washington senate pass legislation tuesday would revamp federal chemical safety protections first time decades send president barack obama expect sign law senate approve measure overwhelmingly pass house representatives may 25. bill would update toxic substances control act amid complaints 40-year-old provision hobble u.s. environmental protection agency effectively regulate chemicals include range asbestos flame retardants everyday household products one dispute bill transfer power state federal government republican senator rand paul kentucky complain debate bill say would add hundreds new regulations burden u.s. chemical industry hurt job epa bill would consider impact chemical human health environment well chemical benefit economic impact regulation congress approve bill update chemical safety oversight