John B. Breaux: “I rise as one who is going to support the resolution of disapproval but at the same time also speak to the fact that I…”

“I rise as one who is going to support the resolution of disapproval but at the same time also speak to the fact that I think there are problems in the workplace that justifiably call for us to be involved in crafting solutions which would reduce or even eliminate those problems. I am impressed by the study of the National Academy of Sciences which, incidentally, came after some final regulations were already promulgated, which point out that it is a problem that affects as many as 1 million people a year losing time and costing as much as $50 billion annually in lost productivity. Yes, there is a problem out there. Yes, there should be something we can do to address it. I suggest that while there is something we could do, this is not the right approach. It is the reason why I am going to support the resolution of disapproval. My colleague mentioned that this rule is very simple and easy to understand. I would suggest that is not correct. I was reading it. It is always dangerous when you actually read these regulations. I read the regulations, and I got to one part where it said, 'Industries and jobs this standard does not cover.' That will be interesting. Let me read that. It says, 'Industries and jobs this standard does not cover. Agricultural employment and operation.' I said: My goodness, we are exempting agriculture from the regulations.”