Henry Waxman: Threat of CO2-induced bad weather more important than dealing with our 16,718 billion dollar deficit

Energy policy: Waxman fights for mic to question Obama on climate; president promises pipeline decision this year

Waxman acknowledged that House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra, a fellow Californian, had admonished him because other members were unable to speak. But he said he felt that climate change needed to be brought up and that the president was receptive because Waxman made more of a statement than asked a question.

"Sometimes this issue gets pushed aside," he said. "And I think it is more important an issue, and will be looked at years from now as more important an issue, than budget sequestration, how to deal with the deficit, and other things that occupy our time."