House Looks to Block Secret Labor Department Rule

House Democrats introduced legislation in early August aimed at blocking a Labor Department rule that could increase workers’ exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxins and make it more difficult for the next administration to enact new safety rules.

It was revealed recently that the Bush administration was working on a last-minute change to the regulatory process that could inhibit the implementation of critical health and safety regulations.

“Congress will not stand for any backdoor effort by the political appointees to further cripple our nation’s ability to respond to vital health and safety concerns,” said House Education and Labor Chairman George Miller. “This entire effort is the product of a flawed, politicized process that has failed to properly consider the views of experts or the consequences for workplace health.”

from 8-7-08 iMail