Transcripts For CSPAN3 European Parliament Debate On U.S. Withdrawal From Paris Climate Agreement 20170626

Journal live Tuesday Morning. Join the discussion. President trump announced earlier this month that the u. S. Was withdrawing from the paris climate agreement. Next, a one hour portion of debate by european leaders reacting to the president s action. [ speaking Foreign Language ] the Paris Agreement has been a historical achievement of the international community. The First Ever Global commit ment to address Climate Change in these consequences. One would regret the decision taken by the United States of America Administration to withdraw from this agreement. Our long standing commitment to Global Action on Climate Change must not relent. We europeans, weve not missed the opportunity. The Paris Agreement presents for our citizens for our plan, for our economy. President , this Global Challenge also starts working with our industry for new investments and new technologies and more Sustainable Growth than jobs. European parliament has been at the forefront of a Climate Action within European Union. And today there is an important vote on this. Our goal in favor of this agreement made possible and entry into force. We must be proud of this achievement. And we must also continue to work with United States, its company, states, and cities in this and other fronts. We have strengthen in now, showing our continuous commitment. Were aware of this global agreement. As were able to forge a Strong Alliance between developing countries. The other nations of the world big and small united to defend at higher cost. Today we have the honor with us mrs. Hilda hene, the president of the republic of the Marshall Islands and chair of the ag ambition coalition. Your agreement today is of most importance for us. Mrs. President , you have the floor. I bring warm greetings from the people and government of the republic of the Marshall Islands. It is indeed a great honor and privilege to address you today. Ladies and gentlemen, i come from a country whose beauty is as breath taking as its vulnerability. Our ancestors referred to the island as gift from god. Midway between australia and the United States the Marshall Islands kprimz more than 1,000 islands and started within 29 different assault chains, often into wider than a road. While our territory mostly ocean is vast, our population is about 50,000, quite smaller than this beautiful city. It would seem that my country and yours could hardly be further apart or more different. But there is much that we have in common. On a personal level, some of my ancestry is european. German to be specific. On a national level, we are strongly committed to liberal democracy, to human rights, and the rule of law. And like the European Union, my country also believes deeply in a multilateral approach to solving global problems. The gravest of these is the battle against Climate Change. We are all vulnerable to climate impact. No one can escape. But the Marshall Islands is on the front line. Wherever you stand in my country, you see the ocean. With an average elevation of two meters above sea level, we have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Droughts are more regular and frequent with disaster often hitting us in different ways in different parts of the country at the same time. One of my first acts was to declare a state of disaster because of unseasonal and prolonged drought. We have less than three weeks of fresh water left. At the very same time, we were on high alert for white spread and the drought lasted seven months and cost us nearly 3. 5 million euros. The year about br that, a typhoon wiped away more than 3 of our economy. And the year before that, many of our people were left homeless by a single king tide. Climate change is not a hope. This is what every day struggle against Climate Change looks like. For us and our Pacific Island cousins, the ocean is our life blood, risk becoming the cause of our nightmares. And through no fault of ours. Unless the world keeps its promise to pursue efforts to limit global temperature rights to no more than 1. 5 degrees celsius, my country and others like ours risk becoming completely uninhabitable before the century ends. But the current geopolitical situation would seem to make achieving the 1. 5 degrees limit more challenging than this time last year. In the 18 months or so since the historic Paris Agreement was reached, the world seems to have been turned up side down more than once. The leader of the Worlds Largest historical contributor to Climate Change has announced that he wants to lift the Paris Agreement. In my view, that decision was a bit misguided. It was also disappointing and confusing for those of us that have long believed in the importance of u. S. Global lead areship. This is particularly so for my country, a long, long time committed ally and friend. In the coming three years before the u. S. Acan legally withdraw, we have to Work Together done vince President Trumpst importance of Climate Action. And we have compelling argument and evidence to help change hearts and minds because of that, im cautiously optimistic and so are my people. I have come here today to explain why and to ask for your help. The Paris Agreement that we all fought so hard to achieve is a balanced, fair, and durable agreement. They have flexibility to determine their