Joel Hefley: “I am holding a copy of the administration's newest initiative regarding OSHA. It is bound in red, white, and blue, and…”

“I am holding a copy of the administration's newest initiative regarding OSHA. It is bound in red, white, and blue, and is filled with lots of rhetoric about changing the way OSHA thinks. In past Congresses I, and many of my colleagues have criticized many of OSHA's ridiculous regulations. We watch OSHA deny the regulations exist at the same time they are scrambling to change them. I want to believe this is an honest attempt at reform. I would like to believe that OSHA tuned in to C-SPAN one day and said, ``By golly, those Republicans are right. We've got to change our emphasis.'' But I do not think that is how it happened. November 8 happened. For OSHA, this document is a matter of self preservation. I brought another document to the floor with me today. This is the one the administration would like you to forget. In the 103d Congress, the administration's idea of OSHA reform was H.R. 1280. OSHA supported the Comprehensive OSHA Reform Act of 1994. The legislation which increased penalties, regulation, and paperwork. This is dated October 3, 1994. Let's compare these documents: In 1994, OSHA wanted to impose $62 billion in new costs on the private sector. In 1995 OSHA is backing down from strict new standards on ergonomics. In 1994, OSHA wanted to redefine occupational safety health standards in order to justify costly new mandates.”