Senator Boxer said to the EPA: "You're the EPA, not the Environmental Pollution Agency,"

[Robbien]

WASHINGTON - In a tense, rancorous confrontation with the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Sen. Barbara Boxer accused the Bush administration Thursday of already having decided to deny California's landmark request to enforce its own vehicle emissions standards.

Boxer said the hearing showed the EPA "was hostile to the public health and interest," and pledged to hold a committee vote Tuesday on the bill to speed up the EPA's decision.

Hostility and suspicion marked Thursday's hearing. Last month, Department of Transportation officials acknowledged that they urged members of Congress to oppose California's request for an EPA waiver, citing the potential impact on the auto industry in lawmakers' districts, even as Johnson said he would make "an unbiased decision."

Under sharp questioning from Boxer, Johnson refused to say if he knew about the lobbying or had an opinion about it. "I had routine conversations with Cabinet colleagues about these issues," Johnson said. "I don't recall their reaction."

Boxer shot back: "You won't speak out against that lobbying? You're part of this. I believe the administration has already decided not to grant the waiver. You'd have to be born yesterday not to see it."

http://www.contracostatimes.com/health/ci_6476922

In this investigation as in all these investigations, the GOPer under investigation acts as if even being questioned by a Dem is beneath them.

When Johnson is talking about cabinet colleagues, he of course means other GOPers, loyal Bushies

[Eagle_Eye]

1. Campaign contributions from the Auto makers to republicans can go along way.

The republicans have to serve their first masters, the rich, before they serve their country.

How much of these lobbyist's' money comes from overseas? Aren't most of the new cars sold made by Japan, Germany and Korea?