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H.R.2049 / 110th Congress

Protecting America's Workers Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 26, 2007

Protecting America's Workers Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to expand its coverage to federal, state, and local government employees.

Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under specified conditions, to cede OSHA jurisdiction to another federal agency with respect to certain occupational standards or regulations for such agency's employees. Declares OSHA inapplicable to working conditions covered by the Federal Mine Safety and Heath Act of 1977.

Sets forth increased protections for whistleblowers under OSHA.

Increases civil and criminal penalties for certain OSHA violators. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) victims' rights; (2) posting of employee rights; (3) investigations of fatalities and serious injuries; (4) prohibition of unclassified citations; (5) right to contest citations and penalties; and (6) objections to modifications of citations.

Directs the Secretary to revise regulations and promulgate OSHA standards to require employers to provide personal protective equipment for employees at no cost to employees.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Woolsey, Lynn C. [D-CA-6] · D–CA

Committees

  • Education and Workforce Committee
72 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

  3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E879)

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Mar 23, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Individual rights and government power

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