38 



TESTIMONY OF SENATOR BILL BRADLEY 



BEFORE THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 



COMMITTEE ON MERCHANT MARINE AND FISHERIES 



SUBCOMMITTEE ON OCEANOGRAPHY, GULF OF MEXICO, 



AND THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 



ON THE BEACHES, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, CLOSURE, 



AND HEALTH ACT OF 199 3 



JULY 15, 199 3 



Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for the 

 opportunity to testify in support of The Beaches, 

 Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1993. 

 Congressman Hughes' legislation, and a companion bill 

 Introduced in the Senate by Senator Lautenberg and myself 

 will reduce the chances that Americans are needlessly exposed 

 to unsafe water at the beach. Americans face hazards enough 

 at home and at work. We must do all we can to ensure that 

 citizens are not exposed to unnecessary risks when on 

 vacation as well. 



Vacationers at the beach, enjoying a few days off should 

 not have to wonder whether the water in which they and their 

 families are swimming could make them sick. They should know 

 that the water is safe. This certainty can only come from a 

 rigorous water quality testing program, and a willingness to 

 tell the public when there may be problems. Congressman 

 Hughes' legislation would ensure that the water testing 



