James M. Jeffords: “I would like to commend the Senator from Nevada and the Senator from New Hampshire for their tireless efforts to…”

“I would like to commend the Senator from Nevada and the Senator from New Hampshire for their tireless efforts to complete this important legislation. In addition, I applaud their willingness to work with a variety of parties affected by this legislation and their ability to draft a bill which will go a long way towards reducing levels of lead in the environment. Mr. President, this bill reflects many hours of work on behalf of the members and staff of the Environment and Public Works Committee. I cannot emphasize enough the important of such legislation and urge my colleagues to support passage. All across this country children suffer from ingestion and exposure to lead. Lead is a toxic substance and can cause significant problems when it contributes to elevated blood-lead levels--especially in children. The detrimental effects of lead contamination go beyond the affected individuals; we pay a social cost as well. This lead reduction initiative will reduce children's exposure to lead, decreasing adverse health effects. The bill will ask manufacturers of certain products to reduce the lead they use, will require States to reduce lead hazards in schools, increase lead battery recycling and will spur the reporting of blood lead levels. Mr. President, this bill represents clear evidence that the Senate cares about the health of this Nation's children.”