Virginia Foxx: “First, Madam Chair, I would like to express my condolences to our colleague for the situation that she found herself in…”

“First, Madam Chair, I would like to express my condolences to our colleague for the situation that she found herself in with the person she was trying to help. No one wants to be in that kind of situation, and I am very sorry that it has happened. But this amendment is just another example that H.R. 1309 was poorly drafted, rushed, and not well thought out. The provisions and requirements relating to the details of maintaining a workplace violence prevention plan should be thoroughly vetted during the rulemaking process. In the established rulemaking process, stakeholders can comment on what provisions should be included in the final standard. This allows for robust evaluation of what provisions ultimately help create the most feasible and protective safety and health standard possible. We all share in the common goal of preventing workplace violence in healthcare and social service settings. We need to trust that the rulemaking process will result in the most protective standard possible. Healthcare professionals deserve the right to comment on a highly complex and new standard. This amendment does not address the underlying concerns with the bill. Democrat amendments to the bill, such as the one we are debating, do not change these basic facts. This bill is unworkable in its current form, and this amendment doesn't change the fact that H.R. 1309 fails to allow for the development of a workable, effective, and feasible workplace violence prevention standard.…”