|
On April 28, 2004, our country observed Workers Memorial Day, an event that gives each of us the opportunity to honor and mourn the many workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Every year, an estimated 60,000 workers die from work-related injuries or illnesses and millions more are injured. These numbers hit us all too close to home in New Jersey six months ago, when four workers died while working on the Tropicana Casino and Resort parking garage in Atlantic City. Sadly, the men and women we honor on Workers Memorial Day were hurt or killed while taking part in the most innocent, admirable of activities: they were working to support their families and to do their part to keep our country and economy moving.
In recognition of the losses so many workers and their families have suffered, I have introduced a bill in Congress that would require that all government buildings lower their flags to half-mast every year on Workers Memorial Day. This action would give fallen and injured workers the official, dignified recognition they deserve and would compel each of us to remember the risks our working men and women face on the job every day. I will work in Congress to ensure that as many Representatives as possible join me in this effort and that we honor our workers by getting this bill signed into law.
In order to view the details of this bill and track its progress, please visit http://thomas.loc.gov. The bill number is H.R. 4253. |
|