own contributions towards fighting Climate Change in the context of science based schools. The agreement will bring countries together every five years to take stock of progress towards achieving those goals with a view to raising ambition. The agreement provides for transparency and accountability and sets out provisions relating to means of implementation and loss and damage. Importantly, the agreement recognizes that the National Circumstances of countries might be because of the implementation. It took us well over 20 years to acheest Paris Agreement. We can do better. And we dont have the luxury of more time. The agreement is not open to renegotiation. Almost 150 countries have now joined the agreement. Some 50 including more than a quarter of the g20 since the u. S. Election, no one else is walking away. In fact, they are doing the opposite. Some have joined in the last few days. I have been overwhelmed in recent weeks by the widespread Global Support come together Paris Agreement including leaders, governments, cities, regions, and business communities and individuals. I expect no less of germany in the g20. Such collective acts of leadership and critical are critical and might not fall by the way side. Part from the moral case for Climate Action, the economic case is undeniable. A recent oecd report highlights in no Uncertain Terms that any delay in Climate Action is bad for the economy. Real woorrld Climate Action is exceeding national target. Who could have predicted only a few years ago that Renewable Energy would increasingly be the cheapest option . Climate action makes sense the aefr level. It is resulting in new countries merging on climates at climate champions including india and china. Were seeing countries coming together to push the bound riz of climate ambition. The High Ambition Coalition which my country established with the European Union and others was key to reaching the deal in paris. Thats that coalition which broke the traditional economic and geopolitical divide is now working towards the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. And the creation of the political space needed for deeper and faster Climate Action. In sement next yeseptember next my country will take over a group of 48 developing countries that have pledged to go 100 renewable by 2015. If we can do that, so can you. Were seeing an unstoppable groundswell of collective commit ment to Climate Action. Initiatives include the under two coalition, the 2050 platform, mission 2020. The c40 grudwrup of cities ande we mean business coalition. Statements of government from u. S. States, cities, and businesses in the last week is to be welcomed. And so is the direct engagement of european nations with them. As the u. N. Secretarygeneral states, the Climate Action train has truly heft the station. But for a country like mine, there is an urgent time imperative, a cause effective path to achieving the 1. 5 degree limit required speaking global emission before 2020 and rape i had rapid acceleration towards 2020 and the world near netzero emissions in the second half of the country. The iaea has confirmed the carbonization is particle but requires an unprecedented level of leadership. So once again, the world is looking to europe. Thankfully you have good track record. From the protocol and delivery on the implementation and securing the mandate that live to the Paris Agreement and ensuring the success of paris itself including bringing it into force in record time. Europe is seen stentcenter of i. In pair sis what the Marshall Islands and the European Union that march arm in arm with others into the historic disciplinary or the final plan. I praise the leaders for their commit ment. They are true climate warriors. Theyre reducing emissions of Green House Gases are particle and mutually reinforcing. The Ground Breaking legislation and policies are being emulated by others around the world. Leadership must be increasingly about imlegalitiation. Youre turning that into reality and beginning to put in place what is needed to deliver on your paris promises. The eu and its Member States together provide about 40 of all Global Public climate finance. The eu is also the biggest provider of technical climate assistance to developing countries. The eu has 90 of our other islands. Every penny is being put to good use. For all of this, i say thank you for your leadership and for your example. What should qulim at leadership look like . Europe must come into 2015 strategy to reduce emissions. Thats with the 1. Adegr5 degree limit and zero net emissions in the second half of the century. I committed my country to doing so. They will come forward with nationally determined considerations in 2020. The eu must approach this dialogue open to the possibility of raising its ambition as a result. Others move before 2020 to raise ambition. So im pleased to see president macron as already committed france to doing even more. And welcoming similar statements but Prime Minister modi of india and others this is exactly the race to the top we need. The 2018 dialogue together with the Climate Action summit which california plans to host next september and the u. N. Secretarygeneral Climate Summit of World Leaders in 2019 are the three biggest political moments we have before the end of this decade to push the climate to push the cause of increased climate ambition. Europe must