PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 645, H.R. 2731 is laid on the table.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · May 18, 2004
Occupational Safety and Health Small Employer Access to Justice Act of 2004 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) to provide for the award of attorney's fees and costs to certain small employers when they prevail in specified administrative or court proceedings.
Requires such awards to prevailing employers if they had not more than 100 employees and a net worth of not more than $7 million at the time of: (1) the initiation of the administrative proceedings (in the case of an adversary adjudication); or (2) the filing of the action addressed in the court proceedings (in the case of judicial review of an administrative action).
Provides for such awards without regard to whether the position of the Secretary of Labor or the Federal Government was substantially justified or whether special circumstances make an award unjust.
People & committees
Rep. Norwood, Charles W. [R-GA-9] · R–GA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 645, H.R. 2731 is laid on the table.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 233 - 194 (Roll no. 189).
House roll call 189 · Individual votesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 233 - 194 (Roll no. 189).
House roll call 189 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3160-3161)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 2731, the Chair put the question on adoption of the bill and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Norwood demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the bill until later in the day.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H3160)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2731.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2728, H.R. 2729, H.R. 2730, H.R. 2731 and H.R. 2432.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 645. (consideration: CR H3132-3140; text of measure as reported in House: CR H3132-3133)
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 645 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2728, H.R. 2729, H.R. 2730, H.R. 2731 and H.R. 2432.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 284.
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Referred sequentially to the House Committee on the Judiciary for a period ending not later than May 17, 2004 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(k), rule X.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. H. Rept. 108-489, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. H. Rept. 108-489, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 20.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1483)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Mar 23, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.2731 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.2731 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.2731 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.2731 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.