Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted: Rollcall No. 164--``nay.'' ____________________

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Wear Something Red Wednesday to Bring Back Our Girls. I thank Leader Pelosi for her unwavering support, as well as all of my other colleagues. I thank Representative G.K. Butterfield, Curt Clawson, Karen Bass…

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Dr. Melius, your testimony says that the permissible exposure limit for construction that has been in place since 1971 was based on a recommendation from the Public Health Service in the 1920s.

Let me repeat, preventable. These diseases are preventable.

As Representative Wilson has already introduced, the three bricklayers and family members of bricklayers are behind me, who experienced in their family or themselves silicosis.

We know that this rule will protect worker health.

The science is clear. Since 1974, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has called for OSHA to cut the permissible exposure limit for general industry from 100 micrograms per cubic meter to 50.

OSHA's new silica dust standard reflects current science and technology. It will save lives.

Some people argue that reported cases of silicosis are declining in recent years, and there is not a significant risk.

I stand with my colleagues in strong support of DOL's updated silica dust standard.

Above all, we must judge this rule by its ability to protect our workers.