Republicans Pass Pro-Employer OSHA Bills

Republicans in the House of Representatives passed four pro-employer, anti-worker bills yesterday that have no chance of passing in the Senate. So what's the point? November 2 is the point.

As I reported earlier, these bills, sponsored by Georgia Congressman Charlie Norwood would give employers more time to appeal OSHA citations, reimburse them for their costs if they win a case, add more members to the OSHA Review Commission, and increase the Commission's power.

But never fear,

the prospect for passage is slim in the Senate - also controlled by Republicans but by a narrower margin. That chamber does not have similar legislation pending. In fact, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., is pushing a bill that would expand OSHA worker protections and increase penalties for violations.