Political Quotes

“Mr. President, just for the people who are watching this debate, we are talking about the Transportation bill. We are talking about preserving the jobs that go with that, 1.8 million jobs, and an additional 1 million that will be created. But we are hearing a debate about whether we should roll back a proposed rule that controls the following poisons: mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, benzene, and toxic soot, just to name a few. If anyone believes all this legislation is about is delay, then they don't know because this amendment, which has been called the EPA Regulatory Relief Act, would forever change the current standards allowed for mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, benzene, toxic soot, and other dangerous pollutants. So it not only delays a rule that is critical--and I will tell my colleagues the numbers of lives that will be saved because of it--but it changes the standards for these toxins forever. I don't know about the Senator from Maine, but I have never had one constituent come up to me and say: Senator Boxer, there is one thing you can do for me. I beg you. Increase the arsenic in the air. I need more mercury. Oh, I am desperately in need of more benzene, chromium, and lead. I have never heard one say: I am willing to risk the fact that my grandchild, who is going to be born in a few months--I am willing to risk the fact that they may have brain damage. Oh, repeal the Clean Air Act. Repeal the rules. I hope we will vote down this amendment.…”