Hon. Michael G. Oxley: “for twenty years, small business owners have lived in fear of the onerous Superfund law. With the passage of H.R. 1831…”

“for twenty years, small business owners have lived in fear of the onerous Superfund law. With the passage of H.R. 1831, the Small Business Liability Protection Act, the House of Representatives is saying, ``Enough!'' As you may know, Superfund reform consumed a good portion of my legislative career during the last half decade. That's how I came to meet Barbara Williams, the restaurant owner in Gettysburg who found herself ensnared in Superfund liability even though she did little more than dump a few chicken bones and leftover mashed potatoes in the local landfill. Small business owners across the country have suffered through the same expensive experience. Superfund was never supposed to drive these hard-working business people into bankruptcy. The National Federation of Independent Business has been out in front, trying to correct this injustice. And over the years, I came to feel that many Members also regarded this as unfair. Barbara Williams and the NFIB started a crusade that is culminating in this bill. The legislative process can move slowly . . . and while it's moving, some us move along. But I have a sense of satisfaction that we are doing the right thing for innocent small businesses.”