In deciding not to pursue controversial youth labor regulations for agriculture, the Obama administration said it would work with rural stakeholders for safety education, specifically mentioning organizations such as the Farm Bureau, the NFU, FFA, and 4-H. But the livestock industry has been just as involved in the issue, if not more so, according to Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT).

“I just want to thank the National Cattlemen for their involvement in bringing the issue to the attention of the American people in the national media,” Cong. Rehberg said in a telephone press conference today with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president J.D. Alexander of Nebraska. “I want to thank the Obama Administration for withdrawing this regulation because it didn’t make sense.”

However, the congressman quoted Ronald Reagan – “trust but verify” – and said he will be working to ensure the regulation is not brought back by some other means. “I have every intention as chairman of the Department of Labor’s budget to have a rider in my legislation that says no money will be spent on the implementation, promulgation or enforcement of (this regulation), just to make sure,” he said.

Listen to the press conference with Cong. Rehberg and J.D. here: NCBA Youth Labor Reg Call