Texas Rep. Greg Casar on Why He Undertook "Thirst Strike" to Demand Heat Protections for Workers

As nearly half of Americans face heat advisories, President Biden announced new steps Thursday to provide relief, and Texas Congressmember Greg Casar held an eight-hour thirst strike Tuesday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to highlight the need for a federal workplace heat standard, including mandatory water breaks for workers. This comes as Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed legislation overturning local rules for mandatory workplace water breaks. It is a slap in the face. It is dangerous. It will get people killed. But most of all, it's disrespectful to working people," says Casar. I'm outraged, but, unfortunately, not surprised." At least 2,000 workers in the United States die every year from heat exposure, and the risk is likely to increase as the planet continues to warm due to the climate crisis.