ANNUAL REPORT OF WASHINGTON OFFICE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS (July 1,1999-June 30, 2000)

摘要

This year has been a dynamic and challenging year for the foundry industry and AFS in many ways. This is particularly true with regard to federal government affairs. Amid extreme partisan rancor and a keen awareness that Election Day is just around the corner, lawmakers have grappled with diverse and far ranging issues with mixed success. Every vote on every issue is cast with the knowledge that their jobs and the control of Congress is at stake in the upcoming election. Likewise, the questions of who will control the White House next year is on the minds of top level officials at the federal agencies. They know that the fate of their current agency policy initiatives and regulations hang in the balance as voters go to the polls in November. In the case of a few key regulations, such as OSHA's massive ergonomics rule, they are racing against the clock to finalize the rule before President Clinton leaves office. AFS continues to maintain a steady focus on key issues of unique importance to the foundry industry and to AFS members. As we have noted in past reports, more and more time, energy and attention is being devoted to the regulatory arena where aggressive federal agencies continue to challenge our industry with onerous new standards and mandates such as: a devastating new silica standard; potent new ergonomics standards; and new MACT standards for aluminum foundries.