Eva M. Clayton: “throughout yesterday's debate, the sponsors of the unfunded mandates legislation told us one thing but in the bill they…”

“throughout yesterday's debate, the sponsors of the unfunded mandates legislation told us one thing but in the bill they said something different. They told us that the bill continues to protect workplace safety, yet they do not say that in the bill. They told us in the bill it continues to protect the environment, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Yet they do not say that in the bill. Protection against child labor, insurance against workplace firetraps, and security from hazardous equipment on the job are very serious matters. Yet does it mean what it says? Why do they not say it. We need to say that in the bill. Clean air and safe drinking water are precious to the lives of American citizens. The sponsors of the bill have a duty to explain in clear, unambiguous, and concise language where in the bill do they provide for the vital protection of the health and welfare of American workers. I intend to sponsor an amendment which in express language will ensure minimum Federal workplace safety standards, will not be abandoned and will be precise. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. If they mean what they say, say it in the bill and support the amendment.”