[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 7 (Wednesday, February 2, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    EPA: A SEAT AT THE CABINET TABLE

  (Ms. FURSE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support H.R. 3425. The 
United States is the only industrialized country that fails to provide 
the environment a seat at the Cabinet table. The environment is the one 
thing that binds together every single human being on this planet. We 
all rely on the environment for the air we breathe, the water we drink, 
the food we eat. A healthy environment is not a luxury or a special 
interest; a healthy environment is a prerequisite for national 
security, for public health, and for a vibrant economy. It is paramount 
that we ensure that the natural resources upon which we depend for our 
sustenance and livelihoods are not degraded by overexploitation or 
pollution. As such, Americans deserve to have a Secretary of the 
Environment advising their President at Cabinet-level meetings, 
representing the United States in international environmental 
agreements, and ensuring that environmental concerns are considered on 
par with other issues, such as commerce and defense, covered by other 
Cabinet departments.
  H.R. 3425 does not create more government; it cleans up existing 
government. The bill corrects management shortcomings in the EPA by, 
among other things, requiring the development of a strategic business 
plan and disallowing frivolous contracting expenses. It will save 
American taxpayers millions of dollars and greatly improve the 
Department's effectiveness in protecting environmental and public 
health.
  The rule for debate of H.R. 3425 is a fair, balanced, and bipartisan 
rule. The intent of this legislation is to make needed structural 
changes to the EPA; not environmental policy. The Rules Committee was 
consistent and fair in accepting nine germane amendments and they are 
from both sides. The rule does not pass judgment on the merit of any 
policy issues. It merely recognizes that H.R. 3425 is not the 
appropriate forum to debate them.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3425. Let us not impede the 
enactment of this important bill by arguing over a fair rule. I urge 
you to vote in favor of H.R. 3425 and its rule.

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