Barbara Boxer: “we are working behind the scenes to allow a vote on H.R. 2576, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st…”

“we are working behind the scenes to allow a vote on H.R. 2576, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. My understanding of the status of this vote is that we are fine on the Democratic side, but there is an objection to moving to it on the Republican side. I am hopeful this can be resolved because this bill has been the most complicated, difficult, and emotional journey that I have ever had in the Senate. The fact that we have reached agreement--the vast, vast majority of us--showed in the House vote, where I think there were only about 1 dozen ``no'' votes. I think it is ripe for a vote. When you talk about regulating chemicals--toxic chemicals--it is not just an academic discussion. It has real-life consequences. When you name a bill after Senator Frank Lautenberg, who fought for the environment all of his life, it better be a bill worthy of his name. The cost of toxic chemicals to society is enormous. It is not only in terms of dollars but in terms of pain and suffering. They have extracted a very, very high cost on our people. Let me give you a few examples, because sometimes we talk in technicalities. I want to talk in realities. Asbestos is one of the most harmful chemicals known to humankind. It takes 15,000 lives a year. It is linked to a deadly form of lung cancer called mesothelioma.…”