be at the center of these. Working can countries and others around the world to ensure further and the Climate Action by all. Third, i urge you to move to five Year International targets. Ten year targets risk locking in low ambition and are less responsive to the latest time and technological development. Fourth, the European Union must push ambitious Climate Action in all relevant forum and sectors including on shipping emissions and ensuring Environmental Integrity in reducing aviation emissions. It will also be important to push for the amendment on hfcs to enter into this as soon as possible. My country has already ratified the amendment. I acknowledge the leadership of the states through this important cause. The eu must also lead the world in mainstreaming Climate Action to deliver the sustainable develop ment goal including in relation to oceans. I pay tribute to our pacific cousins from fiji as well as sweden for their leadership. All Pacific Islands are proud that fiji will represent whus they lead the world at cobb 23, the first island Climate Summit. Finally, on going on going leerdship of the eu on climate finance in particular for the most Vulnerable Countries will be krit kachlt support say crucial part of the Paris Agreement. The u. S. Position to stop gc funding presents a problem and one we hope the eu and its allies can address. Bilateral groups will continue to be vital for countries like mine. Even greater focus by the eu on the Pacific Region is urgently needed. In concluding, i note that some people maybe even some in this room think that it is impossible to achieve the goals we agreed in paris. That is to say that my country cannot be saved. It is impossible to explain how it feels as the leader of my people to see reports or commentary that apparently forecasts the oblivion of our homeland, our island. I have experienced the relocation of my fellow citizens to other parts of the Marshall Islands and beyond as the consequence of the testing of nuclear weapons. So the responsibility might generation has to lead to our children and to their children and grand children, the Marshall Islands as a secure place to call home weighs heavily. Failure is not an option. By Work Together, we achieved the impossible before and we will achieve it again. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, mrs. President. The president of marshal island will be with us because i think also for her it is important to know our position and we want to be at the center of the debate on the Climate Change. The decision by the President Trump to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is a regrettable step. At announcement is in previous direction by the administration on environmental regulation stuch as rolling back of existing science programs and the weakening of International Climate commitment. The support of the news and the framework and this architecture. Voice by international community, businesses, and other stake holders. Unfortunately, the detaflz the u. S. Approach are still unclear. However, what has become evident now is the fact that the u. S. Withdrawal adds to the Global Responsibility held by European Unions as the key supporter of a rulesbased multilateral system. Let me stress here that the eu is committed to lead with ambitious climate qualities and through our committed support through the poor and the vulnerable. Ladies and gentlemen, the Paris Agreement is fit for purpose. It is ambitious yet not prescriptive. Climate change threatened global development, peace and stability. Therefore, the council is committed to ensuring that the eu significantly contributes to the operation of the Paris Agreement and to the design of all the elements of the paris outcome. The goal should be to minimize the consequences of the u. S. Decision on the effectiveness and climate framework. The eu will support the convergence between intergovernmental negotiations and the implementation agenda. The council continues its work on the completion of the internal legislative and Regulatory Framework of the union which is necessary to deliver our paris target of reducing economy wide emissions by at least 40 by 2030. The forestry emissions proposal, we hope to swiftly finalize the councils position and to start or institutional negotiations as soon as possible. The eu position following President Trumps decision to withdraw the u. S. From the climate agreement will also be discussed during the Foreign Affairs Council Meeting on the 19th of june. Thank you. And now the president of the european commission. Madam president , madam president of the council, distinguished members. When i addressed the paris conference in november of 15, i saw the world united around the simple goal to hand over to future generations a healthier planet, more stable societies and more prosperous and modern economies. Thanks to the negotiations, i think in particular to the chief conversation of the European Union, my good friend a Historic Deal was made. They can save the one and only home. Doing justice to its traditional name, gifts from god, the Marshall Islands took action becoming one of the first to ratify the paris green light. Here is a fact. Every Morning International date lines begin at the Marshall Islands. And the president , we work to help your country continue to mark the beginning of our days. We will not allow the denial of the very