The Senate Appropriations Committee has introduced S. 2587, a bill that makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education for FY2026 – also known as the “Labor/H bill.” Notably, the legislation fully funds OSHA and NIOSH — a priority ISEA has championed with our allies on Capitol Hill.
This is an important step forward. Members of the Senate heard our concerns loud and clear: worker safety programs need strong, consistent support. Full funding for OSHA and NIOSH means more resources for research, enforcement, and education — all of which keep workers safe and strengthen our economy.
ISEA has urged policymakers to Invest in Safety: smart, practical policies and funding that protect workers while driving innovation and growth. This bill reflects that message. It shows Congress and the Administration recognize that safety is not a cost — it’s an investment in America’s workforce.
What’s next? As Congress does the grinding work to complete its FY26 funding bill, ISEA will be meeting with Congressional staff members, HHS leaders and others to advocate for robust funding for NIOSH and OSHA.
ISEA at the White House! Most recently, ISEA advocated for NIOSH’s Respirator Approval Program (RAP) at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the White House’s policy development operation. ISEA spoke directly top officials for health-related policy. We explained that the NIOSH RAP supports many of the Administration’s goals: it supports national security, economic security through respiratory protection manufacturing; health and safety of the American worker; and more.
In addition, ISEA explained why NIOSH could not be privatized: private sector labs test products, but do not conduct recalls, initial site audits or conduct random inspections of approved manufacturers.
Together, we’re making a difference. Thank you for lending your voice to the fight for smart safety investments.
We encourage you to continue urging Congress and the Administration to Invest in Safety: investinsafety.org.
