Blog: Protecting the Health and Safety of our Families & Communities

Statement

Dear Friends,

Following another week in Washington, I have provided a few important updates on the latest legislative efforts in Congress and what this means for our families and communities.

On Wednesday, the Republican Majority pushed through the House the so-called Working Families Flexibility Act. In 1997, which happened to be my first year in Congress, House Republicans and Speaker Newt Gingrich attempted to pass this same bill but failed to force it through. This legislation gives employers the ability to substitute compensatory time off in exchange for any overtime wages the worker could earn. By forcing workers to choose between "comp time" and overtime pay, the legislation compels them to elect to forego wages in order to simply keep their jobs. Moreover, it could encourage employers to only offer overtime work to workers who agree to take comp time instead of overtime wages. Equally troubling, workers receiving comp time under this scheme cannot choose when to use their leave. This legislation would mean more work with less pay, hits the pocketbook of women, and hurts the middle class. Instead of helping hardworking taxpayers, this misguided bill hits workers where it hurts most.

Additionally, House Republicans brought The Full Faith and Credit Act, also known as the "Pay China First Act" up for a vote. This legislation would be triggered by the federal government surpassing the debt ceiling and mandates how the U.S. would pay its debts. By prioritizing paying foreign bond holders like China first, this bill would put payments at risk for our brave men and women in uniform, veterans, reimbursement of doctors and hospitals that treat Medicare patients, and our nation's small businesses. To prevent serious and lasting damage to our economy that includes destabilizing the stock market, a downgrade to the U.S. credit rating, and putting American jobs at risk, we must work to get our fiscal house in order and avoid defaults at any cost.

I will continue to oppose efforts that do not put our families first and I will work towards policies that help our families and communities and that are proven areas of economic growth.

Protecting the Health & Safety of our Families & Communities

On Thursday, I re-introduced the bipartisan Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act, better known as the FRAC Act, with Chris Gibson (R-NY). This bill establishes common sense safeguards to protect groundwater from risks associated with the oil and gas drilling technique known as fracking. This bill also requires the disclosure of the chemicals used in fracking fluids, and removes the oil and gas industry's exemption from the Safe Drinking Water Act.

I am pleased to report that this is the first time the FRAC Act has been introduced on a bipartisan basis. Both parties are becoming increasingly aware of the need for a common-sense bill to ensure the economic benefits of natural gas do not come at the expense of the health and safety of families and communities. This bill will enhance our efforts to promote the responsible development of natural gas, an important economic driver for Colorado and our nation.

As we recognize the need for energy independence and cleaner energy sources to power our nation, we must ensure the process for extracting natural gas is done safely and responsibly. Over the past decade, the use of fracking has expanded exponentially. However, anecdotal evidence has begun to emerge of residents, homeowners, and workers becoming ill after oil and gas operations began in their communities. In promoting the benefits of this cleaner domestic fuel, it is critical to account for the real issues that exist, and any policy developed to support fracking must ensure the health and safety of our citizens.

As always I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest news from Washington and in the district. Also, you can visit my website at www.degette.house.gov, where you can read my positions and learn about the different ways my staff can assist you. While there, be sure to visit the "Contact" page and send me an email about the issues that matter most to you and your family. Finally, be sure to share this email with your friends, family, and neighbors so that they too can be a part of this important dialogue.

Sincerely,

Diana DeGette

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