Frank Pallone

Given the concerns raised by the measles outbreak in various parts of the Nation and recent State legislative activity, it is appropriate to have this hearing to provide greater discussion and examination at a national level.

These outbreaks are tragic since they are completely avoidable.

We currently have multiple measles outbreaks in the United States.

Nobody here can really believe that the worst offenders of environmental laws would voluntarily come forward to disclose their violations.

We absolutely do need to still keep inspecting and keep enforcement to create the very incentive.

I would not suggest that the audit policy is appropriate for the worst offenders.

Do your job. Enforce the law. That is what the Executive Branch is supposed to do.

Some uses of our data is certainly concerning. This committee has explored many of them, Cambridge Analytica's use of people's data to manipulate their political opinions and influence their votes, for example.

How do we empower consumers and impose reasonable limits on companies that collect and use our own personal information?

Welcome to the first hearing of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee. We renamed the subcommittee to emphasize the importance of putting consumers first.

I just wish that the Trump administration would follow the Constitution.

Let there be no doubt that this committee will continue to hold the Trump administration accountable.

Thank you for continuing to protect human health and the environment through the hard work you do each and every day.

EPA must have a robust enforcement presence.

It is, therefore, impossible to assess EPA's effectiveness without looking at whether the Agency is enforcing the Federal environmental statutes that are already on the books.

You can't rely on self-disclosure alone, that you need an enforcement program to create the incentive.

Why should I believe that the worst offenders would voluntarily come forward?

I said that it appears that the Trump EPA is relying on industry to voluntarily come forward and disclose when they are not in compliance.

On the campaign trail, President Trump said he wanted to dramatically cut the EPA and leave only, I quote, 'little tidbits' left.

There is no doubt that the Trump EPA's enforcement records is abysmal, the worst in decades.

Today the committee begins critical oversight of the Trump EPA's enforcement program, something that the previous Republican majority ignored.

Some uses of our data is certainly concerning.

In some cases, data use results in discrimination, differential pricing, and even physical harm.

Companies use that information to sort and commodify us.

Thank you, Chairman Schakowsky, when you said that, you know, what this committee is all about is putting consumers first.