America"? They disagree with Democrats and know that they probably wont even be allowed to speak.

I support them.

ahhh, when the world ends and one day it will, it won't matter how much money they got paid by the big companies or be stupid.
they can't take it with them and they will cry like the rest

GOP and Democrats are a joke.

What is everyone's problem here? Does no one remember acid rain? The northeast implemented a cap & trade system and it cleared up the problem. Does no one remember the hole in the ozone layer over the poles? Once we got rid of the old freon and aerosol spray cans it got smaller. We heard the same arguments from the GOP about how prices would skyrocket and businesses would fail due to these wise concessions, and did that come to pass? Are you all so self-centered that you can't pay a few cents more for products if it will help slow golbal warming, or don't you care what kind of world your children will live in because of your selfishness? Do you feel that once your time in the world is over screw the future generations that will have to live with the mess we have caused??

So basically these senators decided not to go to work today, but are still being payed with our tax dollars. Very nice!

Makes sense since for eight years they boycotted serving America's best interests.

The Republicans just a bunch of out-of-touch whiners. They offer no solutions, but fight against any put forward by the Democrats who are actually trying to do their jobs and legislate.

More childish GOP stunts. If they don't want to govern in the best interest of ALL Americans, we will vote them all out.

It seems like a .5 degree change in temperature is not a lot, but we are talking about a .5 degree change in 'global temperature'. The changes in temperature are more extreme at the north and south poles. I don't know the exact number, but it is enough to cause big changes that you and I might not notice by looking out our window. The melting sea ice and glaciers are also part of a 'feedback loop'. That means that when the ice(that absorbs 10% of the sun's energy) melts and exposes open water(that absorbs 90% of the sun's energy) it melts more ice and that exposes more open water and so on and so on.

There's a whole lot more to it, but part of the process from what I understand. And you have trouble believing that a world as big as ours could be affected by man's actions, just take a look at one of the photos of Earth from space. The atmosphere on our planet is just paper thin when you look at it from there. From that view it is a lot easier to accept.

Proceed without them

if they choose to exercise the right not to work then they lose the right to choose

that simple

here is the Republican philosophy right now

No to everything

No to Negotiating a more Republican bill

No to allowing debate in a Committee hearing

No to letting a bill come to the floor

and absolutely No to allowing an up and down vote

In my book if you don't come to the table you don't get to affect the end deal.

I have to chuckle at some of the comments stating that this will cost hudreds of thousands of jubs and weaken the economy....

Fools: Keep chugging along in your fancy (10 MPG) sportscars, dumping hazardous chemicals in our backyards, and allowing harmful gasses into the atmosphere...jobs and the economy will be the last thing on our minds when NY is under water! Think this couldn't happen...you obviously need to talk to a geologist, hydrogeologist, biologist, engineers and so many others in the scientific community.

The answer is
Republicans are the Terrorists .
War mongers ,spread hate,lie,not for the country and or its people .
Not for a peacefull World .
Just into themselves

The Democrats need to just get the job done – even if that means not including Republicans.

We all know that regardless of what the Democrats and President Obama do, the GOP will find fault.

President Obama and the Democrats have done their best at bipartisanship, but it takes two ("bi") – and the GOP is adamant in their refusal.

Party Before Country = GOP

What bothers me regarding this issue, is that the GOP, who of course is more Godly than any of us, claims to believe in the word of God by way of the Bible. If they are truly as Godly as they claim to be, then it seems to me they would believe that the word of God does not lie. For example, as long as I can remember, I've always heard that the earth is going to catch on fire. It seems if nothing else, scientists has certainly prove this part of the scripture to be true. There is something going on in our universe, and I believe our earth is in trouble and I believe that science has validated something mentioned in scriptures. So why are the GOP's fighting this issue? I will tell you why, they are the party of NO, they're more concerned with POLITICS and they have no concerns about our COUNTRY. The only concern the GOP has is POLITICS. If you want them to help clean up the mess that they created, then don't hold your breath.

