01.21.21

Chairman Scott Statement on President Biden’s Announcement of National Strategy to Fight the Pandemic, Protect Workers from COVID-19

WASHINGTON – Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after President Biden announced the administration’s National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, which includes guidance directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to determine the necessity of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and, if needed, to issue such a standard by March 15. Over the last year, Chairman Scott and Committee Democrats have repeatedly requested OSHA establish an ETS to protect workers. 

“I am pleased that President Biden has heard the overlooked voices of workers who are risking their lives to care for the sick, deliver essential services, and ensure there is food on the table throughout this pandemic. 

“The President is keeping his campaign promise to act swiftly to provide additional OSHA protections needed to protect workers and facilitate the reopening of the economy. 

“In the absence of effective federal enforcement from OSHA over the last year, I am proud that the Commonwealth of Virginia was the first to set an example for the rest of the country by implementing an Emergency Temporary Standard back in July and being the first to issue a permanent standard last month.

“The Committee on Education and Labor stands ready to support the President’s initiatives to ensure an Emergency Temporary Standard is issued in a timely manner so we can finally begin to protect all workers from COVID-19 and provide funding for OSHA to effectively enforce worker protections.” 

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