Sen. Richard J. Durbin was undecided on supporting the Green New Deal on Wednesday, saying he needs to continue to look over the progressive resolution.
The Illinois Democrat told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that he hasn’t decided whether or not he will vote for the resolution when the time comes.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell decided earlier this month to have the Senate vote on the Green New Deal, introduced by freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts.
“I asked Ed Markey ’What in the heck is this?’ ” Mr. Durbin said. “It’s a resolution aspiration.”
The 14-page document includes a laundry list of principles and goals to reach a net-zero carbon emission economy, while touting other social justice aspirations.
While Mr. Durbin was hesitant to endorse the Green New Deal itself, he said was supportive of its focus on fighting climate change. He argued that Democrats should put Republicans to the same kind of test.
“What we’re going to do is ask the majority leader — What’s your position on global warming while we’re at it?” Mr. Durbin said.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.