The House recently advanced the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, an overhaul of the regulations on chemical safety contained in the Toxic Substances Control Act, with a vote of 403 to 12.
“This is sweeping legislation with monumental benefits for virtually every man, woman, and child in the United States,” U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), chairman of the Environment and the Economy Subcommittee, said. “This bill represents a balanced and thoughtful compromise that makes long needed improvements to an outdated and ineffective law. It’s the culmination of a multi-year, multi-Congress effort and marks the first consequential update of the Toxic Substances Control Act in 40 years. I thank everyone who worked hard to get us to where we are today. It’s imperative that we get this bill signed into law without delay.”
The bill advanced through the House following more than three years of bipartisan efforts to update the nation’s chemical safety laws, including nine hearings examining their shortcomings.
“This bill is good for jobs. It’s good for consumers. And it’s good for the environment,” said U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Energy and Commerce Committee chairman, said. “This landmark legislation is the most meaningful and impactful update to issues involving the environment and the economy that we’ve had in decades. And it will soon be law thanks to hard work and dedication. It’s a legislative achievement we can all be proud of.”
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