Mr. Chair, there is a trend here that troubles me. Over the past few months, the federal government has stepped in to take control of more and more industries in America. So far, these have included: the banking industry … the auto industry … and the credit industry. And there’s talk of the federal government becoming even more involved in other areas, too. These include the health care industry …... Read more »
I am happy that you have convened this hearing today to help us identify the challenges facing our nation’s high schools. The focus of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and its 2001 reauthorization, through the No Child Left Behind Act, was on closing the achievement gap faced by disadvantaged students as they progressed in school. As we will hear today, our nation is faced with what this... Read more »
Over the past few weeks, many parents and employers have been concerned with the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. And rightly so. As most parents know, illnesses such as the flu can spread through a school almost as fast as an e-mail or a text message. It’s one of those facts of life that parents of school-age children have had to face for generations. But the H1N1 flu is different because it can be ... Read more »
There are a variety of concerns that I and other Republicans have with this bill. I’d like to sum these up with a few phrases: It costs too much. It borrows too much. It controls too much. And it’s an area that, as federal legislators, we should not be intruding upon. First, there’s concern about the cost. Last year, this committee marked up a very similar bill which the Congressional Budget Offic... Read more »
Our country continues to face tough economic challenges. We face complex and difficult problems as we work to restore economic growth. Investing in our workforce is important to ensure that workers are adequately prepared to meet the changing demands of our economy. With the proper investment, our workforce can be strengthened and maintain its competitive advantage. Education, including adult educ... Read more »
I would like to begin by thanking our distinguished panels of witnesses for appearing today. We appreciate that they have taken time out of their busy schedules to share their expertise and experiences with us. We meet today to examine OSHA’s efforts on workplace safety. In particular, we are looking at one policy initiative, the Enhanced Enforcement Program. I look forward to hearing both from th... Read more »
Some people in Washington seem to think that the federal government created the states to administer its far-reaching programs and policies. But that’s not the case. History tells us that the states created the federal government. Similarly, policy reform movements have a tendency to spring forth at the state and local level, where elected officials and community leaders are closest to the problem... Read more »
One injury, one illness, or one death on the job is one too many. We Republicans do not defend and do not support bad employers who put their workers at risk. And I offer my sincere condolences to those families who lost a loved one this way. But instead of focusing on punishment, as we do with today’s hearing, we should also look at strategies that prevent accidents in the first place. Current he... Read more »
Good morning, and welcome to our distinguished panel of witnesses. We look forward to hearing your perspectives and gaining the benefit of your expertise on issues of great national importance. This morning’s hearing is the second hearing on health care reform this year, and will try to address a very broad range of issues confronting our nation’s health care system. While I am hopeful that meanin... Read more »
We’re here this morning to discuss Chairman Miller’s legislation to change the way 401(k) retirement savings plans operate. Much of the focus has been on the bill’s requirements for increased reporting and disclosure, so let me start there, and let me be perfectly clear: Republicans support sensible disclosure to make 401(k)s more transparent and understandable to workers. We’re approaching this i... Read more »
