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House Committee Passes Bill Blocking OSHA Heat-Safety Rule

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. House Committee passed Rep. Mark Messmer’s Heat Workforce Standards Act, 18-15, to block federal heat-safety rules.
The bill bars OSHA from enforcing the Biden administration’s 2024 rule that would cover roughly 36 million workers.
The AFL-CIO condemned the measure, citing 55 heat-related worker deaths in 2023 and a doubling since 1999.
Groundwork Collaborative, Workshop and Harvard Law School’s Center said heat protections could save up to 1,500 lives annually.

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Story summary

The U.S. House Committee passed Rep. Mark Messmer’s Heat Workforce Standards Act, 18-15, to block federal heat-safety rules.
The bill bars OSHA from enforcing the Biden administration’s 2024 rule that would cover roughly 36 million workers.
The AFL-CIO condemned the measure, citing 55 heat-related worker deaths in 2023 and a doubling since 1999.
Groundwork Collaborative, Workshop and Harvard Law School’s Center said heat protections could save up to 1,500 lives annually.