The repugs are so sadly / stupidly blind about everything!

The GOP has simply gone insane. They cannot accept they lost in November 2008 because the majority of Americans woke up to the fact that the GOP:

- has no answers, just the same, proven failed policies

- is incredibly hypocritical

- is incompetent

- cares only about the wealthy and their cronies

- is irresponsible and accepts no accountability for its and its members' actions

The GOP wants our president and our country to fail – so they can put together some sound-bite ads blaming President Obama and the Democrats for the mess.

GOP = Party Before Country

maybe the reason they boycotted is because they know that democrats won't listen to a thing they say and the repubs are sick of taxes going up. Why do all of the dems want this great nation to become socialists? Stop, please stop, taking my money in taxes to pay for socializing this nation (social medicine = higher taxes, global warming = higher taxes, uncle, serious i give)

It is extremely obvious that the liberal knuckleheads posting here have no idea what this bill would do to their own pockets. Global warming has proven to be a hoax, for more federal regualtion. The GOP is trying to stop this liberal tide of takeover and job killing bills. God help them help us.

me happy- at 4:20 each day,
In response to your question about how so small a temperature change can cause all this melting, it's called the volumetric latent heat of fusion. Look it up. Science really isn't most Americans' strong suit, is it? Have a nice day!

What bothers me regarding this issue, is that the GOP, who of course is more Godly than any of us, claims to believe in the word of God by way of the Bible. If they are truly as Godly as they claim to be, then it seems to me they would believe that the word of God does not lie. For example, as long as I can remember, I've always heard that the earth is going to catch on fire. It seems if nothing else, scientists has certainly prove this part of the scripture to be true. There is something going on in our universe, and I believe our earth is in trouble and I believe that science has validated something mentioned in scriptures. So why are the GOP's fighting this issue? I will tell you why, they are the party of NO, they're more concerned with POLITICS and they have no concerns about our COUNTRY. The only concern the GOP has is been validated.

That's ok – we'll just boycott them next year –

Al Gore has made millions on climate change! He has ownership in companies that have received government money.
Will you Obamabots ever wake up to what your "leaders" are really doing??

What a joke!

So why shouldn't the GOP go, there is no Democrat that will listen to anything they have to say....much like health reform. There are several Health care proposals from the GOP but the Dems would have you believe they've offered nothing and done neothing. They sit idly on Madame Pelosi's des. Democats and the media are calling attendance "approval" when it is nothing of the sort. It's time for all of the old school to go so we can have elected officials that talk AND LISTEN to each other for the mutual benefit of constituents. It's called compromise, a critical part of negotiating that has been lost.There should be a wholesale replacement within both parties starting in 2010 or nothing satisfactory to the majority of Americans will ever get done.

Leave it to the good old G.NO.P. to stand in the way of anything that doesn't serve their corporate masters.

So many are so quick to criticize the Republicans and yet have absolutely no problem when Democrats refuse to allow debate on key Republican alternatives on the floor of the House and Senate. This is the same Democratic party leadership who claims to be open to alternatives that would bring down the cost of health like tort reform and other measures that would result in a decreased cost in malpractice insurance as well as a decrease in unnecessary medical tests to protect doctors from lawsuits.

Unfortunately the Republican party is anything but the party of no, however the RNC is doing a poor job about getting information out on Republican alternatives on healthcare and other issues. Of course even if they were doing a better job of getting there message out that would still not do anything to change the minds of those who somehow believe that implementing numerous changes are the way to go about fixing healthcare seeing as how at the end of the day the combined results of numerous changes cannot be accurately predicted. Unfortunatley people have not yet learned their lesson from the failings of Medicare and Social Security to live up to their original promises in regards to cost. You would think that fixing broken existing programs would be a priority before creating yet another massive government program.

The Party of No is also the Party of No Ideas.

Republicans know only one thing, and that is how to block. They have no new constructive ideas of their own, whether on global warming or on health care or on anything else of importance. After months of debate on the Democratic health care bills, where is the Republican counterproposal? There is none.

