Mark Neumann: “I think it is sad when we start using words like ``gutting'' and ``slashing,'' when in fact there is no change to the…”

“I think it is sad when we start using words like ``gutting'' and ``slashing,'' when in fact there is no change to the OSHA funding level in this particular amendment proposal. There is no change to funding at all. Mr. Chairman, the only question is whether it goes to the enforcement part or to the part that helps businesses provide compliance and provide a safe workplace. Mr. Chairman, I heard the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey] say that we need both. We definitely need to do both of these, and for a change I absolutely agree with the gentleman. We do need to do both. Mr. Chairman, what this amendment is doing is creating more of a balance between how much we spend in each place. We are currently spending $127 million on enforcement and only $45 million on the other portion of this, or the compliance portion. What this amendment is doing is trying to create a stronger and a better balance between these two so that the OSHA group can become a group that is worker friendly and that can actually accomplish the goal of providing a safer workplace for our work force.”