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…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California will be postponed. Amendment No. 18 Offered by Mr. Connolly of Virginia

And my colleagues, I strongly oppose this bill on substantive grounds. It nullifies critical EPA rules to cut toxic air pollution from solid waste incinerators and large industrial boilers. It threatens EPA's ability to issue new rules…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of the bill, add the following section: SEC. 6. COMPLIANCE WITH CUT-GO. If this Act authorizes…

They said it is imperative that the rulemaking process-- already under way for a decade--goes forward unencumbered by congressional intrusion and that final regulations be promulgated as soon as possible to alleviate continued and further…

I yield to the gentleman if he wishes to seek a unanimous consent request in that regard. Apparently, there is an objection. Reclaiming my time for the moment that I have left, what we are seeing is Republicans unwilling to say anything…

Well, let me ask, if we had a unanimous consent request, could we change the amendment? As I understand it, we could. The Acting CHAIR. The proponent may modify her amendment by unanimous consent.

There is an epidemic of obesity among our children. This is a serious health matter.

Our new criteria build on the successes from our current program in which companies use meaningful but individually based standards.

Well, this amendment wouldn't change the bill. This amendment simply says that mercury has the potential to be a neurotoxin that could affect children.

I want to counter the statement that was just made. We have an estimate from the boiler industry association, and they say that there is going to be a loss of jobs, and that was what was cited by my friend from Kentucky. But EPA did a very…

I seek recognition in support of the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Does the gentleman move to strike the last word?

Under the 5-minute rule I am recognized, and I want the opportunity to respond to the comments that were just made. My colleague from Kentucky keeps on saying that there will be no benefit from the EPA boiler rules in terms of health…

Well, I will seek recognition to strike the last word. I didn't know I couldn't stand up during the debate on an amendment and speak in favor of the amendment, but I will take it. The Acting CHAIR. This debate is under the 5-minute rule…

Their preliminary proposal is extreme. We don't want Uncle Sam planning our family meals.

The Interagency Working Group proposal was not realistic or workable.

I support the amendment. It returns the bill if it became law to what are the times specified in the Clean Air Act. And I think those times are reasonable. But let me just say that EPA is working on these regulations, these rules. This is…

I just have a question about the parliamentary manner in which the debate is being handled. When I asked the other day for time to speak on the bill, I was recognized for 5 minutes. Then I asked to strike the last word so I could speak…

I don't wish to strike the last word. I want to speak in favor of the amendment. Is that grounds for recognition? The Acting CHAIR. Yes. The only way to gain recognition for debate is to strike the last word.

So the rule is that any Member can speak on the amendment and also strike the last word and have two 5-minute timeframes? The Acting CHAIR. Only if the first 5 minutes is allocated to speak in opposition.

I seek recognition to speak in support of the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman strikes the last word, and he is recognized for 5 minutes.

I asked a while ago to speak in favor of an amendment. I was told that I had to strike the last word. Can the Chair explain to me why I have to strike the last word to speak in favor of an amendment, and if I spoke in favor of an…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California will be postponed. Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Rush

I just want to point out to my colleagues that what the bill does is repeals the previous rule, regulation, and then prohibits EPA from adopting another regulation for 15 months. And when they adopt another regulation, it can't be enforced…

Yesterday Republicans told us they aren't opposed to clean air, but we just can't afford it right now. And as their bills have no deadline for ever cleaning up toxic air pollution from these sources, it appears that they don't think we can…