Wilson Applauds Passage of Child Labor Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2007

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Wilson Applauds Passage of Child Labor Bill

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2637, the “Child Labor Protection Act of 2007.” This bill increases penalties for child labor law violations. Wilson is an original co-sponsor of the legislation.

“This measure is a bipartisan effort to protect our children in the workforce. While children under the age of 18 are permitted to work under United States labor law, certain rules govern the actions they may or may not undertake. Under the bill we passed today, companies will receive stiffer monetary penalties should a violation of these laws result in the injury or death of a child in the workplace.

“I appreciate the work of Chairman George Miller and Ranking Member Buck McKeon on this issue. I am grateful for President Bush’s support, which has proved critical to the bill’s passage.

“I am pleased the House came together to pass this bill and ensure the safety of our nation’s children. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly consider the measure.”

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