opening statement

I know House Democrats can pass a TSCA bill without Republican support. But I also believe, Mr. Chairman, that House Republicans cannot enact a law without the support of House Democrats.

I hope we pay close attention to the testimony today and then renew our efforts to find common ground.

If enacted, this proposal would weaken current law and endanger public health. That is why I cannot support the bill in its current form.

I just want to reiterate that I am pleased that we are continuing to have conversations, and there is some progress that is made in this draft bill.

so much of the original promise of the Affordable Healthcare Act has been undermined by faulty implementation that has sometimes been indifferent to local concerns.

Because they are so interested, and so am I, could you give us a little more insight as to the timing and when we might see details of the formula?

EPA needs more information and stronger testing authority.

Effective regulation will depend on strong science. Yes, this draft limits EPA's access to existing information and the Agency's ability to require testing.

I am concerned about the costs and the delays that go along with litigation.

We appreciate your ongoing efforts toward that end.

We got to do this together. There are lives at stake.

We would encourage you, given the risk that is involved, the tragedy that could have taken place in Chicago.

And as with this Committee first seems to be important.

If you could comment on that.

We see increasingly a significant overlap in those populations, and we believe better coordination between those offices will help us better serve those with HIV and AIDS who are particularly vulnerable to homelessness.

These are important funds. Could you give us your best thoughts on how these are going to be implemented and how the process will go forward?

And so we really hope that the committee will take it up and pass it this year.