Call for Withdrawal

Kennedy and Miller called for the rule's withdrawal in a July 23 letter, saying the Administration is not acting in a transparent manner to allow the public the time to properly consider all proposals.

After reiterating their interest in receiving the text of the proposed rule, the chairmen also requested documents relating to meetings and communications with outside groups regarding the development of the rule by July 29.

Spokesperson Anthony Coley stressed that Kennedy “strongly opposes” the circumstances surrounding the proposed rule.

“It's outrageous that after spending seven and a half years refusing to respond to known workplace hazards, the Bush administration is now rushing to make it more difficult to protect workers from these dangers,” he said.