Patty Murray

I believe strongly that we can't invest more than $48 billion in supplemental funds in transportation without making sure that we get some real, measurable improvements for communities.

We're not just talking about money, we're talking about people.

The need for smart power and elevating the role of development in our national security strategy.

I appreciate your response very much, Secretary Clinton.

I mean it just seems incongruous to me that families who have a fatally injured family member that they're burying gets less compensation than what we are fining the employer.

You know the majority of employers who get an OSHA citation choose to negotiate with their local OSHA office for an informal settlement.

I'm particularly interested in how families are treated during an accident or an accident investigation.

Last Congress I introduced a bill, the Mine Disaster Family Assistance Act of 2007.

It does seem to me that having more information would cause people to at least stop and think.

I think that really can make a difference for competitors in the area.

I agree with you that some changes are necessary to make the law and the agency more effective.

So is that less incentive for some employers to follow safety procedures?

Our country has made great progress in protecting workers on the job since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 39 years ago.

We also have to ensure that when a worker is killed, injured or made sick on the job, those workers and their families are respected and honored throughout the process.

We're here today to talk about what more government can do to ensure that every worker who punches in for their next shift, returns home safe and healthy at the end of the day.

One workers death, injury or illness is unacceptable if it's preventable.

Their participation in this process will help hold bad actors accountable and help to spare other families the same pain they have experienced.

A new year, a new Administration and a new Congress provide us with a fresh opportunity to revisit the law's effectiveness.

Unfortunately over the last several years OSHA has not lived up to its mission to make workers safer on the job.

We must honor those families and their memories by working to reduce worker deaths and injuries.

HUD's services often mean the difference between the despair on the streets and the safety and security of a home.

I want to personally congratulate Ron on the honor of being President Obama's nominee to serve as the next Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Given the magnitude of this housing crisis, Secretary Donovan cannot do it alone.

Senator Shelby has been a real leader on this in the Banking Committee.

We cannot have that.