[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22203]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     INTRODUCTION OF THE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 
                      REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 9, 2001

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I join Chairman Young in introducing (by 
request) the Administration's bill to reauthorize the U.S. Department 
of Transportation's (DOT) hazardous materials program. Given the recent 
threats to our nation's security, it is particularly important that we 
have in place a program that strengthens the Department of 
Transportation's inspection and enforcement authority over hazardous 
materials movements. To address the threats to the security and safety 
associated with the transportation of hazardous materials, DOT 
inspectors need clear authority to open and inspect packages they 
believe might contain hazardous materials and to issue emergency orders 
to stop unsafe practices that pose an immediate threat to life, 
property, and the environment.
  The bill also addresses the problem of undeclared hazardous materials 
shipments by mail. The bill authorizes the United States Postal Service 
to collect fines and recover damages for violations of hazardous 
materials regulations. The proposal calls for substantial increases in 
penalties for those who would violate Federal hazardous materials laws 
and regulations.
  However, I have a number of concerns with the Administration's 
proposal that I hope we will address during consideration of any 
hazardous materials legislation. This is not the time to compromise on 
the safety and security of hazardous materials transportation.
  The risks from serious hazmat releases to employees of hazmat 
transporters and the public-at-large are simply too great to allow for 
legislation that offers anything but the highest level of protection. I 
look forward to working with the Chairman, the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Administration to craft a 
hazardous materials reauthorization bill that will best meet the needs 
of hazardous materials transporters, their workers, and the American 
people.