Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. and 17 Other U.S. Lawmakers Arrive at COP 31 to Signal America’s Return to Sensible Climate Policy

November 13, 2026

ANTALYA, TÜRKİYE — Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) and a delegation of 17 other Members of the U.S. House of Representatives led by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Institute (SEEC Institute) has arrived in Antalya for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

“American voters just went to the polls to demand a Congress that helps families get ahead and takes climate change seriously,” said Max Frankel, Executive Director of SEEC Institute. “That’s a mandate, and our Thriving Economy Project offers a blueprint for meeting it. We’re bringing 18 Members of Congress to COP31 ready to get to work, because the challenges we face don’t stop at our borders.”

From November 14–16, the delegation will meet with international policymakers, civil society organizations, advocates and activists, community and business leaders, and experts to strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities for renewed U.S. engagement on climate, energy, and economic policy.

SEEC Institute arrives with a policy blueprint for action at home already in place. Released in September with chapters authored by 9 Members of Congress alongside policy experts, the Thriving Economy Project outlines more than 800 policy recommendations grounded in the belief that a healthy economy and environment go hand in hand. At COP31, Members of Congress will build on that work.

The delegation's programming is organized around eight issue areas:

Food Security, Agricultural Innovation, and Trade
Clean Electrification, Climate Finance, and Private-Sector Competitiveness
Oceans, Science, and Coastal Resilience
Adaptation, Disaster Resilience, and Community Preparedness
Forests, Nature, and Natural-Capital Resilience
Transatlantic Industrial, Trade, and Energy Policy
Climate Equity, Mobility, and Community Leadership
Climate, Energy, and National Security

The delegation includes the following Members of Congress:
Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03)
Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06)
Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14)
Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06)
Rep. Maxine Dexter (OR-03)
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02)
Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01)
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03)
Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49)
Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06)
Rep. Dave Min (CA-47)
Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06)
Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25)
Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)

The visit builds on SEEC Institute's year-round international engagement, including a recent congressional delegation to Brussels and Strasbourg and discussions with UN Secretary-General António Guterres during New York Climate Week. Through these efforts, SEEC Institute connects international climate and energy developments to domestic policymaking, ensuring Members return to Washington with new relationships and firsthand insights to inform their work.

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Issues: Climate Congress Energy