From: Aghasthya Raavi (Intern);
Edited by: Anna Dodge
To: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
Subject: H.R.2903 - National Security Climate Intelligence Act
Date: June 17, 2024
BACKGROUND:
Þ Climate Change represents an existential threat not only to global strategic security but also to global food security, with increasing droughts and crop failures across the globe directly leading to worsening global migration patterns and increasing migration pressures from the global south, overwhelming the capacity of the global north to handle these mass migrations. Not to mention the recent rightward turn of the political climate in Europe (ask French President Macron) and elsewhere in Western and Eastern Europe (think Brexit and Mr. Orban), which is heavily driven by immigration issues. As outlined below in the CRS report, at home, it acutely affects the United States military and diplomatic installations across the globe.
Þ This bill aligns with Congressman Raja’s priorities concerning climate change issues.
Þ The following are excerpts from Congressional Research Service Publication, April 6, 2023, which highlight the urgency of this issue. It is widely accepted thinking in the DOD and irrefutable evidence that the people who were entrusted to defend our nation think it’s a clear and existential threat to our national security.
o “Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has stated that “to keep the nation secure, [the Department of Defense (DOD)], must tackle the existential threat of climate change” DOD has released a number of documents outlining how it plans to adapt to and address climate change, including the 2021 DOD Climate Risk Analysis and the DOD Climate Adaptation Plan. Congress may conduct oversight of the implementation of these plans. Congress could also consider examining possible climate risks and assessing possible implications for global security, military readiness and infrastructure, and DOD force structure when considering authorization, appropriations, and other legislation.” [emphasis added]
o “DOD maintains more than 5,000 military installations worldwide. Of these, more than 1,700 are in coastal areas and have been or may be affected by sea-level rise or extreme weather events. In 2018, Hurricane Michael caused an estimated $4.7 billion in damage to Florida’s Tyndall Air Force Base (with more than 12 F-22 fighter aircraft sustaining damage), while Hurricane Florence caused around $3.6 billion in damages to North Carolina’s Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. In 2021, winter storms damaged 694 facilities across four military installations in Texas (Fort Hood), Oklahoma (Fort Sill), Kansas (Fort Riley), and Louisiana (Fort Polk).” [emphasis added]
Source/further reading: Congressional Research Service Publication, April 6, 2023.
Þ Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks addressing West Point cadets:
Source/further reading: Hicks Defines Need to Focus DOD on Climate Change Threats, Aug. 30, 2023
PROPOSED BILL:
H.R.2903 - National Security Climate Intelligence Act
Introduced by Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50] (Introduced 04/26/2023)
No Cosponsors as of 06/17/2024
Referred to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
THE BILL:
o To amend the National Security Act of 1947, to direct the Director of National Intelligence to produce national intelligence estimates on certain effects of climate change, and for other purposes.
o Title XI of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3231 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section (and conforming the table of contents at the beginning of such Act accordingly):
‘‘SEC. 1114. PERIODIC NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATES ON CERTAIN EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
Þ ‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT — Not later than the date that is four years after the date of the enactment of this section, and on a basis that is not less frequent than once every four years thereafter, the Director of National Intelligence, acting through the National Intelligence Council, shall—
Þ ‘‘(1) produce a National Intelligence Estimate on the national security and economic security effects of climate change; and
Þ ‘‘(2) submit to the congressional intelligence committees such as National Intelligence Estimate.
Þ ‘‘(b) FORM—Each National Intelligence Estimate under subsection (a)(2) may be submitted in classified form, but if so submitted, shall include an unclassified executive summary.’’ [emphasis added]
SPENDING: As of 06/17/2024, a CBO Cost Estimate for this measure has not been received.
Staff Recommendation: Cosponsor: This legislation aligns with RK’s commitment to fighting _________________________________________.
RK Action: Cosponsor ______ Do Not Cosponsor______ Need More Info____