Bart Stupak: “I thank Mr. Dingell and Mr. Gillmor and others from the Michigan delegation for bringing forth this bill. It has been a…”

“I thank Mr. Dingell and Mr. Gillmor and others from the Michigan delegation for bringing forth this bill. It has been a long time. I rise in support of H.R. 2491, the International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act, or what is commonly referred to as the Canadian trash bill. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation which is needed to help control over 400 trucks a day that cross the border from Canada, bringing tons of trash mostly into Michigan, but also to other States. The unregulated flow of trash into Michigan and other States creates significant environment and public health concerns. Even more alarming, a January 2006 audit conducted by the Department of Homeland Security has shown that these trucks are often found containing human blood, medical waste, illegal drugs, and illegal currency. The report raises significant border security and national safety concerns that must be addressed. Currently, States and local governments are not allowed to control the trash coming in from out of their State. This Canadian trash bill will give residents of Michigan and other States the power to limit the trash from outside of the United States that they are forced to accept. I have repeatedly requested that President Bush and the Republican leadership support this legislation.…”