I would like to begin by thanking our distinguished panel for appearing today. We appreciate that they have taken time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences and expertise with us. This is a critical issue. Some pension plans are experiencing funding shortfalls after the economic downturn, and plan sponsors are trying to find greater returns to meet obligations. However, I am somew... Read more »
The head of President Obama’s “fiscal responsibility” commission recently made headlines for stating the obvious: the nation’s $13 trillion (and counting) in debt is a “cancer” on our country. Erskine Bowles, commission co-chair and former White House Chief of Staff for President Clinton, called for solutions to our debt crisis that address spending, saying, “I just want to see the vast majority c... Read more »
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee’s senior Republican member, issued the following statement today regarding the committee’s vote on legislation to reauthorize federal child nutrition programs: “Republicans support wise investments to combat childhood hunger and improve the health and nutrition of disadvantaged children and families. With the school lunch program... Read more »
I do not believe that as a nation, we should choose between renewing our vital support of child nutrition and our desperate need to get our fiscal house in order. If there is one thing we have learned over the last year, it is that the American people are tired of government growth and spending that leaves a mountain of debt on our children’s doorsteps. The Republican substitute ensures we meet th... Read more »
Healthy breakfasts, school lunches, dietary education, and nutritional assistance are all worthy investments in our effort to combat child hunger and improve the health and wellness of low-income families. Congress has a responsibility to extend these programs this year, before critical services are delayed or even denied to millions of needy children and families. To that end, Republicans are rea... Read more »
Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today expressed strong support for mine safety reforms that will identify and clamp down on unsafe mines and mine operators, modernize safety standards, and ensure federal oversight authorities are enforcing the laws designed to protect miners operating in dangerous conditions underground. With numerous inv... Read more »
Thank you Chairman Miller, and good afternoon to our distinguished witnesses from inside and outside the federal government. This is a far-reaching piece of legislation, and we value the multiple perspectives you bring. The April 5th Massey mine explosion that took the lives of 29 West Virginians was a mining tragedy the likes of which our nation had not seen in four decades. We all share a goal o... Read more »
Republicans on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee today announced the launch of a new website with updated, easier to navigate online resources to educate and inform Americans interested in Congress’ work on education and workforce policies. The new website can be found at /. “In this internet era, a virtual office allows the American people to interact with their elected representatives... Read more »
If it looks like time is running out on the Democrats’ reckless agenda – look again. With only three weeks of legislative work remaining before Congress starts six weeks of vacation, it may appear the prospects for passing further job-killing policies like card check legislation are growing dimmer by the day. But according to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Democrats are planning an “ambitiou... 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 Department of Labor announced a loss of 125,000 jobs in June: “The Obama administration’s ‘recovery summer’ is off to a disappointing start, with predictable job losses emerging after the temporary bloat of government Census workers begins to disappear. Ab... Read more »
