Committee Releases Findings From Crandall Canyon Mine Tragedy Investigation

On August 6, 2007, the Crandall Canyon Mine in Utah became the site of the worst coal mining tragedy of 2007. The Committee launched an investigation immediately after the disaster, finding it likely that the tragedy was the result of a flawed plan for conducting retreat mining in the area of the mine where the deaths occurred. More »
 

Student Loans Access Bill Signed Into Law

On May 7, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 was signed into law. This measure will provide new protections, in addition to those in current law, to ensure that families can continue to access the loans they need to pay for college. Chairman Miller said: “Today we have taken another big step in the right direction for students and families working hard to pay for college in a very tough economy." More »
 

House Sends Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act to President's Desk

The House voted on May 1, 414-1, to send the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act to President Bush for his signature. The measure will prevent health insurers and employers from using Americans’ personal genetic information to discriminate against them. More »
 

House Votes to Increase Penalties on Child Labor Law Violators

Employers in the U.S. that violate child labor laws will face stiffer fines under legislation given final approval by the House on May 1. The Child Labor Protection Act, first introduced in 2007 by U.S. Reps. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and Joe Wilson (R-SC), increases penalties from $11,000 to $50,000 for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act that cause the death or serious injury of a child.
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House Passes Combustible Dust Bill

The Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosion and Fires Act was passed by the House on April 30. The measure would require the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue rules regulating combustible industrial dusts, like sugar dust, that can build up to hazardous levels and explode. OSHA has known about these dangers for years, but has failed to act. More »
 

Committee Passes Measure to Modernize School Buildings

On April 30, the Committee passed the 21st Century High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which would invest in modernizing public school buildings across the country. More »


 

The "Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008"

Teenagers attending private residential programs would gain new protections against physical, mental, and sexual abuse under legislation introduced by Chairman Miller and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy. On April 24, the Committee heard from witnesses about cases of abuse at and deceptive marketing by these programs. More »
 

Committee Passes 401(k) Bill

On Wednesday, April 16, the House Education and Labor Committee passed the 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act (H.R. 3185), legislation to ensure that American workers have clear and complete information about fees that could be cutting deeply into their 401(k)-style retirement savings. For more information on the bill » 
 

House Passes Mental Health Bill

The House passed the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act on March 5, by a vote of 268-148. The bill would require group health insurance plans to put coverage for mental illnesses on equal footing with physical ailments. More »
 

House Overwhelmingly Passes Higher Education Bill

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act, the comprehensive reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, passed the House on February 7, by a vote of 354-58. The bill addresses the soaring price of college and removes other obstacles that make it harder for qualified students to go to college. More on the bill »
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