‘Reproductive Health’ Bills Introduced and the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Anniversary Recognized

The past week brought a number of new bills to Congressional attention. In addition, a resolution was introduced recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York City on March 25, 1911, and designating the week of March 21, 2011, through March 25, 2011, as the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Remembrance Week.

Child Protection

S. 581 — Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)/Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (3/15/11) — A bill to require criminal background checks for child care providers.

S. 645 — Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY)/Judiciary (3/17/11) — A bill to amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to establish a permanent background check system.

Education

S. 571 — Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)/Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (3/14/11) — A bill to provide education for homeless children and youths, and for other purposes.

Judiciary

H.R. 1096 — Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX)/Judiciary (3/15/11) — A bill to provide that human life shall be deemed to exist from conception, and for other purposes.

Miscellaneous

S. Res. 106 — Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)/Considered and agreed to (3/17/11) — A resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York City on March 25, 1911, and designating the week of March 21, 2011, through March 25, 2011, as the “100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Remembrance Week:”

Whereas the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire was the deadliest industrial disaster in the City of New York’s history and resulted in the 4th greatest loss of life from an industrial accident in the history of the United States, claiming the lives of 146 garment workers, many of whom were young immigrants;

Whereas this human catastrophe exposed the need to strengthen labor laws, fire regulations, and health and safety protections for workers;

Whereas the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire helped spur the growth of the modern-day organized labor movement, particularly the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, which continued to fight for better conditions for sweatshop workers;

Whereas from the ashes of this horrific event emerged the modern celebration of International Women’s Day, and the death of 129 women workers in the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire demonstrated the need for workers’ rights and women’s rights;

Whereas more than 5,000 workers lose their lives each year on the job, and protecting the health and safety of workers continues to be a critical issue in the United States today; and