Barbara Boxer

I am proud to be one of the bill's strongest supporters.

When people in our States vote for their specific protections from harmful toxins, their rights must not be preempted.

What right does anyone sitting up here to overturn the will of the people in our States?

Will you work with me, with Senator Vitter, with others, to make sure that we do allow States' rights?

Everyone agrees that TSCA needs to be amended.

California EPA has written to express serious concerns about the effects of S. 1009 on California's ability to protect its residents.

We need to fix it. And I believe we can fix it.

I am sad that Frank Lautenberg is no longer here with us so that he can see this bill cross the finish line.

Asbestos victims are outraged to see their suggested amendments from prior bills regarding asbestos stripped from S. 1009.

S. 1009 as drafted takes a step backward.

I want to put in the record the risk management guidance from the Obama administration, just noting that it mentions children's health.

I am not going to be pushed into a bill that hurts the people I represent and the families I represent.

I want to be very clear. When respected voices from all over the Country tell us to protect the rights of the people we represent, I say yes.

S. 1009 would offer too many secrecy protections for chemical companies and could limit the ability of doctors, nurses and first responders to obtain vital information.

I am going to ask staffs on both sides to work with Senator Vitter and I to draft a letter that is very specific and laying out, we will send him all of your testimony, but we will also lay out in a format that is very simple, because you…

We made promises, we are going to deliver on those promises. So, they know they can count on us.

People voted to tax themselves which is always the best mandate you can have, especially a super majority.

Every American is entitled to safe highways, safe bridges and safe water, both disposal and drinking water.

Looking at it from their side, they do not want to make a mistake because the first mistake, politics will implode on whoever makes a mistake, whether it is a Republican Administration or a Democratic one.

To get a two-thirds vote in favor of a sales tax in the middle of a recession is quite an achievement.

I think it is important because you point out at the same time you want to get the money out on the street you also want to make sure they are safe investments for us.

I agreed with every single thing you said.

Will you stand ready to be a resource for us as we put together the next bipartisan highway bill?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, every dollar made available for TIFIA can mobilize up to $30 in transportation investments.

We have just as much at stake in the TIFIA Program as all of you do because we put our confidence in it.