Congresswoman McCollum's Remarks Remarks on Proposed Environmental Cuts in FY2011 Continuing Resolution

I rise today to let the American people—and all Minnesotans—know that this Continuing Resolution is an unprecedented assault on our public health and the environment.

We know the federal budget is in crisis.

We know we must make tough choices.

But those choices must be prudent, wise, and invest for our future. It should not put the basic health of Americans at risk.

The Republicans' plan before us proposes to cut $3 billion from the EPA's budget, the largest percentage cut to this critical agency in 30 years.

The bill also proposes radical policy language to bar the EPA from carrying out its historic mission to protect the health of the American people by limiting EPA's ability to enforce the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

The EPA needs to be allowed to do its job and it needs the resources to do this job.

This bill would cause EPA to layoff 80% of its employees who are responsible for protecting the public health.

State clean water programs are gutted by $2 billion in the Republican budget. Our local communities are struggling with their own budgets and these vital funds allow for communities to hire engineers and construction workers to upgrade wastewater plants and drinking water projects.

It is EPA's investments in clean water that allows parents to know that if their child walks up to any drinking fountain anywhere in America, they can have the peace of mind that the water is safe for their children to drink. These irresponsible cuts jeopardize that peace of mind.

The EPA does important work and the work they do saves lives. I strongly oppose the reckless Republican cuts and radical deregulation proposals that endanger our communities.

Congress needs to make difficult choices Mr. Chair, but it is foolhardy to shortchange clean air, clean water and the health of our families.

Yesterday I received over 1000 Valentines from Minnesotans. These valentines were dedicated to the EPA. My constituents understand the important work the EPA has done to protect our water, air, land, and health over the last 40 years and that this work must continue.

This continuing resolution would turn back all the tremendous progress we have made in cleaning up our environment. I firmly reject it and urge my colleagues to do so as well.