Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in support of the en bloc amendment which contains an amendment I have offered.

In order to ensure the Environmental Protection Agency is able to effectively carry out its responsibility to protect human health and the environment for future generations, we need to ensure emergency responders and investigators are there when we need them.

Closing EPA's facilities or relocating personnel tasked with the ultimate responsibility to answer the call during an environmental emergency or investigate the cost and whom to hold accountable in the aftermath is the wrong approach. Future generations will be less safe, and the health of our environment will be at increased risk.

This amendment would simply prevent the EPA from closing or relocating any office or facility that houses either emergency responders or a criminal investigation unit responsible for carrying out the agency's mission.

EPA emergency response personnel serve in offices--some large and some small--across this Nation. These brave and dedicated public servants respond to oil spills; chemical, biological, and radiological releases; and large-scale national emergencies. They also provide additional response assistance when State and local first responder capabilities have been exhausted or need additional support.

Located in my district is the Large Lakes Research Station on Grosse Ile, an island in the Detroit River. This facility serves the Great Lakes region.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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