Eva M. Clayton: “As we consider this matter, let us not be blind supporters of a bill that may threaten the well-being of Americans, a…”

“As we consider this matter, let us not be blind supporters of a bill that may threaten the well-being of Americans, a bill that seems to threaten to eliminate Federal standards for workplace safety. Mr. Speaker, safety in the workplace has been a priority for the Federal Government since 1938, when President Roosevelt signed into law the Fair Labor Standards Act. Subsequently, in 1970, with the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, this commitment to high standards for the safety of our workers was solidified. I believe that laws such as these should be exempt from the provisions set out in H.R. 5. I strongly believe, however, that when giving thought to reducing those burdens, we do not sacrifice the rights of American workers. Entities within the States, sometimes, because of other pressures and interests, fail to follow minimum standards of safety, and fail to adequately protect the public. That is why the Federal Government has historically exercised a role in the area of health and safety.”