Volume 142, No. 29 covering the 2nd Session of the 104th Congress (1995 - 1996) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO CARDINAL JOHN KROL” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E287-E288 on March 6, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO CARDINAL JOHN KROL
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HON. CURT WELDON
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 6, 1996
Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor Cardinal John Krol. One of the Philadelphia region's dearest religious leaders, Cardinal Krol passed away early Sunday morning at his home in Pennsylvania.
Born on October 26, 1910, in Cleveland, OH, Cardinal Krol's beginnings were humble and his aspirations never lofty. All that he ever wanted was to be a priest so that he could better serve God and people. During his 27 years as Archbishop of Philadelphia, the Nation's sixth largest archdiocese, Cardinal Krol accomplished that goal, helping to create a better life for the residents of the Delaware Valley and everyone whose lives he touched.
As Archbishop, his accomplishments in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia were great. During his tenure, over 100 new churches were built, the Catholic school system was extended far into the suburbs, and services for refugees, the elderly, youth, and the hungry were expanded.
Best known for his strict conservatism on matters of Church doctrine, such as his opposition to the ordination of women and his strong stand against abortion, Cardinal Krol was steadfast in his beliefs. However, he also pursued a social policy that championed the rights of workers and the poor. Additionally, Cardinal Krol reformed the confusing and cumbersome annulment process in the archdiocese for Catholics who were trapped in marriages without love.
Cardinal Krol is also well known as being a close friend of Pope John Paul II, and by some accounts was instrumental in his election as the first Polish pope by the Cardinal College in 1978. While Pope John Paul II is credited by some as playing a pivotal role in freeing Poland and Eastern Europe from communism, Cardinal Krol also worked to achieve those same goals. Of Polish ancestry himself, Cardinal Krol often made Polish-language broadcasts on Radio Free Europe. Additionally, Cardinal Krol, like Pope John Paul II, supported Lech Walsea and Solidarity in their ultimately successful anti-Communist activities.
A great religious and spiritual leader, Cardinal Krol will be remembered in the hearts of the people of Delaware Valley for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the late Cardinal John Krol. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all of the people of the Philadelphia area.
LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT
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HON. EARL POMEROY
of north dakota
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 6, 1996
Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a bill I introduced to reform the Safe Drinking Water Act [SDWA]. This bill, which is identical to legislation passed unanimously by the Senate, would cut burdensome regulations, eliminate unnecessary testing requirements, and assist communities in making sure their drinking water is clean and safe.
Since I was elected to Congress, I have been working to pass legislation to reauthorize and reform the Safe Drinking Water Act. During the 103d Congress, I joined Congressman Slattery and others in introducing H.R. 3392 which passed the House and was the main bill around which negotiations centered. Unfortunately, Congress adjourned before final action could be completed. I am hopeful that with the overwhelming support this bill received in the Senate, swift action will be taken in the House in the near future.
Over the past 3 years, I have visited several small water systems in North Dakota. Through my visits and conversations with system operators, I have become very familiar with the workings of this law. Many small and rural water systems simply cannot comply with these mandates--they don't have the technology and they don't have the resources. This law has driven many North Dakota communities to the edge of bankruptcy, while others have had to ignore the law in order to survive financially.
I firmly believe the rules of SDWA should fit the communities it is designed to serve. The original law was based on large water systems and subscribes to a one-size-fits-all approach to the problem. I believe a more prudent approach is to take the actual threat to public health into consideration and allow communities to target scarce resources to those needs.
This bill does just that. It reduces the regulatory burden imposed on States and public water systems, increase State authority and flexibility, provides financial assistance for unfunded mandates, and directs the Environmental Protection Agency to consider costs and benefits when setting new standards. Importantly, small systems are given special consideration under the legislation. The bill requires the EPA to consider system size when determining the best available technology to address a risk, permits States to issue variances, and provides for technical assistance grants.
Of particular concern to me regarding the current law are the arbitrary numbers of specific contaminants that must be regulated--
without regard to the risk they present. Currently, communities must monitor for 83 contaminants and the EPA will require monitoring for 25 more contaminants every 3 years. The bill passed by the Senate and which I have introduced eliminates this requirement and establishes a process for EPA to select and list contaminants for regulatory consideration based on occurrence and health effects.
I am hopeful that the House of Representatives will follow the Senate's lead and take swift action to move this bill.
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