Barbara Boxer: “Right now it is not mandated. We will wait and see what happens. But my argument is, if this bill becomes law, I don't…”

“Right now it is not mandated. We will wait and see what happens. But my argument is, if this bill becomes law, I don't want to see the oil companies--the makers of ethanol--get off the hook if there is a problem. It would be unprecedented. It would be the first time in American history that it would happen. And it would be coming at a time when we know that all the environmental and health questions have not been answered. Before some of my colleagues arrived, I went through all of the myths that I have been told relating to my case. To try to say we are just mandating it, and we must, therefore, waive liability--we don't do that to automobile manufacturers with seatbelts, airbags, or anything else. That is why I am very proud to have Senator Durbin's support and Senator Dayton's support because these Senators come from ethanol States. They understand that if they have this waiver in this bill, it clouds this whole issue. If anyone says to you they have the safest product in the world and they want a liability waiver, what does that mean? It means in their hearts that they are not so sure. Again, anyone who wasn't born yesterday knows that is not a good thing to do.”