And rather than have a real debate over climate change, like kindergartners they just pack up their toys and go home. If they can't engage in a real debate, then let's all move on without them.

Pathetic display by the Republicans.

To all of you Republican bashers out there: this story, when found elsewhere, also mentions some Democrat senators boycotting this meeting as well.

Of course, they can't disagree. Otherwise they're in someone's pocket right?

Someone could not possibly disagree with a climate change bill because if it contains "climate change" it must be effective.

Wake up dopes.

Where were all you clowns 30 years ago when the REAL CLIMATOLOGISTS predicted that we were entering the next Ice Age?!?!?!? So much for your so-called science...

If GOP doesn't have any contributions to make, they should not occupy the seats in Congress. These seats should go to those that are truly interested in working for the people they represent. I hope more Independents will run for these seats around the country.

The Dems need to pay back the right wing Party of No for all the crap they pulled since 1994. Remember "up or down vote" and "nuclear option" and locking Democrats out of committee meetings and all the other nasty tactics the wingnut party used back then? The Democrats are being way too nice, which is their major problem. I'd like to see them toss out all the Repugnants that have gotten into trouble, starting with Ensign and Craig, and then go after the rest of them one at a time.

Just meet and pass things without the republican slant. These are just the same old Bush/Cheney republicans trying to block any movement on anything until they get a chance to put Sarah up for president. That's why even republicans didn't want to elect a republican in New York. The 20% of the people they represent are trying to create minority rule by blocking anything and everything. The country has moved passed the Bush era politics. The Dems should just go on doing the peoples buisness with or without their input.

It's truly shocking how many people here have absolutely no problem paying an extra 50% or more on virtually everything that requires energy to create or transport.

Sure, Republicans are the problem...THE REPUBLICANS HAVE NO POWER RIGHT NOW! HOW COULD THEY BE THE PROBLEM?!?!?

Hold these socialists back GOP!!!! Only one year too go, before we can boot them out. Climate change bill, more control for the government, more cost for all Americans all built on a myth. Kill the bill and the Dems chances of passing anything. Time to stop the insanity. Pelosi said it herself, she is willing to give up seats in the house to pass this far, far looney left agenda. By 20102 it will all be repealed anything after the national revolt.

Umm... never mind... it's not worth the typing.

The joke of bipartisanship has gone far enough. The democrats should use as many nuclear options as exist to leave their uncooperative republican counterparts standing on the curb. It's time for congress to be responsive to the needs of the Americans it serves, with or without the malingering republicans.

Republicans are nothing but a joke. A really really bad joke.

5 year old temper tantrum: "WAAAHHHHH! I hate broccoli! I've never had it but I know I hate it and it's gross!!!!"

Grown GOP man tantrum: "WAAAHHHHH! I'm not gonna show up cauze I don't like it and I don't wanna and you can't make me! Waaahhhh!!!"

See much of a difference there? Because I sure don't!

What a shocker! The Republicans are refusing to participate in a discussion with Democrats. That can't be true. They wouldn't avoid a chance to honestly discuss the issues...oh, wait, yes they have, yes they are and yes they'll do it again.

Gee,doesnt everyone know the Earth is flat and global warming is a hoax?I didnt hear Jesus say just go trash the Earth and act like enviromental pigs till I get back.I think many of these people that think they are saved, may have a surprize coming.Maybe they should read the book themselves instead of allowing others to tell them what it says.

I'm going to try to boycott the next meeting at my workplace. Let's see what happens to me.

The republican party is anti science. They want school kids to believe the earth was constructed by God 6000 years ago. Now they want us to ignore icecaps melting. They think an early snow shows global warming has stopped.

Last week I heard a talk show host say nature had handled acid rain without any intervention by man. What an idiot. He conveniently forgot, or never knew, we banned the use of high sulfur coal.

I have been to some of those republican meetings. they make the flat earth society look like gurus.

Why not boycott a meeting about one of the most important issues facing the entire world? They are Republicans.

