NAM HAS A WISH-LIST FOR ISSA…. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) vowed last year that if he was made chairman of the House oversight committee, the right-wing Californian would simply ignore corporate misconduct. And sure enough, the gavel is now in his hands.
It wasn’t surprising, then, when we learned last week that he’d contacted more than 150 trade associations, companies, and think tanks, asking them to put together a list of regulations they’d like him to target for elimination.
They’ve begun getting back to him.
In response, the GOP-friendly National Association of Manufacturers has asked him to probe forthcoming regulations aimed at enhancing worker health, improving toxin standards, mitigating climate pollution and preventing another crisis on Wall Street. […]
NAM also takes aim at an OSHA injury and illness protection plan that would require employers to find and fix hazards in their workplace.
Remember, as far as the Republicans’ “Tea Party” base is concerned, the new GOP majority is committed to some kind of economic populism, and a break with entrenched special interests. Issa is offering change, but it’s the kind of change in which wealthy and powerful business leaders effectively give Congress instructions on what to do.
And in the case of NAM’s wish-list, the instructions include measures that would mean weaker worker protections, less oversight of Wall Street, and dirtier air.
Coming soon to a House oversight committee hearing near you.
