Senator #AngusKing fumes at #ClimateChange being nixed from annual threat assessment

Chris D’Angelo for The Maine Monitor April 8, 2025

"#Maine has been described as a 'climate haven,' [the same for #Vermont] a place expected to remain relatively sheltered from the most extreme and dangerous impacts of global climate change. But the #PineTreeState is far from immune.

"Fossil fuel-driven climate change is intensifying #HeatWaves, #flooding and other #ExtremeWeather events. Waters in the #GulfOfMaine are warming faster than nearly every other swath of ocean on the planet, threatening the future of the state’s signature #lobster industry and other #fisheries.

"Sea levels here are forecast to rise approximately 4 feet by the end of the century, forcing coastal communities, shipyards and military installations to prepare and adapt.

" 'This is a guaranteed threat,' said #AmyEshoo, director of #MaineClimateActionNow. 'It’s not one we can negotiate with. It’s not one that we can put #tariffs on. It’s not one we can go to the table with. We unleashed it. It’s here. We’re feeling its effects. Maine is definitely feeling them.' "

Read more:
https://mainebeacon.com/sen-king-fumes-at-climate-change-being-nixed-from-annual-threat-assessment/

#MaineWx #ClimateCatastrophe #SeaLevelRise #SenatorAngusKing

Hmmmm... So, here is #AngusKing's response to my concerns about #HR9495. I take it he's a "yea". I believe there were some concerns about the amendment S. 4136 that Senator King refers to. How robust are these protections? And again, WHO DEFINES WHAT IS A TERRORIST? Mad King Donald? smh (Oh, and #SenatorSusanCollins didn't even bother to reply -- I guess I'm still on her shit list. Ooops!)

"Thank you for sharing your views with me on S. 4136. I recognize there are concerns that this bill will impact civil liberties—rest assured; I share your determination to protect nonprofits from any political or religious targeting. That’s why I sponsored S. 4136 after I determined the bill contains robust procedural protections to ensure it’s only used to police nonprofits that provide material support to terrorist groups. In my view, a nonprofit should not benefit from its tax-exempt status if it is financing terrorism.

"I worked closely with my colleague, Senator Cornyn, on S. 4136. This bill would permit the Department of the Treasury to terminate the tax-exempt status of a nonprofit that provides material support to terrorist groups, designating them as a terrorist supporting organization.

"The Secretary of the Treasury would be required to submit proof that the nonprofit organization provided material support to a terrorist group and allow for a pre-decisional remediation process. Once the Treasury Secretary suspends a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status, the nonprofit may appeal to the IRS’s Independent Office of Appeals. Should the Independent Office of Appeals decide against the nonprofit, the nonprofit can appeal to the U.S. District Courts. A court may have to review classified information to make a final determination. In such a case, protecting national security may require the court to review evidence privately, without a defendant present, and procedures for conducting such review already exist in other national security laws.

"It is important to note that S. 4136 is a product of bipartisan negotiations to provide the Treasury with effective anti-terrorism authorities while protecting the rights of nonprofit groups through thorough legal processes. In November of last year, the House Ways and Means Committee thoroughly reviewed the House version of my bill and its provisions, sending it to the full House by a unanimous vote. The bill passed the House by a strongly bipartisan vote of 382 to 11. Congress rarely agrees on even the most commonsense measures, let alone passes a bill with such broad bipartisan support.

"I believe the extensive procedural safeguards protect this process from abuse; given that it is clear to me that a non-profit which is proven to be a conduit for funds to a terrorist organization should not enjoy tax exempt status.

"Thank you for contacting me on this important issue; please be in touch with other matters of importance to you that come before the Senate."

Blah, blah, blah. Was this written by #ChatGPT?!!

#StopHR9495 #SenatorAngusKing #SusanCollins