Eva M. Clayton: “I speak as a former county chair of my board of supervisors and know the fact how unfunded mandates are indeed impacting…”

“I speak as a former county chair of my board of supervisors and know the fact how unfunded mandates are indeed impacting the rural counties. But I think as we who may consider this bill need to raise some question, therefore we should not be blind supporters of a bill that may undergird the very things we think we support. Therefore, I ask, Mr. Chairman, that safety in the workplace has been a priority of the Federal Government for more than half a century, since the enactment of the Fair Labors Standard Act of 1938. In 1970 the issue was treated squarely with the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Unfunded Mandate Act tends to threaten this. If indeed what you say is true, then I think you will indeed support my amendment when it comes forward to make sure that you say to the American people that you want to in fact protect children, you want to protect women. I raise this issue because in North Carolina, some may remember there was a very serious fire, which in fact claimed the lives of more than 25 persons. Is the intent of this legislation to say that the Federal Government no longer has an interest in the safety of people? Is the intent of this legislation to say that the Federal Government is removing its responsibility in cooperation with States?”