E&W Blog

The Subcommittee on Workforce Protections was scheduled to hold a hearing today to examine the federal government’s actions to protect workers – an issue Democrats assert is a top priority. Yet, Committee Democrats called off today’s hearing in the eleventh hour.

Their excuse? First, the Democrats claimed they didn’t know what door the witness would use or what kind of car she was driving. After being told that could be fixed within minutes, then they complained they didn’t receive certain testimony 48 hours in advance.

News flash, it is common practice for administration officials to provide testimony sometimes as late as the night before a hearing. It happened under the Obama administration, but under the Trump administration it is suddenly unacceptable?

Bottom line, the administration was prepared to testify today, and ten Committee Republicans were en route to Washington to participate in the hearing when the Democrats pulled the plug late yesterday. In fact, this morning DOL released quotes from written testimony prepared for today’s hearing.

While Democrats come up with lame excuses to sit on the sidelines, Committee Republicans are ready to work.

Check out quotes from DOL’s written testimony prepared for today’s hearing below. The full release from DOL can be found here.

“OSHA’s efforts to address COVID-19 have been its top priority since February. Our world changed with the arrival and spread of the coronavirus. Although the pandemic has changed the way OSHA completes its mission, it has never faltered in its commitment to ensure employers provide a workplace free of hazards. OSHA quickly pivoted to focus intensely on giving employers and workers the guidance they need to work safely in this rapidly changing situation; where appropriate, OSHA has also enforced safety and health requirements.”

“While extensive guidance is important as the rapidly changing dynamic of this pandemic continues, it is important to recognize OSHA also has existing standards that serve as the basis for its COVID-19 enforcement. Those standards include rules regarding respiratory protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), eye and face protection, sanitation, and hazard communication.”

“The work of the agency continues uninterrupted even as we respond to this pandemic. Since February 1, 2020, and through May 14, 2020, OSHA has received 5,500 non-COVID-19 complaints and conducted 4,575 investigations based on these complaints.”

“The Department’s goal each day is to ensure OSHA protects the safety and health of America’s workforce. Before, during, and after the pandemic, my goal is for OSHA’s efforts to prevent workers from ever becoming ill or injured because they are doing their job.”

“Where there are safety issues, OSHA remains, as always, shoulder to shoulder with America’s workers.”