Secret Science Reform Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. McGOVERN. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, for the second time in a 6-month period, we are considering legislation specifically designed to delay implementation of EPA regulations and prevent the EPA from using the best available scientific data.

I know my friends on the other side of the aisle don't like the EPA, and they don't believe in sound science--they have made that very clear during the time that they have the majority--but this so-called Secret Science Reform Act is a dangerous attack on the EPA's ability to use the best available science to protect public health and our environment.

Peer reviewed scientific research from our world class universities informs EPA rulemaking. To limit access to this research--and open the doors to industry-manipulated data--is just plain wrong.

I have cosponsored an amendment offered by my good friend Joe Kennedy to allow the EPA to continue relying upon peer reviewed scientific data. Boy, what a radical idea. This commonsense amendment will ensure the EPA has access to the valuable research necessary to make sound decisions about our public health and environment.

Mr. Chairman, there isn't ``secret science,'' just science that my Republican colleagues do not like. The contempt for science demonstrated by the Republican majority in this House is troublesome. Putting profits of a particular industry ahead of the safety and well-being of our citizens by rigging the data is dangerous.

People might wonder: Why are we debating this bill here today? Well, I would suggest you follow the money, follow where the political campaign contributions are going.

The notion that we, in this House, would disregard sound science and instead open the doors for profitmaking industries to come in and dictate what the rules and regulations are with regard to the safety and well-being of our citizens is just plain dangerous.

I urge my colleagues, at the very least, support the Kennedy amendment and defeat the underlying legislation.

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