U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Calls Out Republicans for Dismantling Protections that Keep Americans Safe from Dangerous and Cancer-Causing Air Toxins
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March 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) spoke out against House Joint Resolution 61, which would repeal critical Clean Air Act protections that keep Americans safe from some of the most dangerous and cancer-causing toxins.
Rep. Morrison highlighted that in his Joint Address to Congress last night, President Trump claimed that getting toxins out of our environment and decreasing childhood cancer rates were two of his top priorities – and yet, less than 24 hours later, Congressional Republicans chose to roll back key public health protections that would protect Americans from some of the most harmful cancer-causing air toxins.
Rep. Morrison spoke out against this resolution not only as a member of Congress, but as a doctor who has cared for patients for more than 20 years. As an OBGYN, Rep. Morrison emphasized the threat these toxins, known to cause reproductive harm and birth defects, pose to moms and babies.
Link to video of floor speech HERE.
Full text of floor speech copied below:
Mr. Speaker,
Today I rise – as a doctor for more than 20 years – in opposition to House Joint Resolution 61, an egregious – and completely unnecessary – assault on our public health.
This resolution – put forward by Congressional Republicans – would rip away protections that keep Americans safe from some of the most dangerous and cancer-causing air toxins in the world, such as arsenic and lead.
As an OBGYN, I’m extremely concerned because these toxins are known to cause reproductive harm and birth defects.
Just last night in this chamber, President Trump claimed: “our goal is to get toxins out of our environment.”
President Trump also highlighted the concerning increase in rates of childhood cancer and claimed: “reversing this trend is one of the top priorities.”
And yet, less than 24 hours later, the Republican majority is choosing to increase toxins in our environment, expose more Americans to some of the most dangerous pollutants, and likely increase the rates of cancer.
And let’s be clear – this cost effective rule presents minimal cost to industry in order to protect public health. So what are we doing here? Why are we selling out the health of Americans?
The consequences of this would be devastating to our children, moms and new babies, and families across the country — and it is completely preventable.
To my Republican colleagues who hold the majority rule in this chamber: please, for the sake of the health and well-being of the American people, vote no on this resolution.
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Issues:
Environment
Health Care