On the recordMarch 14, 2012
Colleagues, I think we are now at the last amendment, so please hear me out. If you care about your constituency, you have to vote no on this amendment. The implication is that the Senator is waiving environmental rules, health and safety rules, after a disaster. It is not true. Read the amendment. It is any kind of reconstruction for any safety purpose. If you have a bridge in your great State that is over 50 years old, it has lead and it has asbestos. Every health and safety reg that deals with the safe disposal of just those two toxins--let alone PCBs and others--they are waived. One little speck of asbestos in your lungs and you know what could happen. This is an overreach. In the base bill, in the underlying bill, Senator Inhofe and I have expedited reviews dramatically. We came together on it. It was tough negotiation. Stick with us and please vote no on this dangerous amendment. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
