Jon S. Corzine: “before I read the amendment, I will preface it by expressing my gratitude to Senator McCain and Senator Breaux for their…”

“before I read the amendment, I will preface it by expressing my gratitude to Senator McCain and Senator Breaux for their cooperation in working to address what all Members believe is an extraordinarily important issue with regard to inspections. I think all Members will be better served because of the efforts all Members, cooperatively and in a bipartisan way, brought forward. The amendment reads: The assessment period shall be no less than every 5 years unless the DOT IG, after consultation with the Secretary determines -- There is not a sufficient capability or it is deemed unnecessary because of more technically appropriate monitoring or creates undue interruption of necessary supply to fulfill the requirements under this paragraph. Let me say I hope the other issues with regard to certification-- particularly inspectors and operators, consideration of civil liabilities--are things that will be considered as we progress with regard to this legislation. But I think this is a major step forward. I am very grateful to the sponsors for their willingness to consider the efforts we are bringing to bear on inspections. I thank my colleagues.”