[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      PESTICIDE REFORM ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 1994

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Pesticide 
Reform Act of 1994, which is the Clinton administration's proposal for 
comprehensive reform or the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act pertaining to pesticides. Although pesticides are by far 
the most dangerous substance that we intentionally add to foods, they 
have never been subjected to the elementary public health standards 
that we demand of other food additives.
  After 20 years of reviewing pesticides, EPA has completed its 
evaluation for only a handful of substances. And even after that review 
is completed, current law permits EPA to leave on the market a 
pesticide that causes a risk to public health if the so-called benefits 
of that pesticide outweigh its risks.
  I believe that it is imperative that we amend our pesticide laws in 
order to protect the public. It is for this reason that for the past 
three Congresses I have joined Senator Kennedy in sponsoring pesticide 
reform legislation.
  The case for reform is especially compelling in light of the recent 
report of the National Academy of Sciences entitled ``Pesticides in the 
Diets of Infants and Children.'' That report demonstrates that our laws 
are wholly inadequate in protecting children from pesticides that may 
cause them serious harm.
  The administration is to be commended for developing a proposal that 
has the support of the three agencies with the principal responsibility 
for the regulation of pesticides--EPA, USDA, and FDA. The introduction 
of the Pesticide Reform Act of 1994 has significantly increased the 
chances of reform to strengthen our pesticide laws and to improve the 
safety of our food supply.

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