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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 21, 2001

Statement by the President

     Today I have signed into law S.J. Res. 6, a measure that repeals an unduly burdensome and overly broad regulation dealing with ergonomics. This is the first time the Congressional Review Act has been put to use. This resolution is a good and proper use of the Act because the different branches of our Government need to be held accountable.

     There needs to be a balance between and an understanding of the costs and benefits associated with Federal regulations.  In this instance, though, in exchange for uncertain benefits, the ergonomics rule would have cost both large and small employers billions of dollars and presented employers with overwhelming compliance challenges.  Also, the rule would have applied a bureaucratic one-size-fits-all solution to a broad range of employers and workers -- not good government at work.

     The safety and health of our Nation's workforce is a priority for my Administration.  Together we will pursue a comprehensive approach to ergonomics that addresses the concerns surrounding the ergonomics rule repealed today.  We will work with the Congress, the business community, and our Nation's workers to address this important issue.

                                              GEORGE W. BUSH

                                              THE WHITE HOUSE,
                                              March 20, 2001.

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