H.R. 1431, the Science Advisory Board Reform Act, ensures that the most qualified and capable scientists are free to undertake a balanced and open review of regulatory science.

This legislation recognizes the important role science should play to inform policy debates.

If the EPA undermines the Board's independence or prevents it from providing candid advice to Congress, then the SAB serves no value to the EPA.

Elections have consequences. If perhaps in the last session you were concerned about what this would do to the EPA

The Board should be free to function as intended to ensure that sound science is driving policy decisions.

The Science Advisory Board Reform Act ensures that the most qualified and capable scientists are free to undertake a balanced and open review of regulatory science.

this bill does not change the fact that the EPA still chooses the members of the Board

The threats we are facing today are greater. I look wistfully back at the days of the Cold War.

Mr. President, just to ensure that there is no confusion, I ask that I be recognized for such time as I may consume at the conclusion of the remarks of the distinguished senior Senator from California. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there…

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the injunction of secrecy be removed from the following treaties transmitted to the Senate on December 9, 2016, by the President of the United States: The Treaties with the Republic of Kiribati…

Well, I just consulted with my staff. I know you believe in this or you wouldn't have said it, but the administration cannot be opposed to this. As a matter of fact, the administration drafted this. Everyone liked the underlying bill…

Madam President, I am about to yield back my time, except to make one last comment. Everyone agrees it is a beautiful bill. They talk about the rider, but the rider came, not from someone else, it came from the Department of Commerce and…

Mr. President, I stayed on the floor and listened to all of the remarks of the senior Senator from California. While doing that, we did some checking. My staff informs me that probably this bill has more benefits for the State of…

Madam President, I have listened to the words from the other side. I have respect for them and their thoughts. I don't agree with them. But I wish to share a couple of things with the Senate. First of all, people need to understand what we…

I would inquire as to how much time remains. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma has 9 minutes remaining; the Senator from California has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining.

Madam President, reclaiming my time, let me just say that I saw the other Senator from Michigan nodding with approval and agreement. So this can happen, and that is why it is in here. I have to say to both Senators from Michigan--and we on…

I thank my good friend for being so generous in yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of both the rule and the underlying legislation. I begin by sharing my friend from Georgia's enthusiasm for the WRDA bill. I think this…

Mr. Speaker, I certainly thank the gentleman for yielding and those extremely kind and gracious words, and I certainly rise in support of this very important bill. I want to echo the praise that has been offered on this floor by members of…