Kaine's proposal for DoD climate change fund wins committee nod

The Senate Budget Committee approved amending its version of the federal budget to set up a fund that would be used to help Defense Department facilities better withstand the impacts of climate change.

Sen. Tim Kaine proposed the measure.

“The Hampton Roads region in my state is home to the largest naval installation in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, as well as nearly 15 other installations," he told his fellow committee members.

"In this defense-heavy region, sea level rise is occurring much faster than the historical rate of one foot a century.  This is very important in my state because of sea level rise.  It’s important in other states because of drought, shortages and water supply," he said.

Kaine said his amendment would help the military carry out its mission and could help communities avoid cuts or shutdowns of bases in future BRAC rounds.

The committee also passed Kaine’s amendment to support the expansion of Career and Technical Education programs.

The budget goes  to the full Senate for consideration next week.

###