Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I first thank the gentleman for yielding and for his amendment. We all know that ozone is a hazardous air pollutant that contributes to health problems such as asthma attacks, heart disease, and birth defects--problems being made worse by climate change. More than 40 percent of Americans, almost 130 million people, live in counties that receive an F grade for air quality from the American Lung Association. This includes my district that I represent in Illinois, as well as Washington, D.C. This amendment would remove a needless delay in the implementation of an ozone rule designed to protect public health. The rule in question involves a modest lowering of the ozone limit from 75 to 70 parts per billion, a small change that would yield large health benefits, including preventing 230,000 asthma attacks in children and 188,000 missed school and workdays each year. This decision to lower the ozone limit was the result of a rigorous multiyear process carried out by expert scientists. So I want to urge my colleagues to stand up for the health of our constituents and support this amendment.”