Jeremiah Smith: “I am very proud to be debating the brownfields legislation, known as the Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental…”

“I am very proud to be debating the brownfields legislation, known as the Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001, or S. 350. It is a bill we have worked on for a long time--many years actually. It is exciting to be at this point and to have bipartisan legislation that, frankly, we know after we finish the debate is going to pass. That does not happen every day in the Senate. So it is exciting. I am proud that two-thirds of the Senate, both political parties, are cosponsors--68 to be exact. Also, the President supports the bill. If we can get the cooperation of the House of Representatives, this will pass quickly, and the President will sign it. We are very excited about that. This bill has the full bipartisan support of all members of the Environment and Public Works Committee across the political spectrum. Make no mistake about it, in spite of the support the bill has, it has not been an easy process. Superfund, so-called, is a very difficult subject. That is an issue I have worked on and I know Senator Reid and Senator Chafee and others have for many years. Ever since I began my service in the Congress, I have tried to reform this flawed Superfund law.”