David Cay Johnston: “One of the myths put out about the so-called Dole-Johnston amendment is that it contains a supermandate. That is, that…”

“One of the myths put out about the so-called Dole-Johnston amendment is that it contains a supermandate. That is, that the present requirements of law--for example, on the Clean Air Act, when it sets standards, for example, of maximum achievable control technology or the other specific requirements of law--that somehow those are overruled by this bill. Would the Senator agree with me that the language is very clear in saying that does not happen under this bill? To quote the language, it ``supplements and does not supersede the requirements of the present law.'' And, in fact, other language in the bill specifically points out that there will be instances where, because of the requirements of present law, you cannot meet the tests of the risk justifying the cost? The benefits justifying the cost? And, in other words, the requirements of present law, under the instant Dole-Johnston amendment, would still be in effect and would not be overruled by this bill? Would the Senator agree with me?”