[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E33]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUNSHINE FOR REGULATORY DECREES AND SETTLEMENTS ACT OF 2015

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 7, 2016

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 712) to 
     impose certain limitations on consent decrees and settlement 
     agreements by agencies that require the agencies to take 
     regulatory action in accordance with the terms thereof, and 
     for other purposes:

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, today I rise in opposition to The Sunshine 
for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015.
  In our first legislative week of 2016 the Republican agenda is 
clear--continue to erode the rights of Americans. Despite its sunny 
title, this bill does nothing more than make it more difficult for 
agencies to implement environmental, public health and consumer 
regulations. This bill helps big corporations that do not want to 
comply with agency promulgations at the expense and health of the 
American people.
  It is for this reason Mr. Speaker that I must vote no.

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