Political Quotes

“Madam President, this is a modified version of an amendment I offered yesterday. I am joined by Senators Alexander, Inhofe, Bond, Voinovich, Snowe, Begich, Gregg, Brown of Massachusetts, Murkowski, Coburn, Thune, and Corker in supporting this amendment. On April 22, the EPA's new lead paint rule went into effect. As I explained to my colleagues yesterday, unfortunately the EPA completely botched the implementation of this important rule. This rule is intended to make sure that lead-based paint is removed safely from our homes and, thus, it requires those involved in house renovations to participate in a training course in the proper removal of lead-based paint, and then be certified. Unfortunately, the EPA did not plan well for the implementation of this new rule. Across our country, it did not have in place the necessary trainers and classes so that individuals could be trained to comply with this new rule. What our amendment would do is to delay the fines that would apply in cases of violations of this new rule until September 30. Indeed, it would prohibit the EPA from imposing these fines, which are as high as $37,500 per day per violation for violating this rule. I want to make clear that I support efforts to rid our homes of toxic lead-based paint in a safe manner.…”