Senate labor committee chair Tom Harkin (D-IA) did not specifically mention OSHA issues among the items he hopes to tackle before retiring from the Senate in 2014, but sources note that the 40-year congressional veteran has signaled concerns about the Obama administration's slow movement on rules that are high priorities for worker advocates. Last spring Harkin chaired a hearing that delved into the length of time it takes OSHA to issue new rules, and OSHA advocates are hopeful the longtime senator will spend time on health and safety issues in his final two years in the Senate.
December 29, 2025