Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3961

Introduced
6/9/23  

Caption

Green Climate Fund Authorization Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 3961 would signify a renewed commitment from the U.S. to fulfill its international obligations under various climate agreements, particularly the Paris Agreement. By increasing financial contributions, the bill would aim to enhance the capacity of developing nations to adapt to climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively. This funding is critiqued as being insufficient compared to the vast financial requirements highlighted by various climate studies that estimate annual needs in the hundreds of billions for effective climate action in these countries.

Summary

House Bill 3961, also known as the Green Climate Fund Authorization Act of 2023, aims to authorize appropriations for climate financing to support global efforts in addressing climate change. Specifically, the bill allocates $4 billion for each of the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to contributions for the Green Climate Fund, which seeks to provide financial resources to developing countries for projects that mitigate emissions and enhance climate adaptation. The act emphasizes the crucial role of the United States in leading global climate initiatives and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 3961 include discussions about the sufficiency of the proposed funding levels. Critics argue that the authorized amounts fall short of the actual financial needs identified by international climate experts. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness and governance of the Green Climate Fund itself, especially its capacity to balance interests between developed and developing nations while ensuring that resources are allocated equitably and justly. The bill also faces scrutiny from some political factions who may view climate financing as an unnecessary expenditure amid domestic challenges.

Companion Bills

US SB4185

Related Green Climate Fund Authorization Act of 2024

Similar Bills

US SB1170

Project Safe Childhood Act

US SB1199

Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act of 2023 STOP CSAM Act of 2023

US SB1111

ADVANCE Act of 2023 Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2023

US SB25

Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.

US SB1886

Pray Safe Act of 2023

US SB847

International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023

US SB1396

Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act

US SB2043

Department of State Authorization Act of 2023