George Miller

I think when we look at it in the communities that we represent you see a lot of conflicts.

History tells us that the states created the federal government.

We must reverse this trend.

I think it is important--that the standards also have to develop within a system that supports the success of meeting and achieving those standards.

Our nation faces unprecedented challenges that threaten our competitiveness.

Some people in Washington seem to think that the federal government created the states to administer its far-reaching programs and policies.

I think that also has evolved into a consensus, now, that the existing set of state standards is unacceptable.

the current system is unacceptable.

I urge members of this committee to encourage these efforts--by staying out of their way.

We won't be able to build a world-class education system that our economy needs.

I'm pleased to finally see major momentum behind the effort for common state standards.

I think we are right to begin by examining an issue where leadership need not--and currently does not--come from the federal government.

I applaud the hard work of those Occupational Safety and Health Administration employees who ensure that workers can return home to their families safe and healthy after their shift.

That's why I am confident that Labor Sec. Hilda Solis will be able to get the agency back on a firm footing.

I am co-sponsor of that bill, following her great leadership.

This is an outrageous example that negotiating away egregious violations is not uncommon, as we will hear today.

The Protecting America's Workers Act (H.R. 2067), introduced last week by Rep. Miller and Rep.Woolsey with the support of others incorporates many of these needed measures.

The OSHA civil penalties should be increased--significantly.

It is a moral issue. It is not just a legal issue. It is a moral issue.

The criminal enforcement provisions of the Act must also be strengthened and expanded.

There is something wrong with the law, when an employer, who knowingly endangers his workers, commits a 17-year felony under the environmental laws, but doesn't even commit a crime under the law designed to protect the health and safety of…

Last week, Representative Woolsey introduced the Protecting America's Workers Act.

The Congress must also act to address the serious deficiencies in the OSH Act itself.

Penalties are often key enforcement mechanisms under OSHA, but they must be real. They must be meaningful, and they must function to deter violations.

I was disappointed in the list. I was disappointed because I think that the current water shortage that has a devastating effect for farmers and farm workers and communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley ended up, in terms of balance…