High Country Times

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) has addressed a letter to Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, seeking information about a recent Department of Labor (DOL) event. This meeting, which took place less than 60 days before the upcoming presidential election, has raised concerns due to its perceived political nature.

The inquiry follows a similar event held just 43 days before the 2022 election, suggesting a pattern in the Biden-Harris administration's activities. Foxx highlighted these concerns in her letter: “The Committee on Education and the Workforce (Committee) seeks information regarding a recent event held at the Department of Labor (DOL) less than 60 days prior to the upcoming presidential election which appeared to be nothing more than a union pep rally. This inquiry continues the Committee’s ongoing investigation into questionable and potentially unethical activity at DOL during the Biden-Harris administration.”

Foxx elaborated on her suspicions regarding the timing and content of the event: “The timing and apparent one-sided nature of this event are highly suspect, occurring 49 days before election day and seeming to involve only union leaders as speakers. The Committee is concerned the event and panel discussion is another example of a pro-union pep rally held at DOL’s national headquarters at taxpayer expense. … The Committee has long been concerned about DOL’s lapses in judgment involving holding one-sided events near an election. In 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) held a so-called ‘Workers’ Voice Summit’ beginning just 43 days before that year’s election day. … The Committee is confounded by the Biden-Harris administration’s gall in hosting yet another one-sided event near an election.”

In her letter, Foxx requests detailed documentation from DOL, including:

- All documents and communications exchanged between DOL and the White House related to preparing for this event.

- A list of all attendees, both in-person and virtual, along with their organizational affiliations.

- A run-of-show for the event.

- Handwritten and electronic notes taken by DOL staff during the event.

- Any video or audio recordings or transcripts related to the event.

- An explanation for why hosting such an event close to an election is deemed appropriate by DOL.

- Documents discussing legal or ethical considerations surrounding holding this event.

- A summary detailing how this event will influence DOL's priorities under a potential Harris administration.

To read Foxx's full letter, interested parties can click here.

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