Political Quotes

“Madam President, it was 10 days ago the Chicago Tribune had a Sunday exclusive investigative report on fire-retardant chemicals, and the report went on for several days. I called the writers and commended them on the wonderful job they did on this report. It was as good as any investigation I have ever seen by a committee of Congress. It raised some serious issues I had never thought about. We probably have all heard from time to time there are certain chemicals which, when put on fabric, for example, will reduce the likelihood that it will flame and injure someone. I accepted that as truth, and I guess most people would. There was testimony given, even by medical doctors and so-called experts, that said that is a fact. Well, the Tribune series took a look at the so-called experts, and guess what they found. They were on the payroll of the chemical companies that made the fire-retardant chemicals, and the doctors were actually kind of manufacturing cases of burns to make the case that States should apply these new standards. Over the years this testimony by these people, who had a built-in conflict of interest, ended up being persuasive at many levels in many States. As a result, there were requirements to add fire-retardant chemicals to fabrics in clothing, pajamas, furniture, and the like. Then a closer look was taken. The Underwriters Laboratories took a look at these chemicals and said: You know what. They don't stop a fire from flaming up.…”