Frank Lautenberg: “let me begin by commending both the chairman, Senator Bond, and the ranking minority member, Senator Mikulski, and their…”

“let me begin by commending both the chairman, Senator Bond, and the ranking minority member, Senator Mikulski, and their staffs, for their hard work on this legislation. With the inadequate allocation given this subcommittee, they have had to make very hard choices between the competing needs for environmental protection, housing, veterans, science, and NASA, not to mention the many other agencies covered by this bill. It's a very, very difficult job. Mr. President, as one with a strong interest in the environment, I am very pleased that the bill funds Superfund cleanup at the President's level, and exceeds the President's level for the State revolving loan funds, which are used to ensure that our water supply is clean. I also appreciate the chairman's support of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which studies the health threats posed by toxic waste sites and helps to prioritize Superfund cleanups. I also am pleased that this year we will avoid the debate on anti-environmental riders that have been pushed so hard in the past by many House Republicans. Mr. President, although we have made great progress on EPA funding overall, I do remain concerned about the inadequate funding of research into sediment decontamination technology.”