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Since day one, President Obama has been a strong leader on environmental issues. Whether it was setting historic fuel economy standards or doubling renewable electricity, President Obama has always fought to give our kids a stronger, more sustainable future. In fact, our carbon pollution has dropped to the lowest level in nearly 20 years.

I have admired his work on all of these fronts, but his recent call to action on climate change really hits home.

As a representative of South Florida, climate change threatens the very existence of our communities. Since the 1920s alone, we've experienced 9-inches of sea-level rises. This may sound inconsequential but if trends continue or accelerate as we pump more greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, communities like mine in South Florida and coastal communities all across the country face a desperate fight against rising sea levels.

In fact, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the sea level could rise more than six feet by the end of the century. If this happens, there is no doubt that much of South Florida, will be underwater, since half of the region is less than five feet above sea level. Even a three foot rise would result in one third of South Florida being covered by seawater.

We are Floridians. Our kids get civic lessons on how to prepare for hurricanes. We have processes in place for dealing with these types of natural disasters. We've survived dozens of weather related emergencies. We've recovered and rebuilt. But while we may be prepared for more immediate weather emergencies, we have not come to terms with the slow, gradual rise of the tides that will leave our communities underwater.

But sea level “could" rise is the important distinction here. It means that we still have an opportunity to reverse course. It means hope for the millions of families in Florida and other communities across our country. And it means that our actions today can affect the outcomes tomorrow.

President Obama is leading on the issue. He's put forth a bold plan to reduce carbon pollution, accelerate the development of clean energy, reducegreenhouse gas emissions and invest in sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects to prepare for the effects of climate change.  But he can't do it alone. We need to Congress to act before it's too late, and before Miami becomes the next great American attraction for snorkelers and dive enthusiasts alike.

Join me and sign this petition demanding that Congress follow the President's lead.

Add your name

Yesterday was an exciting day for the City of Los Angeles, which celebrated the inauguration of Eric Garcetti as mayor.  His commitment to public service and the city of L.A. will serve the city well as he works every single day to improve the lives of the residents of Los Angeles.

Mayor Garcetti’s proven record as a city council member and President of the Los Angeles City Council led to job growth in his district and around the city, while he pushed his community into the future with innovative programing and technologies. Garcetti’s plans to continue this progress are clear. With plans to create new jobs, invest in clean energy and water, and create partnerships with local businesses, Garcetti is set to lead the city to where it needs to be.

As we continually work to make our party more inclusive and reflective of our great nation, I hope Mayor Garcetti’s leadership will inspire a new generation of leaders. As the first elected Jewish mayor of Los Angeles and only the second modern-day Latino mayor of the city, this is a significant step forward. Best of luck to Mayor Garcetti and congratulations to him and the city of Los Angeles.

Today, following the Supreme Court's historic decision to strike down the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz sent out the following email to supporters:

Friend --

The Supreme Court has just struck down the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, giving tens of thousands of Americans the federal rights and protections that they've been unfairly denied for years.

It's just the latest step we've made in recent years toward a more equal country where people aren't treated differently because of who they love.

This progress wouldn't have happened without the hard work of activists and people like you -- and we won't finish the fight for equality unless we all step up and finish it.

Commit to standing with the Democrats who are fighting for equality today, and let's make sure we have more days like this to celebrate.

There is no gay agenda or straight agenda. As Democrats, our only agenda is full equality under the law for every American.

For so many Americans, today's decision was personal -- just as it was when President Obama signed the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, put in place hospital visitation rights for LGBT couples, and established the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Of course there is more to do. But today's decision shows how the tide has turned in our favor. By coming together and supporting Democrats across the country who are fighting for equal rights at the federal and state levels, we can make real progress.

Please join me and fight for equal rights for every American:

http://my.democrats.org/DOMA

Equality is not an aspiration, it's a destination we will reach together.

Thanks,

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee