A bipartisan group of over two dozen House Republicans, spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, have introduced legislation to defund climate envoy John Kerry's office within the State Department. The proposed legislation, titled the "No Taxpayer Funding for Climate Zealots Advancing Radical Schemes Act," seeks to block all federal funding towards Kerry's office, encompassing salary, administrative costs, and travel expenses.

Rep. Roy criticized Kerry's role, stating that he "is the poster child for the Biden administration's anti-energy policies that are damaging both our economy and national security." He further criticized Kerry's trip to China, calling it an attempt to "further hamstring energy freedom." Roy emphasized the need to "defund anti-energy climate bureaucrats like John Kerry once and for all."

Kerry's position as the first-ever special presidential envoy for climate, appointed by President Biden in 2021, grants him cabinet-level status and a seat on the National Security Council without requiring Senate confirmation. Since his appointment, Kerry has traveled extensively, participating in international climate summits and diplomatic efforts to promote a global shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources.

Despite his prominent role in shaping the Biden administration's global climate agenda, Kerry's office has faced scrutiny for a lack of transparency regarding its internal operations and staff. Republicans have called for greater transparency from the office, which operates with an estimated annual budget of $13.9 million and authorization for 45 personnel.

During a recent congressional hearing, Kerry declined to disclose the identities of his staff members when questioned by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), citing State Department protocol. This refusal further fueled Republican criticism.

Kerry's negotiations with China, the world's leading emitter of greenhouse gases, have also drawn criticism from Republicans. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) launched an investigation into Kerry's dealings with Chinese officials earlier this year, promising "intense scrutiny" of the climate talks. Kerry recently concluded a trip to China without a formal agreement on addressing climate change.

Numerous Republican representatives have co-sponsored Rep. Roy's bill, including Mary Miller, Paul Gosar, Nancy Mace, Byron Donalds, Scott Perry, Randy Weber, Nathaniel Moran, Matt Rosendale, Andy Biggs, Jeff Duncan, Bob Good, Daniel Webster, Tom Tiffany, Lauren Boebert, Harriet Hageman, Andy Ogles, Nick Langworthy, Thomas Massie, Dan Crenshaw, Anna Paulina Luna, Aaron Bean, Bill Posey, William Timmons, Alex Mooney, and Dan Bishop.