Political Quotes

“I thank Chairman Smith for giving me these minutes to talk about two amendments that I have brought forth that are part of this en bloc. First is an amendment about PFAS, which we have heard a little bit about already. It is important to understand that our military is storing and planning to destroy millions of gallons of material that contain PFAS, which is a class of chemicals that contaminate drinking water and is linked to serious health problems. These materials must be destroyed for the sake of the health of our communities, but that needs to be done in a way that protects our environment, not in a way that causes us yet more harm. My amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that all incineration of materials containing PFAS is conducted in a manner that eliminates PFAS while also ensuring that no PFAS is emitted into the air in the process. It also sets clear guardrails for storage, byproducts, and appropriate facilities for disposal. I thank Mr. Khanna for cosponsoring this measure so we can protect our communities from further PFAS contamination. The second amendment I wish to address will help us understand the universe of defense contractors that have willfully violated Federal health, safety, and labor standards that protect American workers. American people work hard to build the infrastructure necessary to keep our country safe. We have a responsibility to honor that work by paying them fairly and keeping them safe, as the law requires.…”