They don't know how to do ANYTHING except, whine, complain, quit and name call.

Republicans are the only ones left on this planet who don't believe in global warming. Is a wonder Americans have stopped believing in them.

Seriously, this is where we are?

If either side feels so strongly about their argument, about their facts, about their data, then put it on the table. Don't run away and put your head in the sand. Stand up and say why you oppose or don't agree with the other sides positions.

It disgusts me that elected officials have no backbone and are constantly thinking about the next election. Do what you can while you are there. Stand up and state your position, and let the people decide when the time comes.

nuck em , if the only way to get things done is to do what they did to dems the last 8 years under bush, then do it, please.

What an embarrassment the GOP has become.

This is just more evidence that the GOP gets dumber and more childish by the minute. Instead of offering alternatives or substantive arguments, once again, they just pick up their toys and leave. Then, when election time rolls around, they will complain that no progress has been made during the Democrats' tenure and that everyone should vote Republican. Unfortunately, there are enough dimwits in this country who buy this garbage hook, line, and sinker.

And the GOPers sure know something about the "nuclear option" with their desperate attempt at projection...

What kind of nonsense is this anyway with these GOPers? Schoolyard gimmicks of taking your ball and going home?

Get in there and do your JOBS that we taxpayers pay you to do! Unbelievable.

It looks like Al Gore still has some people fooled. Next year we're all going to boycott the Fall due to it's terrible effect on the leaves. The senseless slaughter of leaves is at an epidemic proportion EVERY FALL–something must be done to save them! Watching video of those helpless leaves just giving up on life makes me so sad. The problem is worldwide and will take a collective effort to end this leaf holocaust. Stop the brutal assault on leaves now! Join Citizens Against Leaf and Cone Death! Or....just get a clue.

Why boycott a Debate? Shouldn't they participate to voice their opinion, to make their case.

Pretty obvious... the Republican strategy for everything is "Party First." They're a waste of space.

Republicans are like Osterich's burrying their heads in the sand.

What's new????. . . . . Republicans boycott everything and anything.

Sticking your head in a hole in the ground does not make things go away.
Party of No is now the party of No-show

The repubs do not believe in Global Warming. The repubs want to identify with Regan. History shows that Regan did not inherit the worst financial crisis since the great Depression, 2 wars, the collaple of the automobile indusy, 8 years of budget profligacy and the radical right wing championing. The unemployment went from 7.6 to 9.8 the summer after his inaugration and remained for two year; upon leaving office it was at 5.8. His approval rate at 2 years was 35%. People suppress their memories but I do know that the Repub are out to make Obama fail by not voting for the people and a lot of people are falling right into their traps. CNN you may not print this but I wish people would research instead of just spewing hate and realize that Obama's hands are tied.

First they despoil our political discourse. Now they wish to despoil the planet. They are so beneath contempt.

This is ridiculous. The GOP needs to stop looking for ways to make it clear that they disagree with the Democrats, even on something as fundamentally obvious as climate change. They just want to hinder the democrats' efforts because their party (at least these days) is more obsessed with undermining the democrats than getting anything done. Now, the climate change actions we need are going to get severely delayed. I didn't think conservative principles including screwing up the planet for the sake of some partisanship.

Good, I support the GOP, they are the ones who look out for OUR best interests. They are trying to stop the bankrupting of America. The Cap and TAX plan is a bad idea..........it will be another failed Obama experiment at OUR expense...............Just keep on saying NO, those of us who pay taxes support you!

How nice. Republicans complain about a lack of bipartisanship, and then don't even show up to do their jobs.

Bipartisanship means that both sides can voice their concerns and be taken seriously; not that the Republican always get their way...

Politicians go about every thing the wrong way. Instead of taxing the companies that can’t meet their standards on cap and trade, why not reward the ones who can with tax breaks. I guess that is just a dumb idea because both sides would probably agree with it.

