Barbara Boxer

I hope for is we can give a five, 6 year bill out of here. That is our intent.

I just want to say to each and every one of you how much I appreciate your testimony today.

So Mr. Trumka, we are all aware that the recent global recession ravaged many sectors of the Nation's economy.

I am hopeful we can unite and that we don't get into arguments over environmental riders...

This is a hearing about the Highway Trust Fund. I have never quite seen this type of an attack on various members.

It is the goods movement that is so critical, because we all know what happens when it takes a long time.

That is why Senator Vitter and I are really working hard to move quickly to restore some faith out there.

I have begun discussions with Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Hatch on funding the Highway Trust Fund.

We wouldn't be able to fund any new projects.

Because if you are really worried about deficits and debt, which every single one of us is...

I believe Senator Barrasso is next, followed by Senator Boozman.

It is critical for our Nation to continue investing in our aging infrastructure.

We must not let that happen.

So I think what we need to do is find a sweet spot.

This committee is going to deal with the reauthorization. What we heard from every member... is that we need certainty here.

But I honestly have to say that this transportation bill, in order to get out of here, is not going to be one big environmental rider.

Roads and bridges are not Democratic, they are not Republican.

The pending Highway Trust Fund shortfall must be addressed by an infusion of funds.

I think the quickest way is the Manchin bill because it says that every State has to look at it because it is such a huge problem.

We have 80,000 chemicals out there. We know very little about these chemicals.

We have a massive problem and do not know how massive it is.

I think as we look at the TSCA bill, we should say if these chemicals are stored by drinking water supplies, Senator Vitter, I would support your point.

The last thing I want to do is give people the illusion of protection.

The bill as currently written would provide the public with the illusion of an effective Federal program to regulate chemicals, while tying the EPA in knots and taking away existing State authorities.

I want to make a statement about TSCA but most of my statement will not be about TSCA.