American Industrial Hygiene Association Government Affairs Director Aaron Trippler reported yesterday that it looked as though the Senate was nearing approval of the 2010 omnibus appropriations bill, possibly during the Sunday session. Trippler says, “While they are still debating health care, they have removed the final obstacle to approving the omnibus appropriations bill so I expect the vote to take place with no further debate. This bill combines all remaining appropriations bills yet to be passed by Congress.”

As Trippler says, there are no budget surprises regarding OSHA, NIOSH or MSHA. Enforcement received a considerable increase, that will result in the hiring of 100+ inspectors.

Here is the latest summary Trippler has on OSHA funding for fiscal year 2010:

Safety and Health Standards — $19,589,000 (+$2,345,000 increase) Federal Enforcement — $197,946,000 (+25,453,000 increase) OSHA’s total fiscal 2010 budget — $558,620,000 (an 8.9% increase, up from $513,042,000 in fiscal 2009)

MSHA received $357,293,000 (3.1% increase over ‘09).

NIOSH received approximately $12,613,000 (4.7% increase).