I have to ask (if this gets published). If the republicans REFUSE to attend congressional meetings, if they are not ill, or unavoidable detained, can't their wages be docked. Can't they be recalled. After all if one of us with a job didn't show up WE WOULD GET FIRED....what's the answer to this does anybody know.

If you're not going to do your jobs, can I have my money back, please?

In fact, can I also have money back from Social Security and Medicare? I'm tired of giving old Tea Partiers money so they can go around the country to try to deny Americans access to healthcare.

Couple of weeks ago I've read an article stating that our global temperature has increased by .5 Fahrenheit in the past 35 years. Can someone explain to me how exactly a .5 degree increase, over the course of three decades, can melt all the glaciers??

That just makes no sense. Could there be other reasons why glaciers are melting, e.g., just natural cycles?

Also, why are we calling it 'climate change;' what happened to the 'global warming' mantra?

And finally, if there is a serious problem with our climate (warming, cooling, change- whatever you feel like calling it at the moment) democrats, can we please fix it without going bankrupt?

This is just another sign that the citizens of USA need to take heed to. The Republicans did nothing for 8 years and plan to do nothing now to help our country. I say it's time for a new party and the Independents may now have their time to speak! Sad state of affairs for the Republicans who keep digging a deeper hole for themselves. I say BURY them now!

Cap and Trade is not an GW fix. It is a huge tax on the people of the United States.. Cap and Trade will accomplish the exact opposite of its stated intent (Quinn’s First Law). People will not be able to purchase new more costly, but efficient appliances or cars because of the increased energy costs, thereby keeping older more inefficient heating, electrical appliances and cars in place and increased energy consumption throughout the US.

When will liberals actually be able to analyze a problem. Go ahead, be like Jimmy Carter, fix peoples thermostats on the smart grid so they can't be turned up, then tell all those older Americans who really need the warmth to go put on a sweater.

The Republican party making Climate Change a political issue is extremely nieve and short-sighted. The Arctic Ice Cap will melt this Summer along with many Glaciers. What kind of Evidence do they want???? JUST SAY NO AND THE STATUS QUO,PUTS OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS AT CATASTROPHIC RISK!!!

No it is not amazing the GOP does not recognize Global Warming, they all think the Jesus will save them, or that their corporate masters would punish them for standing up to them.

The question is how long does this country continue to be held hostage by a group of people woh want to live in the 1940 and force the rest of us to go along with them?

Do you cancel the family vacation becuase the three year old is throwing a tantrum on the front lawn, or do you step up as the adult in the room and move forward with what is best for the whole?
The modern day Republican is good at telling us all what is wrong, but they never have any ideas on how to fix anything, these same guys where in power for 8 long years and couldn't even find a way to outlaw abortion, the one thing they have been screaming about for 20 years, why should we think they have the ability to fix anything?

If a debate takes place in the Senate and there's no Republican there to hear it, does it still make a sound?

At least they can't be the party of No if they're not there.

Well Jesse, the science is there, with national science academies all over the world saying there's a problem and we better deal with it. These involve work from REAL CLIMATOLOGISTS.

The Party of No simply is anti-science.

If they refuse to show up for work they shouldn't get paid nor have their opinions heard

Thank god, all Obie want's to do is TAX the crap out of you.

Obie = POVERTY

Please please please pretty please let them boycott the rest of congress until after the 2010 elections. Maybe the democrats can move forward. And then let republicans just evaporate all together.

The Democrats never met a rule they couldn't design an exemption to. Playing politics in this shady manner will cost them dearly next year.

I think it's bigger than that, Bill from Baltimore. I think they want the world to end so that Jesus will come back.

How very childish. Luckily for our nation and the world the Republicans don't own the bat or the ball or the glove anymore. Let them go home and pout - it might do them good.

the party of No hard at work doing nothing except standing on the sidelines making cheap shots.

How will our ancestors look upon us knowing that when it came time to act, the country's leadership did nothing.

My God, what do these guys do all day besides sit and fester like a bunch of angry trolls? This was a debate about climate change, not a vote! If they have differing opinions, they need to voice them, not decide to boycott a meeting. This is why nothing ever gets done in Congress!

