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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release July 31, 1995

STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT

Last Friday, a majority of the House acted in the public interest when they rejected 17 proposals that would threaten the health and safety of Americans. Today they are under extreme pressure from polluting industries and their congressional allies to abandon principles and switch their votes.

These provisions would allow benzine in the water, sewage on the beaches and more pollution in the air. We urge the House majority to stand its ground. The health of our families depends on Congress withstanding this partisan pressure and standing firm on the environment.

Even without these riders, this legislation would dramatically undercut environmental protection. It would reduce environmental enforcement by 50 percent, and significantly roll back 25 years of bi-partisan progress on public health and safety.

As he has said before, if it reaches the President's desk in its present

form, he will veto it.