Barbara Boxer: “I want to again try to set the record straight. Senator Bond said a letter is on its way from the EPA saying the…”

“I want to again try to set the record straight. Senator Bond said a letter is on its way from the EPA saying the California site is not in fact affected by the language in the bill regarding dredging. We have called them again. We called the general counsel last night. I told my friend from Missouri. They tell us that no such letter is coming. Be that as it may, whether the letter comes or it doesn't come, the fact is if it does not affect California--and I hope he is right--I say to my friend, if he gets that letter, I will be very grateful. It is a bad situation because the language, in fact, we believe will really slow down the cleanup of Superfund sites. That is why you have Senators Moynihan and Schumer concerned about the Hudson River. That cleanup will be stalled. As my friend, Senator Mikulski, said--she calls me the gentlelady from California. She is the gentlelady from Maryland. That goes back to our House days. Senator Mikulski pointed out that she said these riders are less draconian. I believe that. They are less draconian. They are still bad, and they don't belong on their otherwise terrific bill. They do harm. My friend points out that it is very clear the language said this will wreck the public health--no delay. It doesn't say ``affect'' the public health or the environment.”