few to be the end of the days of the Marshall Islands. Sth is more than the he havent. Its a signing that is a sign of the fate of our planet. Were disappointed and we regret that decision. But the decision by the u. S. Administration does not need the end of the agreement. Im convinced that they will make it more united and determined to work towards the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. We will not negotiate the Paris Agreement. The 29 articles must be implemented and not renegotiated. Climate action does not need more distractions. We have to spend 20 years negotiating. Now is the time for action. Now is the time for implementation. I see the strength and results from all those who care about the future of the planet and to see the opportunities of the modern economy. This includes partners within the United States such as state of california, new york which taken together will be the work for worst force. The European Union will step up our climate diplomacy and collaborations with other parts. For instance, Climate Action was a key topic of the eu on the second of june. In september, we had a major gathering with the chinese and con nadian counterparts to implement paris and get the clean energy transition. Were reaching out for partners in the African Union and the acp countries and we adopted joint statements expressing our common result. And we were clear to have a clear message coming out of the g20 summit in july or at least from 19 n paris, the world committed to help Vulnerable Countries adopt consequences of Climate Change. The decision of the u. S. To go back on its pledge to the climate front leaves a major void from our side we stand firm to our commitments and we work with third countries to mobilize the right public and private investments. You can count on the efforts of the commission to keep the momentum behind paris implementation. In return, we hope to count on your support to make the commitment a reality that make swift progress on all Commission Proposals related to that. When we ratified the Paris Agreement in record speed, this house showed its commitment to Climate Action. We need to keep the same spirit more than ever. Thank you. Thank you very much, mr. President. And now the president of the European Party people party group. Youre the floor. Translator madam prison, i just want to start by saying that were honored with your presence here today. A very warm welcome. Well, with Donald Trumps decision, theres a simple question in the room which is how do we deal with facts, reality, the stanford, georgetown, yale and even the majority of the american citizens, they say that climate chaufr change is reality and an issue. Its clear to us that changesome kog. Its going to be big. Its going to be dramatic. And the question is how we can limit it with our common effort. As europeans, we should be proud that we Work Together with others to become the driving force and to make the Paris Agreement possible. Were not going sit back and accept the emotional exit of the usa. Hoz how we respond now. We respond with frustration to develop ments in the u. S. But if you sit back and think for a few moments, then i think that increases the decisiveness with which we want to pursue the on the objective. Its important for future generations and its because we know that Climate Change is the proof for modernizing our economy. Even American Companies like exxon is saying now that we should not give up efforts to combat Climate Change. Thats a great opportunity for them so that economy can really take charge of dealing with this trance formation. Donald trump is not going to create a single new job with these decisions. Donald trump with this decision is taking a huge historical wrong step. American selfishness, America First is all about cutting off relations. So maybe we should talk about europe first instead. Europe first means partnership, working together, trying to solve problems together. Thats why they need a little less America First and more europe first. Thank you. And now the president of the group. Translator thank you. Thank you very much. You talk about the beauty and vulnerability of the Marshall Islands. I think its a wonderful example of what we could go towards. Were faced with a very stark choice. Do we go towards beauty, security for the planet . Or do we go towards disaster . Donald trump likes tweeting. And with one tweet who knows what he could do. I didnt think they could be anyone worse than george w. Bush. But somehow we seem to go from bad to the worst. Progress environment people need to come together worldwide. As different european groupings, we have to take a look at the nongovernmental possibilities for organization so that we can get together and stop the trump disaster in its tracks. They need to build europe as they did in the past. As we did in previous years. As we did when we built the single market. We had an aim. We achieved it. We need a grand aim now. Trump wants to reduce the cost of u. S. Production. Thats what he wants to do. That is unfair competition. We need counter measures. We should be thinking about imposing duties. We should be thinking about what we can do to tackle unfair competition. We want to preserve life, beauty, health for our children and grandchildren across the whole world. Translator thank you. We do is a lot on the agenda today. We have two special