[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASBESTOS DISEASE AWARENESS 
                              ORGANIZATION

 Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, as a long-standing advocate for 
public health and environmental protection, I commend the Asbestos 
Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) for its 20 years of unwavering 
dedication to ending asbestos-caused disease and to protecting 
Americans from the devastating effects of asbestos exposure.
  Since 2004, ADAO has been an indispensable partner in our efforts to 
reform toxic substance regulations and ban asbestos in the United 
States. Their work has been instrumental in shaping critical, 
lifesaving legislation, including the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical 
Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances 
Control Act (TSCA) in 2016.
  ADAO's commitment to science-based advocacy and policy reform has 
been crucial in educating lawmakers, the public, and regulatory 
agencies about the ongoing dangers of asbestos exposure, of which there 
is no safe level, and in keeping the issue at the forefront of our 
national health agenda. Their work has brought stakeholders together to 
make real change.
  ADAO has played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of 
the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act. Since 2017, my distinguished 
colleague from Oregon Representative Suzanne Bonamici and I have been 
proud to introduce this critical legislation. Named in honor of ADAO's 
founder Linda Reinstein's late husband Alan, it represents our shared 
commitment to finally and fully ban asbestos in the United States.
       Congratulations to the entire ADAO community on 20 years of 
     lifesaving advocacy. Your dedication inspires us all as we 
     work toward a United States free from the threat of 
     asbestos.

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