OSHA in line for a budget increase of nearly $12 million in House bill

Washington — Two House budget bills involving safety agencies were approved by separate subcommittees July 8 in a marathon session of markups.

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee approved a bill that allocates nearly $593.8 million to OSHA for fiscal year 2021, which begins Oct. 1. The agency received almost $582 million in FY 2020.

The bill allocates more than $13.5 million for the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, with at least $4.5 million for Capacity Building Developmental grants. The Voluntary Protection Programs would receive no more than $3.5 million.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration would get more than $379.8 million, the same amount as in FY 2020, and $344.7 million would go to NIOSH – up from $342.8 million. The Trump administration sought to give NIOSH around $190 million in its budget proposal, released Feb. 10.

The administration once again is seeking to eliminate the Harwood grants and the Chemical Safety Board. Congress hasn’t complied with those requests in any previous fiscal years. The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee bill allocates $12 million to CSB – the same funding the agency received in FY 2020.

Both bills will need approval from the House Appropriations Committee and then the full House. The Senate also will likely weigh in with its own budget bills.