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Phillips Questions Special Climate Envoy John Kerry on Building a "Foreign Policy for the Middle Class"

At a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) questioned Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry about U.S. diplomacy and the global response to climate change. During the hearing, Rep. Phillips compelled testimony on President Biden’s vision for a “foreign policy for the middle class” and the link between decarbonization and American competitiveness in the global economy.

In his response, Special Envoy Kerry highlighted the job growth and opportunities that would accompany the move away from fossil fuels:
 

Watch Here: Rep. Phillips questions Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry

“I applaud the Biden Administration for its pledge to fully integrate climate change into foreign policy,” Rep Phillips said after the hearing. “In doing so, we must not forget the needs of our own families, and we must ensure that our transition to a global, clean energy economy lifts up the middle class and inspires a new era of American competitiveness and prosperity. Special Envoy Kerry’s answers show that those priorities – and concerns – are shared at the highest levels of government, and I am more optimistic than ever that America’s global leadership on climate will create a brighter future for all.”

Rep. Phillips also questioned Special Envoy Kerry on the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline and the permitting process for transnational pipelines – a matter of significant concern for constituents in Minnesota’s Third District.

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