[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E865-E866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE IMPORTATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2007

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, as an original co-sponsor, I rise today in 
support of H.R. 518, The international Solid Waste Importation and 
Management Act, or what is commonly referred to as the Canadian Trash 
bill.
  Last Congress, identical legislation (H.R. 2491) was unanimously 
approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee and the full U.S. House 
of Representatives.
  Since coming to Congress, I have worked with Mr. Dingell and other 
members to address the Canadian trash problem. After 14 years of work, 
I look forward to resolving this issue.
  Over 400 trucks a day cross the border from Canada, bringing tons of 
trash into Michigan

[[Page E866]]

and other states. The unregulated flow of trash from Canada into 
Michigan and other states creates significant environment and public 
health concerns.
  Even more alarming; a January 2006 audit conducted by the Department 
of Homeland Security has shown that these trucks are often found 
containing medical waste, illegal drugs, and illegal currency.
  This report raises significant border security and national safety 
concerns that must be addressed.
  This legislation would give residents of Michigan and other states 
the power to limit the trash from outside the United States they are 
currently forced to accept.
  I look forward to continuing to work with supporters on both sides of 
the aisle to move this legislation to the President's desk.
  Given the environmental, public health, border security, and national 
safety concerns, it is especially important that we act immediately to 
control the flow of trash from Canada.
  I'd like to thank Chairman Dingell for his leadership on this issue, 
and I encourage my colleagues to support this long overdue legislation.

                          ____________________