guests today. So neither i nor Vice President s will be giving any blue cards today. Well have to wait to kacht eye. Now for the informant group. Thank you very much. Thank you, madam president for coming theer day and for your clearly inspiration to the high ambition group. For those of us who have struggled perhaps a little bit with how to address donald trump, what tone to adopt towards him. After all, he is legitimately elected world leader. Well, hes now solved my problem. Im very happy to publicly allowedly say that his action is reckless, its mi openic and its totally irresponsible. And its made even more con ten shugs by the fact that we know he decided that Climate Change is reel. He stopped his denying of it. He says its real and nikki haley confirmed that for him. So that makes his decision even more controversial. He doesnt even pretend he doesnt believe in climate chafrmg. We also can see that he has a complete misunderstanding of the Paris Agreements and what the u. S. Is obligations are under that agreement. He seems to think that it will be giving u. S. Industry an extremely unfair position and totally ignoring the fact that actually it gives the u. S. A huge amount of flexibility in how they deal with making sure that they stand up for their obligations. Given the modest commit ments, for many people what the u. S. Is being asked in pair sis still way underwe are forming europe and manufacture the Member States in europe. It seems even more the case that the donald should be asked exactly where he gets his information and his advice from. Because with higher per capita emissions, the u. S. Has a moral duty to significantly reduce its emissions. And ensure that global average temperatures remain below two degrees c. Maybe we should say the next human clause climate disaster should be called donald, or Tropical Cyclone bannon because thats going to be his legacy. Thank you. And now in name of the group. [ inaudible ] you have the floor. Thank you, mr. President. President trump is not the only threat to our Global Environment and the Beautiful Island states such as yours, madam president. Thank you for coming to talk us to. Climate change skeptics in the uk also threaten european global protection. The British Elections deliver a disastrous result through the Prime Minister. And mrs. May battles on. Shes appointed a new environment secretary. Now he has a shocking record. When he was education secretary, he wanted to get Climate Change off the school contradict lumz. He voted to sell off all the englands publicly oenwned and protected forests, voted against Green House Gas emissions. He supports fracking and he supports drilling in national parks. Hes opposed refitting homes to stop carbon loss. To quote a past colleague of this house, Caroline Lucas who is now an mp, michael grove san environmental disaster waiting to happen. He stated he had enough of experts while frank lit experts and the public have had enough of him too. Just as they have had of President Trump. Colleagues, please be tough during the brexit negotiations when it comes to the environment. As you will be with mr. Trump. Climate denies like goen. He will try to slip and slide on the environmental agreements. So given the Election Results last were, it remains to be seen whether the uk will actually leave the eu. But if we do the uk xwust like the us must fulfill its International Environmental obligations. Environmental challenge dozen not stop at borders. Our environment, our planet is interlinked especially when it comes to the most vulnerable state on the planet. We must Work Together to protect it in the uk, in the usa and, of course, driven here by European Union. Thank you very much, mr. President. I have a group translator now for the group of the european united. Thank you, mr. President , dear colleagues and madam president , thank you for coming to our meeting and thank you for your words. Donald trump has decided to withdraw from the climate accord of paris. He would like to go back to the middle ages when scientifically facts were denied on daily basis. Unfortunately in spite of all his tweets, Climate Change is unstoppable. The whole nations and states are threatened by this process and that brings about harsh droughts. Climate changes calls my men may trigger a migration wave of such size in the coming years. The Current Crisis will seem now in comparison. What does trump want to do this . He said apparently he would be fine with a role of a unrestrained ruler over wasteland. How reckless use of resources and no protection of environment is illustrated daily by, for instance, the situation around palm oil in indough nearby yachlt more than ever, today we have to show the world our determination and the right way forward. Translator the green group. Please . Translator thank you very much, madam president for coming to coming here and telling us about the impact of Climate Change for people in the most affected areas. I can reassure you that we will work very hard indeed to get us to do more to fight against Climate Change. I very much work on the fact that many colleagues have spoke and have also said likewise. They support the Paris Agreement and they think that mrs. Trumps decision is wrong. But i dont think that is enough. Its certainly enough to criticize mr. Trump to take the moral high ground way better than mr. Trump. Because the objectives that weve committed to that we heard about from the commission are based on optimistic scenario. Theyre not a guarantee that if we keep things below two degrees but for islands such as yours, weve got to keep it below 1. 