Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I appreciate Senator Tester's leadership in putting together legislation, S. 3525, to address the priorities of sportsmen across the country. This bill has many important provisions that I support, including reauthorization of highly successful conservation programs in the Environment and Public Works Committee's jurisdiction, which I chair. These programs restore critical wetlands, support partnerships to conserve wildlife habitat, and promote outdoor recreation. While I appreciate Senator Tester's efforts to move this legislation forward, I remain deeply concerned about two provisions included in this package, which I will discuss today. S. 3525 broadens an exemption that prohibits the use of the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act to address public health and environmental threats from dangerous chemicals, including lead, in ammunition and fishing tackle. Some ammunition and fishing tackle contain lead that can be harmful to people who consume meat contaminated with lead shot. In 2008, Minnesota examined packages of venison and found that 22 percent contained lead fragments. North Dakota has also found lead fragments in venison being distributed for food. The latest science shows that there is no known safe level of lead in children's blood. Because lead can damage the nervous system, including the brain, children and pregnant women are especially at risk.…”