01.29.25

Scott Statement on Firing of EEOC Commissioners Burrows and Samuels

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after President Trump fired Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners Charlotte A. Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels.  Project 2025, Chapter 18 details the Trump Administrations plans to weaken the EEOC.

“The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an independent, bipartisan federal agency that protects millions of workers from illegal workplace discrimination and retaliation.  The Supreme Court decided in Humphrey's Executor v. United States that the President does not have the right to fire independent agency leaders before the conclusion of their term. 

“President Trump’s firing of EEOC Commissioners Burrows and Samuels is unprecedented.  These extreme actions are underscored by the fact that in the agency’s 60-year history, no commissioner has ever been fired before the end of their term.  Commissioner Burrows’ term is not set to expire until 2028, and Commissioner Samuels’ term does not expire until 2026. 

“With the departure of Burrows and Samuels, the EEOC will not have a quorum to address claims of illegal workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, and genetic information.  Ensuring that the EEOC can carry out its vital work should not be a partisan issue.  In the end, President Trump’s actions fundamentally hurt workers and undermines the civil rights laws of this nation.

“Both Commissioners Burrows and Samuels brought extensive expertise in civil rights and a voice for workers to the Commission.  While serving on the Commission, Burrows and Samuels have worked to promote cooperation between employers and unions to create an economy that works for everyone.  Notably, while Burrows was Chair of the Commission, the EEOC recovered almost $700 million for workers who suffered discrimination in the workplace and spearheaded guaranteed protections for pregnant workers.”

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