Lawmakers’ global-warming trip hit tourist hot spots

(Wall Street Journal): When 10 members of Congress wanted to study climate change, they did more than just dip their toes into the subject: They went diving and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. They also rode a cable car through the Australian rain forest, visited a penguin rookery and flew to the South Pole. The 11-day trip — with six spouses traveling along as well — took place over New Year’s 2008. Details are only now coming to light as part of a Wall Street Journal analysis piecing together the specifics of the excursion. It’s tough to calculate the travel bills racked up by members of Congress, but one thing’s for sure: They use a lot of airplanes.

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