“Still no word as to when David Michaels might have his confirmation hearing in the Senate,” writes Aaron Trippler, director of government affairs for the American Industrial Hygiene Association, in his latest dispatch, “Happenings From the Hill.”

With health care preoccupying time and energy on Capitol Hill, “there doesn’t seem to be anyone pushing for a quick confirmation,” says Trippler.

“On the one hand, AIHA and others wish the Senate would consider this appointment as quickly as possible so the agency and others can get a good look at the agenda Michaels might set. While there has been much talk about an agenda – including risk assessment and ergonomics – nothing concrete has surfaced. On the other hand, it seems many believe a quick confirmation is not important, as the agency is being served quite well with Jordan Barab serving as acting assistant secretary,” says Trippler.