5 maximum should be objective. Only then will the islands have a possibility of surviving. So we need to do more. We europeans. We are the Third Largest emitter of co 2. So we have the ability and responsibility. The technology to do something about Climate Change. We have to do something. We can show leadership and be in the vanguard in contributing to stemming Climate Change when we cant were cant just let mr. Trump watch. This we have to offset what the u. S. Doesnt do. We cant say we cant do more because mr. Trump didnt want to play along. We in the ar limit and also mep Member States governments and in particularly thinking of the German Government need to do more. Because germany is also huge polluter. What about rules on car emissions and that kind of thing . So look at those details. This isnt these dont fit in with playing a leerdship role. We have got an opportunity with renewables and Energy Efficiency to generate real jobs, jobs for the future. It requires political courage. We have to show that. The planet cant wait for us. We cant live without the planet. We cant live without a climate that allows this. So lets do something. Thank you. Thank you very much. The president of the marshal island, thank you, mrs. President for your engage ment. Thank you for your speech. Thank you for the cooperation with the European Union. European union, European Parliament, we support your position. Thank you very much. And so colleagues we continue the debate and i now give the floor for one minute to madam demato. Translator thank you very much, president. According to calculation thats have comedematteau. Translator thank you very much, president. According to some calculations that have come from the United States, we could have 1. 4 million tons of co2 released as a result until 2020. That will damage the economy and agriculture. These are huge numbers and we cant simply pretend that nothing is happening. This is the time that the fourth industrial revolution, the circular economy, the 2030 agenda, the Paris Agreement. This is the ideal place for us to plan for a more Sustainable Future slow down a little, please. Thank you. Translator the european has got responsibilities, not only to its own people, but also to lessdeveloped countries around the world. Its now time for us to take a central role in scientific and technological terms to increase investments in the sector. But this is the europe of easelgate and the financing of fossil fuel to the fc and acb ensure that what we need first is a change of the political climate. Thank you. I now give the floor for one minute to mr. Vilemsky. Microphone please. Excuse me. Translator ladies and gentlemen, theres so many noble defenders of the climate. Go out to the garage and you see these expensive cars with high capacity. So look at what the European Parliament really does. We fly all over the world to discuss important issues such as gender mainstream and thats all fantast fantastic. If its usabashing, trumpbashing, the hypocrisy knows no limits. Look at this climate agreement. Monsanto was at the able. So was the nuclear lobby. Out the other day its basically us kowtowing to the nuclear industry, promoting renewables. Well, what about that . Please be honest about Climate Change. Please stop the hypocrisy. Thank you. Thank you. For one minute, mr. Gonesh. Translator President Trumps decision to take the u. S. Out of the Paris Agreement has given rise to worldwide reactions. The president of Goldman Sachs wasnt particularly known for being concerned about the environment previously but hes condemned it too. My own view is that the Paris Agreement is very has very little in terms of legally binding elements and ensuring that signatories implement it is also very difficult, its more of a political decoration and it was only 2020 that we will be reaching a stage when we can depend on the u. S. To do this. Big cities and states have already said that they will do this. So if its lucrative to invest in the Green Economy and the related economy, related economic sectors, then business will do that. So im not so concerned about that. What im concerned about is the possibility of europe then saying, lets offset that, the u. S. Withdrawal, and impose on our own economy. Mr. Teller was talking about customs duties to deal with unfair competition from the u. S. I hope that he will be sharing the same view in other circumstances. Colleagues, i do have to be strict on time. Now i give the floor to commissioner canyeta. Madam president , all the house has listened to passionate speech of the president of the Marshall Islands calling on us for ambition and action. The best answer we can give is, first of all, confer thirm that will not renegotiate the Paris Agreement and we will make all the efforts needed to give the political momentum behind the implementation. The implementation of the Paris Agreement domestically requires this house gives full support in moving ahead on making the European Union commitment reality. European union is showing the world the way with our cut in its climate policy. There is no stronger statement we can make than on the eps, therefore setting the relation, the