Political Quotes

“This amendment simply states a scientific fact: Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can damage the development of an infant's brain. In 2000, the National Academy of Sciences concluded that the data linking neurodevelopment effects to mercury exposure is extensive. So what do we hear from the Republican side of the aisle? Science denial. When we talked about climate change and all the impact of the greenhouse gases, they said there's no problem. Science denial. Well, let me just say that the Republican majority in the House can vote to amend the Clean Air Act, but they cannot vote to amend the laws of nature. Babies born to women exposed to mercury during pregnancy can suffer from a range of developmental and neurological abnormalities, including delayed onset of walking, delayed onset of talking, cerebral palsy, and lower neurological test scores. The National Academy of Sciences estimates each year about 60,000 children may be born in the U.S. with neurological problems that could lead to poor school performance because of exposure to mercury in utero. The effects of mercury exposure in utero are insidious and long term. Now, why are we hearing that this isn't a scientific fact? Well, I heard a distinction of mercury and mercury when it's mixed with other chemicals. I think what we have here is, make up the science as you go along but deny the science that the scientists have worked for decades establishing.…”