THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT ON REGULATORY REFORM

This afternoon, the Senate will consider shutting off debate on the Dole regulatory reform bill. I urge Senators to reject the motion and continue debate.

This bill sells out to special interests and puts the health and safety of all Americans at risk. It creates more bureaucracy and more loopholes for lawyers and lobbyists to challenge and weaken health and safety standards.

In essence, it threatens the progress we have made over the past 25 years to protect us from unsafe drinking water, contaminated meat and dangerous work places. The American people expect and deserve better.

The President supports passage of true regulatory reform legislation. However, this bill fails to acheive it. It should be opposed if it cannot be changed and should it come to the President's desk, he would veto it.