[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to move forward with the 
Senate language on the Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, which has 
been a difficult, multiyear 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.

                          ____________________