[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 145 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1733] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. JACKIE SPEIER of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 29, 2011 Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I was unfortunately unable to cast a vote on Roll Call 741 on the evening of Friday, September 23, 2011. I strongly oppose H.R. 2401 and I would have voted NO on its passage. H.R. 2401 would delay indefinitely two important public health regulations under the Clean Air Act, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard and the Cross- State Air Pollution Rule. These long overdue rules will prevent thousands of premature deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular disease and yield billions of dollars in net benefits each year. H.R. 2401 would block the Environmental Protection Agency from updating these protections, placing vulnerable populations, including children and seniors, at even greater risk. I will continue to oppose legislation that exposes American families to harmful pollution and reduces the quality of the air we breathe. ____________________