08.21.15

Scott Statement on D.C. Circuit Court Home Health Workers Decision

 

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) praised the unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in Home Care Association of America v. Weil, in support of the U.S. Department of Labor’s rule to cover home healthcare workers under minimum wage and overtime protections. This decision will extend these protections to nearly two million workers.

“Today’s decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals will benefit home healthcare workers and attract more qualified professionals to this important profession. It will also help to stabilize one of the fastest growing occupational sectors in our nation. For these hardworking men and women, this decision will ensure they are guaranteed the same minimum wage and overtime protections available in other industries. This decision shows that the Department of Labor’s rule to protect home care workers is sound, and that these workers have earned the same federal labor rights afforded to others across the country.”

Earlier this year Congressman Scott and Senator Patty Murray – ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee – led 50 of their Democratic colleagues on an Amicus Brief in support of the Department of Labor’s rule. More about the Amicus brief can be found here.

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