Labor-HEW Appropriations bill for fiscal 1979. H.R. 12929. The vote is on the Symms amendment to reduce the appropriations for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) by $28.4 million. This would have hurt OSHA's consultation program for employers in small businesses who often have the most trouble coping with OSHA regulations. The program provided employers with a free consultant upon request, who would examine the workplace and make recommendations to the employer about how to comply with health and safety rules. This is part of the agency's effort to make its regulations less burdensome and to focus more attention on serious health problems. The Carter Administration had requested a $21.3 million increase in the OSHA budget to help fund employer and employee training and other new programs. Amendment rejected 183-216. June 13, 1978. NO is the correct vote.