WASHINGTON, DC – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-IL) this afternoon kicked off debate on the Frank L. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which combines text from H.R. 2576, the TSCA Modernization Act, with its companion, S. 697. With a successful vote in the House today, this much-needed reform to a 40-year-old law on toxic substances regulation will be a step closer to providing the safety and security 21st century communities need.

“This legislation on the floor today will mark the first consequential update of the Toxic Substances Control Act in 40 years,” said Shimkus, sponsor of H.R. 2576. “The end result of our work is a vast improvement over public law.”

Watch Chairman Shimkus’ floor remarks here.

“Today marks a milestone – A milestone for our majority. A milestone for this Congress. And a milestone for the American people as we make great strides to update our nation’s chemical safety laws. Folks said it couldn’t be done, especially with Republicans in Congress and a Democratic president. This was a multi-year effort that dates back to last Congress,” said Upton. “But we took the time, did the hard work, put in countless hours of discussions and negotiations, and it paid off. This legislation will have monumental impacts for commerce, the environment, and public health.”

Watch Chairman Upton’s floor remarks here. Read Upton’s remarks here.