Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I am joined by the chair of the Appropriations Committee to discuss a provision in the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus appropriations bill, which we will vote on shortly in the Senate. The provision is section 425 of division F of the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus appropriations bill, which preserves the status quo with regard to the regulation of the lead content of certain items. As House Report 113-551 and the Omnibus Joint Explanatory Statement each explain, section 425 prohibits the use of funds to regulate the lead content of: (1) ammunition, (2) ammunition components, and (3) fishing tackle. The Toxic Substances Control Act regulates the chemical content of products. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has denied petitions to regulate the lead content of ammunition and fishing tackle under this statute. The omnibus provision simply reaffirms EPA's decision not to regulate the lead content of ammunition or fishing tackle under TSCA. While I oppose restricting EPA's ability to regulate the content of bullets and fishing tackle, I think it is important to be clear about what this provision does. I would ask my colleague, Senator Mikulski, if she agrees with this interpretation of section 425.”