Today, the Senate passed S.J. Res. 83, disapproving the rule issued by the Department of Labor relating to "Clarification of Employer's Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain an Accurate Record of Each Recordable Injury and Illness," under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The House companion, H.J. Res. 83, passed earlier this week (231-191). This marks the first major legislative victory for the Louisiana delegation in the 115th Congress.

 

    The Occupational Safety and Health Act provides for a six month period for which OSHA can issue citations to employers who fail to maintain proper records of injuries and illnesses that occur at work. OSHA took action against Volks Constructors of Praireville, Louisiana in 2006 for record keeping violations that occurred nearly five years earlier, well beyond the six month statute of limitations. Volks challenged OSHA in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals for those citations and won. OSHA promulgated the rule in question to continue their illegitimate practice of issuing citations outside of the statute of limitations.

 

   "The Obama administration routinely used executive authority to disregard judicial oversite. This Joint Resolution will ensure that our government faithfully follows the letter and spirit of the law," said Dr. Cassidy. "This Louisiana company was right to challenge OSHA's unlawful power grab I am proud Congress took action to enforce the court's ruling."

 

   S.J. Res. 83 was introduced in the Senate on March 3, 2016 by US Senators Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Steve Daines (R-MT).

 

   Earlier today, Cassidy spoke on the Senate Floor urging support for S.J. Res. 83. Click here to watch. See the remarks as prepared for delivery at the bottom of this release.