Mr. President, I am here with another unanimous consent request, and I appreciate the Senator from Florida, Senator Scott, for being here to participate in this exchange. I keep coming here to try to reinforce the obvious, scientifically clear point that climate change is real, that that is a simple scientific fact. The way this has gone is that I came to the floor earlier this year and asked my colleagues to agree on that simple scientific fact: Climate change is real and, frankly, our fossil fuel emissions are causing it.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+24$365K raised
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator · Rhode Island · Democrat
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I have to start by noting that President Trump and his cronies are using the White House to commit political fraud and corruption on an epic scale. This is unprecedented levels of corruption. The rot runs deep. And to allow for that massive Trump corruption, the administration dismantled the ordinary mechanisms of government that deter, investigate, and punish that kind of activity. We should be embarrassed at an administration that has deliberately destroyed the mechanisms of government that investigate and police corruption.
Mr. President, I am looking forward to the day when the Senator from Florida and I can be working together on these issues. As he knows very well, the University of Florida teaches the science of climate change. They have courses like Managing for a Changing Climate, Climate Change and Health, Climate Change Science and Solutions, Oceans and Global Climate Change, and many, many others. And it would be great if the science that the University of Florida teaches were also respected and reflected here on the Senate floor. It is more than just the University of Florida getting it right.
Biography
Sheldon Whitehouse, a former U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island, was elected as U.S. Senator for Rhode Island in 2006. He is known for his leadership on climate change, government transparency, and health care reform. Whitehouse has authored legislation to address carbon pollution and serves on the Senate Judiciary and Environment and Public Works Committees. He is recognized for his persistent advocacy for environmental accountability and his detailed oversight of Supreme Court ethics. Whitehouse approaches his role with a focus on evidence-based policy and persistent engagement on issues affecting Rhode Islanders.
Education
- J.D., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA1982
- B.A., Yale University, New Haven, CT1978
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2007–PresentSenator from Rhode Island. 4 terms.
Attorney General of Rhode Island
1999–2003United States Attorney
1994–98Director, Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
1992–94
Policy Focus
Taxation13%
Environmental Protection8%
Health6%
Crime and Law Enforcement5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Sheldon Whitehouse's record in Congress.
Climate Change Advocacy
Led the Senate's 'Time to Wake Up' speeches, raising awareness and urgency about climate change for over 280 consecutive weeks.
Ocean Conservation
Co-founded the Senate Oceans Caucus and championed bipartisan legislation to protect marine ecosystems and combat ocean pollution.
Judicial Ethics Reform
Introduced the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act to increase accountability and transparency in the federal judiciary.
Health Care Funding
Secured increased federal funding for Rhode Island’s community health centers to expand access to primary care services.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Environment and Public WorksRanking Member
- United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics ControlChairman
- Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary
- Senate Committee on Finance
- Senate Committee on the Budget
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse FAQ
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