Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in opposition to certain PFAS-related provisions that are included in the National Defense Authorization Act. While it is important to provide funding for cleanup, it is also critical that efforts to regulate PFAS do so in a way that defines the chemicals consistently, adequately, and properly as supported by sound science. In this current version of the NDAA, what is defined as PFAS is left open to interpretation or defined under an extremely broad definition. Broad definition risks subjecting thousands of chemicals to unnecessary restrictions and create regulatory uncertainty for numerous products. A few products that could fall under this overly broad definition include lithium ion batteries, semiconductors, refrigerants, and medical devices. These products that could be impacted, provide critical benefits to our military and our broader society and should be manufactured in the United States. In the NDAA and with all legislation it is essential that we properly define PFAS up front so that implementing regulations can focus on materials such as PFOA and PFOS where there is scientific consensus for regulation. Throughout bicameral negotiations, I urge the careful consideration of drafting PFAS definitions that are properly focused, targeted, and supported by sound science.”