Cord Byrd: “yesterday I voted for both of the amendments offered by Senators Burns and Boxer in relation to studies that test…”

“yesterday I voted for both of the amendments offered by Senators Burns and Boxer in relation to studies that test pesticides on humans. I believe that they are both partially right. We should not cut off vital products from the market that are needed and used in our homes, businesses, and farms. Using the best available scientific data is essential in assuring the public that these valuable products are safe and also readily available. Senator Burns's amendment would support a thorough review of human dosing studies to make sure that they comport with certain conditions and would report back to the authorizing committees as well as the Appropriations Committee. At the same time, the EPA should establish strong scientific and ethical standards on studies that expose people, especially young children, to various pesticides, fungicides, and other toxins that are used in commerce. I am concerned that the now-halted study on small children from Jacksonville, FL is an irresponsible example of how to conduct such reviews. Strong standards should apply both to the agency's own studies as well as to third-party studies. Important questions have been raised about the protocols and guidelines of certain studies, and therefore it is only prudent to step back for a year to scrutinize that process. For this reason, I voted for the Boxer amendment.…”