Political Quotes

“I rise to support the Hinchey amendment and express my opposition to the antienvironment provisions contained in the bill and its report. It seems as though we go down this road every year fighting riders and report language designed specifically to stop the Environment Protection Agency from advancing the protection of human health and the environment. Just a few short weeks ago, the majority claimed to have adopted a policy of no antienvironmental riders in appropriations bills. Unfortunately for human health and the environment, this is not the case. Instead, the majority has determined to place antienvironmental provisions in the committee report. This amendment is necessary to undo that harm. Mr. Chairman, I am particularly concerned that the report accompanying this bill would prohibit EPA from removing contaminating sediments from rivers and lakes, even when such removal has been thoroughly studied and is the correct response. Contaminated sediments possess huge risks to health and the environment. Mr. Chairman, we all know there are two sites that drive this issue every year which are both heavily contaminated with PCBs. This broad language will stop or delay cleanups not only at these two sites, but also at 26 other sites in 15 States. It is time to stop interfering with EPA protecting human health and the environment. Support the Hinchey amendment.”