[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]

 
            A NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

  (Ms. ESHOO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3425, 
which elevates the Environmental Protection Agency to Cabinet-level 
status, and in support of the recommended rule.
  It is time to demonstrate in a tangible way our commitment to our 
Nation's environment by giving it the same institutional support and 
priority as our country's commerce and energy needs, and other issues 
receiving Cabinet-level support.
  Today, we not only have the opportunity to elevate the EPA's 
importance, we have the chance to correct serious management problems 
at EPA that have hindered the Agency in fulfilling its mission.
  Mr. Speaker, the only way the necessary changes will be made is to 
stick to the issue at hand--EPA's efficiency and reorganization.
  Let us not confuse the debate with specific issues of environmental 
policy, which have their place and time but not with respect to the 
issue of elevating the EPA to the President's Cabinet.
  The recommended rule keeps this bill clean and is our best hope for 
passage.
  I ask my colleagues to support this rule, support this bill, and end 
5 years of gridlock on this critical issue.

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