ANOTHER ERGONOMICS VICTORY IN THE HOUSE

Late last Thursday night, the House of Representatives voted to retain Anne Northup's (R-KY) ergonomics language that will prohibit OSHA from making their proposed rule final until the end of 2001. The ergonomics provision was a part of the enormous Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill for FY 2001. AGC of America actively supported the Northup language in committee and many AGC Members from across the country called or faxed their Member of Congress to urge them to support Mrs. Northup's effort. Thursday's victory was solidified this week when the full House approved the entire Labor HHS bill. The House bill and the debate over the controversial ergonomics proposal will now move to the Senate. The Senate is expected to finish work on the Labor bill by the end of June. The victory on the Northup language was very significant because the broad coalition of groups opposing the bill was able to expand its support from last August's similar vote on Rep. Roy Blunt's bill. We were able to keep all the Democratic supporters on board and add a few new Members, while increasing our Republican majority. No small feat! Now, it is important for all AGC members to contact their Senators to urge them to support the senate version sponsor by Senator Enzi (R-WY).

House Passes Death Tax Elimination: As noted in last Friday's Legislative Bulletin, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that gradually decreases and then fully eliminates the death tax. The House vote was strongly bipartisan, 279-176, with 65 Democrats approving the bill. AGC is now focusing lobbying efforts on the Senate where similar legislation S.1128 has 23 co-sponsors.

Senate Approves Record Funding for Highways and Aviation Programs in FY 2001 Appropriations Bill: Today, the Senate approved the FY 2001 Transportation Appropriations Bill by a vote of 99-0. The highway program receives a record $30 billion, including an additional $3 billion from the additional gas tax revenue that wasn't estimated when TEA-21 was enacted. The transit program receives $6.3 billion, an increase of $486 million over this year's level. The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) receives $3.2 billion, a 64% increase over this year's level and consistent with the recently enacted AIR-21. The House bill includes the same record funding levels. The Senate also defeated an amendment by Senator Voinovich (R-OH) to make Amtrak eligible for highway funding. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 52 to 46. AGC worked aggressively to defeat this amendment. The Senate bill also contains a key provision prohibiting the use of funds to finalize or implement the new hours-of-service regulations. AGC is working with our congressional allies to stop the funding for the new regulations. Furthermore, AGC is testifying next Thursday, June 22, before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in opposition to the new regulations.

Senate Defeats Managed Care Amendment: By a vote of 51-48, the Senate rejected an amendment to unrelated defense legislation that contained the managed care reform bill passed by the House last year. That bill would allow expansion of lawsuits and thereby expose employers to suits filed by employees against their insurance company. Meanwhile, House-Senate conference committee deliberations on managed care continue to stall.

Hearing Held on EPA's Low Sulfur Diesel Rule: Senator Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman of the Clean Air Subcommittee, questioned EPA's proposal to reduce the sulfur content of on-road diesel gas from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm. This is a 97% reduction by the year 2010. Petroleum representatives stated concern about supply disruption, increased cost, and ability of refiners to process the fuel. The petroleum industry maintains that a 90% reduction or 50 ppm standard is achievable. Engine manufacturers are asking for a 5 ppm standard. This proposal applies to on-road diesel engines. AGC remains concerned about the increased cost of fuel and machinery.

Brownfields Legislation Introduced: Environment and Public Works Chairman Smith (R-NH) introduced legislation to speed the clean-up of abandoned industrial sites called "brownfields." The legislation would provide $200 million for a state revolving loan fund to assist property owners with environmental assessments. Owner and operator liability would be clarified to protect landowners undertaking environmental improvements of the site. Hearings on the legislation are expected shortly. 

Utilize Congress at Your Fingertips Located in the Member’s Only Section at http://www.agc.org/ to contact your Congressional Representatives.