Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Chairman, over the past few months a salt mine in my district, Morton Salt's Weeks Island Mine, a salt mine that has been in operation for many, many years, has been unrighteously targeted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA.

In particular, there is a singular MSHA inspector who appears to have a personal vendetta. These concerns have been brought to my attention and MSHA's leadership has also been advised. This has been an ongoing issue between MSHA and Morton Salt.

These are justified concerns, yet they have fallen on deaf ears at MSHA. MSHA's handling of this matter isn't just about one company or one mine, I would say to my colleague across the aisle. It is about the integrity of our regulatory institutions and the protection of due process rights.

In this case, the evidence has been brought to me that shows a concerning pattern where enforcement actions may have been influenced by conflicts of interest and retaliatory motives, specifically involving MSHA Inspector Brandon Olivier.

These allegations are not just troubling, they indicate a potential breach of trust. This trust is placed in Congress for the oversight role of our regulatory bodies.

Furthermore, when Morton Salt raised these valid concerns to MSHA's district manager, Mr. William O'Dell, their grievances were seemingly ignored, contributing to a breakdown in the fair and impartial resolution process that should be a cornerstone of our regulatory system.

I am sure my colleagues on both sides of the aisle would agree with that general premise. In response to these findings and to ensure accountability within MSHA, I am proposing several amendments.

These are not just punitive measures. They are essential steps toward restoring trust and ensuring that such lapses in judgment and responsibility do not recur.

Amendment No. 2 that we are currently discussing will be reducing MSHA's salary and expense account and redirecting funds to the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General account.

Mr. Chair, I rise in favor of amendment No. 2. With the cuts in salary that I have offered in amendments 112 and 113, this amendment would reduce MSHA's salary and expense account by $1 million and reallocate it to the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General, which reflects Congress' commitment to accountability, given issues that have arisen in the Morton Salt case.

Congress should demand ethical enforcement from our agencies. Failures, as in this case, must have oversight and consequences. This reallocation strengthens oversight, enhancing the Inspector General's capacity to investigate and ensure fair, unbiased regulatory actions.

This measure shows Congress' dedication to integrity in Federal institutions, ensuring regulatory bodies like MSHA maintain high standards of conduct.

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Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

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Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. Chair, I respect the gentlewoman's opposition, but I take exception to the nature of the gentlewoman's opposition.

My amendment specifically addresses the health and safety of the American workers within that mine because the health and safety of every American family begins with economic security. To have their jobs threatened by the targeted and vindictive actions and the abused authority of one regulator, and for Congress not to act when this has been brought to our attention, would be truly shameful.

Mr. Chairman, I respectfully submit to the gentlewoman that I am using the mechanisms of Congress constitutionally, specifically to address the health and welfare of the American citizens whom I serve.

Mr. Chairman, I urge full support of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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