Tim Ryan is a relentless advocate for working families in Ohio's 13th District. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002 and was sworn in on January 3, 2003. Successfully reelected nine times, he is now serving in his tenth term. Congressman Ryan currently serves as a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee which controls the expenditure of money by the federal government.
Ryan serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus and remains a leader in the fight to strengthen America's manufacturing base and reform U.S. trade policies. The House Manufacturing Caucus examines and promotes policies to help American manufacturers find trained, educated workers, continue to lead the world in developing new industrial technologies, operate on a level playing field with their foreign competitors, and obtain the capital they need to thrive. Ryan is the leading advocate in the House to impose sanctions on unfair Chinese currency manipulation.
The threat of global climate change is one of the most critical issues facing our nation, and the world today. I believe that we owe it to future generations to tackle this problem head on and get serious in addressing the reduction of carbon emissions. The science is clear that if greenhouse gasses continue to be emitted at the current rate, we will see increased signs of climate instability, including more frequent severe weather, sea level rise and damage to natural resources and wildlife. These effects could have a major impact on our quality of life and could result in a devastating loss of life and property. I believe we must protect the integrity of the Clean Air Act and not reject the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) endangerment finding that greenhouse gases are harmful pollutants that threaten public health and welfare. Additionally, investing in alternative energy technologies necessary to combat global climate change will lay the foundation for renewed prosperity through the creation of clean energy jobs and the elimination of our addiction to foreign oil.
That is why I have consistently voted against House Republican spending bills that would cut investments in energy efficiency, clean energy like wind and solar, and advanced vehicle technologies. Furthermore, I am opposed to cuts to important agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, Interior Department, and the Energy Department. These entities only goal is to protect our country's natural resources and improve our public health through environmental safeguards.
As a Member of Congress from Northeast Ohio, I understand the importance of protecting our waterways, especially the Great Lakes. That is why I am proud that my legislation to help prevent harmful algal blooms by requiring the EPA to appoint a coordinator to address the issue of these algal blooms in the Great Lakes was signed into law by President Obama. I believe it our duty as Ohioans to ensure that Lake Erie and the Great Lakes are able to thrive. Ohio's abundance of fresh water is a vital resource and strategic advantage, and it's critical that we do everything in our power to combat these harmful algal blooms that threaten the health and well-being of our state.