No one should be surprised that the GOP would again say a loud "NO"! Afterall, that is all they know how to do. They STILL cannot get over the fact that they lost not only the last Presidential election, they lost the congressional majority! It takes a thick head not to see that the voters just do not agree with their agenda and try to change. For example, by trying to DO SOMETHING for the people, rather than just concentrating on how to throw wrenches into everything the Democrats try to do. A real boneheaded approach,at best!

Because who cares if we are destroying the environment. As long as the rich in this country continue to make gobs of money, who cares if our children will live in an even more toxic environment than we do and entire species are being wiped off the planet.

So the Republicans take their marbles and go home and the Democrats change the rules to suit them (see Conn.). Does anyone believe these people are actually public servants in any sense of the phrase? Thow out all incunbents. If we go through a few election cycles of mass change, maybe either a) they will start to get it, or b) we'll actually find some quality candidates, not just party-hacks.

What part of "we're screwing up the world for our children" do people not understand?

Once again let it be said. We do not need the Repukes to get things done. They do not want to participate, then let them go home.

What does it matter anyway? The dems don't even let them bring ideas to the table. When the GOP is the majority again, payback will be a you know what.

Why am I not surprised? They act like the child who if he doesn't get what he wants, he takes his ball and goes home.

WHY aren't they at the hearings? I think because they they don't believe in science and therefore will sound like MORONS when they try to dispute anything.

Why am I not surprised from The Party of No??

Y'all on the "global cooling" bandwagon: Take a close look at who funded the studies you love to talk about. Also look at the resumes of the scientists putting this crap out. Interesting stuff. Have a nice day!

Go to Norway, Iceland, or the arctic poles. Evidence of the effect of human pollution is abundant. It's in the bodies of the animals residing there and you can see how pollution has severely increased the depletion of the polar caps. This is not just a theory.

Wimps! They have no constructive ideas so they take the 3-year old spoiled brat approach. Plus the denial of scientific reality. Buffoons!

This is a prime example of the kind of neanderthal thinking that has created the financial and environmental issues that the entire world must face today. How is this attidude any different that that which is being diplayed by the backward leaders of the middle east.

This is as shameful as when the Texas Dems ran to New Mexico so they wouldn't have to vote. We need to elect some representatives who will do their jobs. Maybe we should hold them accountable when they refuse to. Like dock their pay for the day or take away their socialized healthcare.

This legislation is nothing but an unfair indirect tax on ALL Americans.

Great strategy! So the republicans on the committee are only there to prevent progress, how very un-American of them. We can all do better and we have to because too many lives are affected by the politics that our elected officials find more important than the work at hand.

Climate change, give me a break, it's only a theory! I mean who would believe scientific consensus. I don't believe in viruses, because that is just a theory. Gravity, just a theory. The sun rising from the east, just a theory.

It is pay day at the insurance companies for the Republican's – how could you forget that!!!!

So its a nuclear option for the Democrats to proceed without them, but it's okay for the Republicans to boycott the meetings? These guys are unbelievable! Idiots.

Typical. They'll do everything in their power to halt progress and then complain at election time that no progress was made. How can people support these closed-eyed, plugged-eared, megaphone-mouthed politicians?

How is possible to worsen the committee any further than the party of "NO" refusing to even show up. Republicans have personal interest in the big companies creating the worst of climate destruction.
Of course they are going to try to derail any attempt at change

The Republicans were elected by their voters to do a job, just like the Democrats were. If the Republicans do not wish to participate then the Democrats should still be allowed to do their job.

Either Lead, Follow, or get out of the way.

The Dems are Leading, since the Republicans are neither leading nor following, then they should just get out of the way.

What is wrong with republicans? Why do they not want to see any progress made in this country? They are so evil. All they care about is war and taxes. There is so much more to life than that. This is a sad time for humanity.

So, proceeding without the people who walked out is "nuclear" – but effectively shutting the committee down by not providing minimum minority vote requirements isn't?

Typical Rethuglican stall and flame strategy. If we can't own America we'll hamstring it as much as possible and cry about it the whole time.

Agree wth Katiec...Republicans...the party of no...our most dangerous domestic terrorists!!!!!!!

The climate bill will make the slime-master Al Gore BILLION$$$ in his conflict-of-interest investments. At the same time, these policies and taxes will be completely useless against climate change, but will be HIGHLY effective in destroying our economy.

If the Republicans are unwilling to even attend the session, what are we paying them for?

Well all i can say is " good riddens"..Maybe this way we The Democrats will actual be able to get some work done, since we won;t have to deal with their constant complaining, bickering and whinning !!!! They have nothing to offer anyway !

So, how is theis boycott a good thing for America? It's all politics and the American people are the ones who get the short end of a very stinky stick!

Boycotting is the way the Republicans are saying we don't know anything about climate change and they don't and aren't willing to learn. There's a bunch of GOP idiots in Washington who want to stay in the dark ages while they follow Rush Limbaugh and others into their demise.

Yay GOP! Way to do absolutely nothing, once again. I can't even believe these morons draw a paycheck off taxpayers. They do NOTHING. I wish I could just have their health care, I actually work for a living. Useless, dangerous, and totally irrelevant to any conversation. On the other hand, I'm glad they are boycotting. The actual adults can talk now without having to change anyone's diapers.

Of Course Voinovich would oppose this. He's received nearly 1 million in donations from the energy/oil lobby, and 400K from the auto industry.

Good for the Republicans. Somebody has to stop this scientifically inept economy-killer. Even if the climate models are right (which is dubious in and of itself), implementing this bill wouldn't change global temperatures by much more than a single degree over the next hundred years. And this is worth spending additional billions of dollars (borrowed from China, who is not going to hobble their economy like this) and putting a cramp on United States energy and industry during a recession? Do the Democrats have any fiscal sense whatsoever? I'm not seeing much.

Hey liberals.. say all you want. This is bad legislation and you know it. it will increases taxes and cost thousands upon thousands of jobs.

Watch the elections today libs.. your days are numbered!!

All one has to do to understand climate change is a harsh reality is to research the disappearing glaciers.

Just one more in a long list of attempts by the Republican Party of No to do whatever it takes to push America into becoming a nation of haters and polluters.

Republicans and Boycott are one in the same !

Tthey are absolutely a detriment to any progress on anything put forth.

I cannot remember more Obstructionist people in government before..

Most are nothing more than Corporate owned Pawns.

They could have been having a meeting on curing cancer and the repukes would have boycotted it. GOOD I say! They are digging a hole, ruining any hope they have of EVER making any sort of real political comeback and turning the country off by their anti American stance. The repukes are their own worst enemy right now, I LOVE IT!!! More palin stories please, nothing makes me happier than that moron speaking out on stuff she does not understand!

Wonderful the GOP has a new tactic beyond "Saying NO"

Now the GOP isn't waiting to be Voted Out they are Staying Out by Choice.

If they refuse to work they should be fired!

Good for the GOP. This Cap and Tax disaster will cost hundreds of thousands of jobs and ruin the already weak economy. With China, India and all of South America saying No to climate change this is just another example of hard left politics trying to ram ideologically drafted legislation down our throats.

If the Republicans act irresponsibility and don't show up to do the people's business, the majority should act alone...and the Republican senators should have their pay docked.

And to this that these are the buffoons who get a gold-plated health insurance plan...and they can't even be bothered to come to work.

Will it never end?
The republicans are not out only to destroy our country, but the world.
How can anyone support these unpatriotic, irresponsible, radical
politicians is beyond me.
They are well on their way to becoming our countries most dangerous domestic terrorists, and, with their latest actions, worldwide.

I wish the Republicans would understand that they are playing around with people's lives. The party of no continues to do nothing to help the American people.

Janice
Mobile Al

Isn't it amazing that The GOP does not recognize the threat from Global Warming?