Anna Eshoo: “I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3425, which elevates the Environmental Protection Agency to Cabinet-level status…”

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3425, which elevates the Environmental Protection Agency to Cabinet-level status, and in support of the recommended rule. It is time to demonstrate in a tangible way our commitment to our Nation's environment by giving it the same institutional support and priority as our country's commerce and energy needs, and other issues receiving Cabinet-level support. Today, we not only have the opportunity to elevate the EPA's importance, we have the chance to correct serious management problems at EPA that have hindered the Agency in fulfilling its mission. Mr. Speaker, the only way the necessary changes will be made is to stick to the issue at hand--EPA's efficiency and reorganization. Let us not confuse the debate with specific issues of environmental policy, which have their place and time but not with respect to the issue of elevating the EPA to the President's Cabinet. The recommended rule keeps this bill clean and is our best hope for passage. I ask my colleagues to support this rule, support this bill, and end 5 years of gridlock on this critical issue.”