Scientists around the world warn that global warming poses serious consequences. The earth's atmosphere is heating up and disrupting weather patterns, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels and subsequent build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Omnibus Civilian Science Authorization Bill, H.R. 3322, introduced by House Science Committee Chair Robert Walker (R-PA), would have prohibited the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from spending any funds to research changes in global climate. The bill would have cut EPA research on non-regulatory methods for reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency, conducted as part of the government's inter-agency Climate Change Action Plan.

During floor consideration of H.R. 3322, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) offered an amendment to strike the ban on EPA`s climate change research program funding. On May 30, 1996, the House defeated the Lofgren amendment, 197 - 211. YES is the pro-environment vote.