Barbara Boxer: “I thank my friend for the question. Again, we were promised an open amendment process. I wish to make a point to my…”

“I thank my friend for the question. Again, we were promised an open amendment process. I wish to make a point to my friend who has worked so hard on the Environment and Public Works Committee. I am so appreciative of his work. Do you know, if an amendment like yours does not pass, what it means is that American companies will be treated in a much harsher fashion than a Canadian foreign oil company--in other words, because the other side is just saying: No more facts, no more information, no more environmental impact statement--even though we know there are health impacts due to the tar sands. The Senator has pointed out the possibility of having a bad impact on drinking water. We have seen what has happened in West Virginia when we don't worry about that. So my friend is absolutely right, and I am honored that he asked me to comment on this particular amendment. And I hope that he will ask--I know you are pending. I hope that you are going to get a vote on this amendment one way or another. I know some other colleagues may want to ask a question.”