Barbara Boxer: “I have no problem with the Bond-Lincoln amendment, but it does nothing. All pesticides that are on the market today are…”

“I have no problem with the Bond-Lincoln amendment, but it does nothing. All pesticides that are on the market today are approved by EPA. There are none that are not. This is a sham amendment to kill my underlying amendment, which already passed this Senate 84-14 when I offered it on the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Simply put, what we are saying is, for preventive and routine application of pesticides in national parks--where children play--don't use the most toxic pesticides, those that are identified by the EPA as known or probable carcinogens, acute nerve toxins or organophosphates, carbamates or organochlorines. EPA has identified these pesticides as those 'which appear to pose the greatest risk to public health.' In a June 13, 2000 letter, EPA states that it 'strongly supports the goal' of my amendment. EPA supports what we are trying to do because they have a mission, which is to protect kids. While it's true that the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 required EPA to ensure that its standards protect children, the fact is, EPA is not implementing this provision consistent with congressional intent.”