Rep. John Kline (R-MN) was selected today to serve as Chairman of the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee in the 112th Congress. Kline, who was first elected to Congress in 2002 and is currently the committee's Senior Republican Member, issued the following statement: “Job creation and American competitiveness are vital national priorities. As Chairman, I will ensure they are at the forefront... Read more »
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee’s senior Republican member, issued the following statement today after the bipartisan defeat of H.R. 6495: “It is always unfortunate when opportunities for bipartisan agreement fall victim to partisan politics. Democrats designed today’s vote on a mine safety bill to fail, demonstrating yet again the Majority’s contempt for the l... Read more »
On April 5, 2010, an underground explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, West Virginia tragically took the lives of 29 miners. As Congress awaits the results of state and federal inquiries into this tragedy, it is vital to legislate responsibly, taking the time to identify the most effective changes to protect underground coal miners. Republicans are committed to toughening... Read more »
Dear Colleague: Today the House will consider under suspension of the rules H.R. 6495, the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2010. Mine safety is an important and complex issue that has historically been addressed on a bipartisan basis. Unfortunately, H.R. 6495 is a flawed bill that is being rushed through an equally flawed legislative process; it does not reflect the kind of enhanced p... Read more »
On April 5th of this year, a tragedy struck Montcoal, West Virginia. On that day, an explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine killed 29 miners and provided a stark reminder that coal mining is a profession marked by risks and dangers. And while steps have been taken to strengthen protections for miners, this tragedy and others like it remind us that more work remains to be done. I believe steps... Read more »
As the notice announcing our hearing states, we will be reviewing an independent audit of the Labor Department's financial records. This is a department with a roughly $16 billion budget, 30 agencies, and more than 17,000 employees. A great deal of time and resources were invested in this audit and for good reason: addressing the country’s fiscal challenges will not be possible until every dollar ... Read more »
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee’s senior Republican member, issued the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Labor reported the national unemployment rate increased to 9.8 percent during the month of November: “Today’s jobs report confirms what the American people already know but many in Congress refuse to accept: our economy is on shaky groun... Read more »
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee’s senior Republican member, issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed S. 3307: “Republicans are committed to extending and improving child nutrition programs in a fiscally responsible way. Unfortunately, once again, the Hobson’s choice Democratic leaders forced through Congress blocked any cha... Read more »
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement today after Democrats pulled child nutrition legislation from the House floor to avoid a vote on a Republican proposal to require criminal background checks for child care providers and block a stealth tax on working families: “Members of the U.S. House of Representatives – Re... Read more »
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee’s senior Republican member, today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision to rescind the Form T-1 reporting requirement for union trusts controlled by union officials. The department’s decision will roll back a 2008 rule that requires financial disclosure by union trusts, which are entitie... Read more »
