Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to H.J. Res. 136, a resolution seeking to overturn the EPA's very important tailpipe emissions rule finalized in April 2024. This rule sets strong pollution standards for passenger cars, light- duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027 through 2032. It is a vital step toward cleaner air and healthier lives for all Americans. As an emergency physician, I have witnessed firsthand the severe health impacts of air pollution on our communities. In fact, recent scientific literature shows that those communities that live in high-polluted areas live 10 years less than those that do not. The Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley in southern California, in my district, despite their beauty, consistently rank among the worst air quality in the Nation. Without surprise, this has led to an alarmingly high asthma rate in our district, nearly double the average national rate. {time} 0945 Approximately 27 percent of our children suffer from asthma and experience some of the highest asthma-related hospitalizations in California. Families, particularly those in low-income, frontline, vulnerable communities, are grappling with the consequences of living in one of the worst regions for air quality in the country. This is not just an issue in my district. Madam Speaker, this is an issue in your district. This is an issue in all of our districts.…”