Just in case you still thought that Congress was just a bunch of folks representing, and representative of, the public at large, the Associated Press reminds us of seven major laws that Congress has exempted itself from.
While Congress is moving to explicitly apply insider trading laws to its members, lawmakers are exempt from provisions of other federal laws.
In 1995, the House and Senate passed the Congressional Accountability Act, which did apply many civil rights, labor and workplace safety statutes to the legislative branch.
Specifically, members of Congress are exempt from:
- The Freedom of Information Act.
- Investigatory subpoenas to obtain information for safety and health probes.
- Protections against retaliation for whistleblowers.
- Having to post notices of worker rights in offices.
- Prosecution for retaliating against employees who report safety and health hazards.
- Having to train employees about workplace rights and legal remedies.
- Record-keeping requirements for workplace injuries and illnesses.
This list seems to focus on workplace and OSHA issues, and is just a start. Remember the big one - Congress exempted itself from Obamacare. Guess that some really are more equal than others.
Hat tip to Big Government.
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