Consider who was asking the question: a Republican legislator with an axe to grind.

Now for the plot twist:

At last year’s COP27 climate summit in Egypt, the U.S. joined other nations in committing to a “loss and damages” fund for developing countries affected by climate change. However, unlike a reparations program, that fund is not considered compensatory and does not involve specific countries conceding legal liability

When Kerry said “No”, he meant “Yes, but technically no.” Which is the best kind of No.