11.15.17

Committee Democrats Hold Trump Administration Accountable for Anti-Worker Agenda

Labor Secretary Acosta testified before the full Committee for the first time since confirmation

WASHINGTON – TODAY, the Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary R. Alexander Acosta testified before the full Committee on Education and the Workforce. As the Secretary, Mr. Acosta is the steward of the laws that govern our nation’s workplaces and promote a fairer economy for all.

Secretary Acosta’s testimony comes at a critical time for America’s working people. Despite low levels of unemployment, millions of workers are still struggling to make ends meet and get ahead in the workplace. Rather than promoting policies that expand opportunity, the DOL under the Trump Administration has displayed a pattern of anti-worker actions.

“Today, the Department of Labor bears the tremendous responsibility of implementing and enforcing employment laws covering about 10 million employers and about 125 million workers,” said Ranking Member Bobby Scott. “However, in its first 10 months, there are troubling questions about whether this Department has reversed important progress made in previous administration, and laid the groundwork to undermine workers’ wages, retirement security, workplace safety, affordable health care, and skills development.”

It is disappointing that it has taken the Secretary until November to testify before the Committee even though DOL’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget request was submitted to Congress over six months ago. This is especially troubling as the Department has failed to satisfactorily respond to the Committee’s oversight request. It is important for Secretary Acosta to come before the Committee regularly, as part of its vital oversight role, and answer questions on the pressing concerns of the American people about the Department’s recent actions.

FULL OPENING STATEMENT: Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03)

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