Frank Lautenberg: “while I am on the floor, I want to express some disappointment at the introduction today by my friend and colleague…”

“while I am on the floor, I want to express some disappointment at the introduction today by my friend and colleague, Senator Chafee, of a comprehensive bill amending our Federal hazardous waste cleanup law, better known as Superfund. This bill was introduced without consultation with any of the Democrats or with the administration. My staff, and those of the ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee, did not see a copy of this bill until late this morning. If we are to make reforms to Superfund this year--and it was hoped we would do it last year and the year before--it is critical that we work together in a bipartisan manner. Today's bill introduction is not a positive first step toward that bipartisanship. Enacting any Superfund legislation this year is going to require Members of both parties in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to work together. It will also require all of us to work with the President and EPA Administrator Carol Browner. In addition, Madam President, it would require us to appreciate that times have changed since the debate over Superfund reauthorization began in the late 1980's. The administration has made wide-ranging administrative proposals that have made a real difference, and this is not the same Superfund program of years past. We have learned a lot. We have improved its processing. We have reduced the possibility of heavy litigation costs.…”