Steve Adubato speaks with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D) – NJ, 6th Congressional District, to discuss President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the role of the media in climate change and the political divide across the nation. U.S. Rep Pallone also talks about the CLEAN Future Act and the importance of following safety protocols during the pandemic.

The CLEAN Future Act is the response to the climate action plan, explains Pallone. He suggests in order for people to understand climate change as more than just a myth, you have to bring it down to a level that they can understand. Pallone believes changes in weather patterns, temperatures rising, sea level rising, and greenhouse gases is impacting our health. For instance, greenhouse gases are linked to causing asthma and respiratory problems.

Pallone discusses the political divide and how this impacts individuals’ thoughts on climate change. He says both Republicans and Democrats are concerned about climate change, “I really don’t think, when it comes down to it, that we really don’t disagree…we’ve actually been doing things to address climate action on a bipartisan basis.” In addition, COVID-19 is another huge issue that has caused a political divide among Americans. Pallone says people’s ideologies are affecting their decision to get vaccinated and wear masks in public.

In regard to the January 6th riots, Pallone believes we need to put everything in perspective and realize there are some people who want to destroy our government. He said, “I don’t think they’re typical of what America wants and I think the reaction to it has been very much that. That this is awful, and this shouldn’t happen in a democracy.”