Washington, D.C. – Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the statement below following passage of legislation to reform the nation’s toxic chemicals law.

 Senator Boxer said:  “I am pleased to move forward with the Senate language on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which has been a difficult, multi-year odyssey. 

 “I did this for two reasons.  First, the bill has been vastly improved over the original bill, which in my opinion would have been harmful to our families, because it overrode our state laws and set up an ineffective and nonexistent way to regulate most toxic pollutants. Secondly, I have been assured that as the House and Senate bills are merged into one, the voices of those who have been most deeply affected, including nurses, breast cancer survivors, asbestos victims, and children, will be heard.  I will have the opportunity to be in the room at every step and express their views. 

 “This is very important to me because the history of this bill has been so contentious.  I want to assure my colleagues, my home state of California, and the people of this nation that I will stay intimately involved as the bill moves forward, and I will share my views openly.  I look forward to the work ahead, and I am optimistic that we can reach a fair and just conclusion.”

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