land use legislation, as well as the clean energy for all european pacts. When we rectify the Paris Agreement this house shows its commitment to Climate Action. We need this now more than ever. Internationally well have to implement parties working closely with all our allies, with ambition and determination. And as some others clearly stated, we have to keep working with the United States, which is much more than the federal government. In the United States, the decision to withdraw also strengthened the resolve of those who care for the future of the planet. And who understand Economic Opportunities of a lowcarbon transition. Hundreds of United States mayors, governors, state attorneys general, and others pledged to United Nations to achieve and eventually xed americas commitment to the Paris Agreement we are still in. And they will submit nationally the main contribution to United Nations at creating maximum by different stake holders and building upon the global commitment to Climate Change. The governments funded the alliance now joined by nine other states. So its clear that we will continue to have great partners within the United States even if the federal government decided to stay on the side of the road. We will step up also our climate diplomacy. Climate action was a key topic of the European Union summit on the 2nd of june. Our cooperation with china is a steppingup gear. In september the European Union will cohost a ministerial government with ministers here from china, minister mckenna from canada, to advance the implementation of paris and accelerate the transition. Finally, my last remark to this house is that the worlds reaction to President Trumps action proved the European Union is on the right side of history. Lets keep our resolve. Thank you. Thank you, commissioner. Now for the couch sill. Minister dali. Thank you, president. Thank you for your interventions. And despite the u. S. Decision to leave, i am encouraged by your support for full implementation of the Paris Agreement and our continuous leadership at the international level. Well continue our work on this and on the current climate legislative proposals. I thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you, minister. This debate is now closed. And i will suspend the sitting very briefly before our formal heating takes place. Thank you, colleagues, for the debate. Tonight i dont think theres any dispute on either side of this debate that everybodys in favor of an open internet. I think were in favor of some basic open internet rules that can be enforced. The only way to ensure that is really through legislation. Robert quinn, Senior Executive Vice President for external and legislative affairs at at t, the Largest Telecom lobbying operation in washington, talks about key issues in the companys interest such as Corporate Tax reform, privacy, and net neutrality. Hell also discuss at ts proposed merger with time warner. Hes interviewed by reuters tech reporter David Shepherd san. Were going through the process. We initiated the review with the department of justice last fall shortly after the deal was announced. I think we kicked it off in november. Were going through a process with the department of justice. You know, i think weve told the street that we expect the deal to close by the end the year. We still have some foreign approvals that hang out there. Were not completely done. Some of the big pole in the tent on the foreign approval side is weve got an operation in mexico so that deal has to go through that process there. Weve got operations in brazil. But theyre not the only ones. So were going through a process at the department of justice right now. And, you know, our expectation is, you know, we should be through that process, we should be through, you know, the operational issues that we have to go through in order to be able to close without any license transfers, and the foreign approval process. And were hopeful, pretty confident that were going to be able to get through that by the end of the year. Watch the communicators tonight at 8 00 p. M. Eastern on cspan2. Cspan, where history unfolds daily. 1979, cspan was created as a Public Service by americas Cable Television companies. And is brought to you today by your cable or satellite provider. Now the Senate Budget hearing for the National Institutes of health. After that the Supreme Court oral argument concerning federal funds for private schools. Then the Senate Confirmation hearing for the tsa administrator. After that the Senate Budget hearing for the federal communications commission. Cspans washington journal live every day with news and policy issues that impact you Tuesday Morning congressman Barry Loudermilk will talk about his proposal that would allow concealed carry permits from other states to be legal in the district of columbia, particularly for congressmen. And congressman welch will join us. Usa todays Kevin Johnson will talk about his report on the need for more security personnel at federal maximum security prisons. Be sure to watch cspans washington journal live at 7 00 eastern Tuesday Morning. Join the discussion. At a Senate Appropriations subcommittee here on the 2018 budget request for the National Institutes of health, director dr. Francis collins talked about the work in diabetes, alzheimers, cystic fibrosis, cancer research, and opioid addiction. This is two hours