San Mateo, CA – Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) today issued the following statement in response to Senator Rand Paul dropping his opposition to S. 275, the Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011:

“It would appear that Senator Rand Paul has gone from foe to ally---I applaud the transformation.” Rep. Speier had criticized Sen. Paul for holding up action on the Senate measure which she said was partially flawed by its failure to require testing of older pipelines. Senator Paul now says he wants the older pipelines tested and that is now a provision in the legislation. Speier added, “The bill is now a stronger safety measure which I intend to support. This provision needs to be added to the House bill.”

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