Inside Politics: Lawmaker wants Obama to prove climate change

Rep. Thomas Massie challenged President Obama to roll out the proof that humans have played a hand in climate change.

Mr. Massie, Kentucky Republican, said he was “disappointed” that the president in his second inaugural address blamed droughts on “human activity” and accused some of “denying the evidence of scientists.”

“As somebody with a science-type background, I took offense at that,” Mr. Massie said during a panel meeting billed as “Conversations With Conservatives.” “I would challenge him to show us the linkage — the undeniable linkage — between droughts and the change of weather, and some kind of human activity.”

At that point, Rep. Raul R. Labrador, Idaho Republican, chimed in: “It is not like you are an MIT graduate.”

“Oh, wait, you are, sorry,” Mr. Labrador quipped.

Mr. Massie, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, responded with a shrug of the shoulders and a smile.

PENTAGON

Hagel lobbies senators as confirmation hearings loom

Top Senate Republicans said Tuesday they would reserve judgment on Chuck Hagel’s nomination until after his confirmation hearing next week, a positive sign for President Obama’s choice to head the Defense Department.

Mr. Hagel, who already has drawn strong opposition from six Senate Republicans, continued his outreach to lawmakers on Tuesday, meeting with Sen. John McCain, whose support could smooth the way for the former GOP senator and provide political cover for other Republicans to back the nominee.

Sen. Carl Levin, Michigan Democrat and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it was too soon to count the votes.

Asked if there were any Republican votes, Mr. Levin said, “I haven’t seen any, but there may be that I haven’t seen. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be.”

WHITE HOUSE

Obamas welcome surprised tourists to White House

President Obama and his wife are personally welcoming surprised tourists to the White House.

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