Congressman Biggs Introduces the Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, Congressman Andy Biggs was appointed to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and has reintroduced the Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act. This bill would ensure that potentially toxic substances are accurately identified and reported to the public by eliminating an office within the Environmental Protection Agency--the Integrated Risk Information System, or IRIS--that has been carrying out flawed chemical assessments using improper science. Congressman Biggs released the following statement:

"Over the past decade, IRIS has been repeatedly criticized by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office and the National Academy of Sciences for its lack of transparency and reliance on faulty research. The Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act ensures that future chemical assessments will be carried out only when necessary, will be subject to proper oversight, and will rely on the best available science. I'm hopeful that this legislation will receive a vote soon.

"More broadly, I am looking forward to working with Ranking Member Frank Lucas and other members of the Committee on a wide range of bipartisan efforts that will advance Arizona's interests in space, energy, and other related fields."

Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.