Paul Tonko

The area of safe drinking water, which obviously is a fundamental right and a fundamental duty of our federal government, is our focus here today.

But I must point out inaccuracies in the document. In the release, the EPA claims that my colleagues and I deliberately chose to exclude them. That is simply not true.

The past 24 years of SDWA... have made it clear that the regulatory framework for standard setting has left Americans dangerously exposed.

I strongly support additional federal funding to ensure that state and local governments, schools, daycares, and water utilities have the resources necessary to map and replace water infrastructure containing lead as quickly as possible.

The revision as proposed will not require the action needed to get lead out of our drinking water systems.

Action to get the lead out of our water systems starts with identifying existing service lines and making that information publicly available.

We have known for decades that there is no safe level of lead for children.

I expect we will hear today that the proposal still needs work and, in my opinion, it falls far short of the meaningful protective action necessary to get lead out of our drinking water systems.

In 2004, EPA initiated a review of the lead and copper Rule following the lead crisis in Washington, DC 16 years later, we are still waiting for EPA to finalize its long-term revision.

We must also strengthen EPA's Underground Injection Control Program to ensure that it protects underground sources of drinking water.

The lack of uniformity has impeded interstate commerce, compromised the international competitiveness of the industry, and undermined public confidence in the integrity of the sport.

I am a conservative who believes in federalism and states' rights, but I also understand that the Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce precisely for the purpose of eliminating these kinds of impediments to…

The most recent draft of the Horseracing Integrity Act was developed through a highly deliberative and bipartisan process and takes into consideration a diversity of perspectives from all parts of the industry.

We must build on the momentum in Congress and the industry as a whole to ensure the safety of our athletes and increase the popularity, public confidence, and international competitiveness of the sport.

A national uniform medication program is not about creating more bureaucracy or regulation; rather it is about streamlining the current regulatory structure to ensure the safety of our athletes.

I appreciate my colleague and friend, Representative Barr, for all the work that we have been able to do together with that input.

The time for talk is done. We need action, not more promises, which is why I am proud that this legislation is moving forward.

When can we actually expect results from this scheme? We have received countless promises from the industry for decades.

By advancing the Horseracing Integrity Act and placing the majestic equine athletes front and center, we can truly capture the imagination of the Nation.

Alternatively, the horseracing industry could choose the more difficult path of action.

The path of least resistance would be to do nothing.

Today, we find ourselves at an inflection point with regard to the future of horseracing.

I am pleased that we are holding this hearing today to learn about the Horseracing Integrity Act and how we can ensure that the sport of kings continues to thrive well into the future.

Simply put, climate change is worsening fires, which cause more climate damage.

Simply quenching them without addressing their root cause is incomplete and irresponsible.