The U.S. House of Representatives committee with jurisdiction over labor matters, including workplace safety and OSHA, has a new chairman, now that Democrats have a majority in the House for the first time during President Donald J. Trump's presidency. Rep. Bobby Scott, a Virginia Democrat, released a statement after he was elected chairman of the Education & Labor Committee on Jan. 4 by the House Democratic Caucus.
The committee has a new name -- actually, it reacquired its original name. Its name was the Committee on Education & the Workforce when Republicans held the majority.
"I am honored to have the support of my colleagues and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor in the 116th Congress," Scott said in his statement. "As Chairman, I will work to expand access to the building blocks of a strong middle class – a quality education, a rewarding job, and affordable health care. These goals not only reflect the values of our Caucus, they have the overwhelming support of the American people.
"We have been granted the opportunity to advance a vision for a country where everyone can succeed, not just the wealthy few. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pursue a unifying agenda that will improve the standard of living for people from all walks of life."