OTHER COUNTRIES PROTECT THEIR CITIZENS

I know we can and should make progress in banning asbestos. More than 40 other industrialized countries have already banned asbestos. Around the world, chlorine producers are phasing out dangerous and inefficient methods in favor of safer and more environmentally responsible technology. We need to help U.S. companies embrace new, greener approaches today.

I am very grateful that industry leaders have stepped up to the plate to work with me in achieving a goal everyone supports – a ban on the production and importation of asbestos in the U.S.

These corporate leaders also strongly support the need to better educate the public and to provide for more research and treatment dollars to better mitigate the effects of asbestos on workers and their families

I look forward to working with all of the Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee to achieve a bipartisan consensus on banning asbestos in the U.S. in this Congress. Chairwoman Boxer, I know this hearing will go a long way in helping us achieve that goal.

We’ve lost enough people like Brian and Fred, and we have a responsibility to protect tens of thousands of people just like them.