High Country Times

WASHINGTON – Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) has expressed strong concerns about workplace safety protocols in the White House, particularly in light of the recent increase in dog bite incidents involving President Biden's dog, Commander.

In a letter addressed to Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su, Foxx highlighted the Committee's ongoing worries about the occupational safety and health program for all employees at the White House and the Executive Office of the President (EOP). Foxx pointed out discrepancies in the information provided by the White House to the DOL, stating, "It seems that the EOP failed to provide this information to DOL."

Foxx emphasized the importance of ensuring equal protection for all workers, stating, "The Committee has an interest in ensuring that the White House is providing the same protections to its workforce that it demands of the private sector." She also raised questions about the accuracy of data regarding the EOP and the White House held by the DOL.

The Chairwoman concluded the letter by requesting additional information and answers from the DOL, including copies of claims submitted for EOP employees, clarification on why certain information was omitted, and steps that will be taken to ensure compliance with the OSH Act.

This latest communication follows previous letters sent by Foxx to both the DOL and the White House in October and November 2023. The Committee's concerns center around the White House's adherence to workplace safety standards and the provision of a safe working environment for its employees.

Foxx's efforts to hold the White House accountable for workplace safety standards underscore a broader push for transparency and compliance with regulations to protect all workers, regardless of their place of employment.