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McCollum Offers Democratic Amendment Protecting Children Exposed to Asbestos

January 8, 2016

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-MN) offered the Democratic Motion to Recommit on HR1927. The amendment would protect children who were victims of asbestos poisoning in schools from having their personal information exposed publicly. HR1927 limits the ability of victims of asbestos poisoning to seek justice, and threatens to expose their names, exposure history, financial information, and partial social security numbers. The McCollum amendment ensures that children who are victims would not be subject to that disclosure as they and their families pursue justice.

“Our children deserve to be protected and parents should have the peace of mind that their children’s privacy is secure,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “As a mother, I cannot imagine the anguish of worrying about my child’s health as they suffer from asbestos-exposure. This bill would then add the burden for parents of worrying that their child’s private information had been posted on a public website. Without this amendment to the current bill, the House will be voting to deliver sensitive information about these children to identity thieves and sexual predators who will be able to exploit them.

“Congress has a responsibility to find real solutions that help and support victims, especially children, of asbestos exposure and their families. HR 1927 falls far short of that standard.”

Congresswoman McCollum has been a champion for mesothelioma throughout her time in Congress. Her predecessor representing Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District, Congressman Bruce Vento, was diagnosed with mesothelioma and passed away in 2000.

Congresswoman McCollum is the ranking Democratic member on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
and the Democratic co-chair of the Native American Caucus.

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