High Country Times

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, along with other Republican committee members, has urged Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su to extend the public comment period for a proposed rule affecting the 14(c) program. This program offers rehabilitation and skills training to workers with severe disabilities. The request is supported by Chairman-elect Tim Walberg, Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, and Rep. Glenn Grothman.

In their letter to Su, the lawmakers emphasize the importance of the program and criticize what they describe as an "inappropriately rushed process" by the Department of Labor (DOL). They express concern that this expedited approach aims to finalize changes before the end of the Biden-Harris administration.

The letter states: “Such a drastic step of eliminating 14(c) certificates will significantly limit opportunities for these workers who rely on these jobs to help them find purpose and personal fulfillment, and to learn meaningful skills. A major policy change should be afforded meaningful consideration by a range of impacted stakeholders.”

It continues: “Because the far-reaching regulatory change would impact hundreds of workplaces and thousands of workers who value their occupations, we are concerned that DOL provided only for a 44 day-comment period. This short time period is particularly concerning when stakeholders will need to evaluate the probable effects of the proposed rule and write thoughtful comments over the course of the holiday season."

The lawmakers also point out that publishing this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) during such a busy period does not allow adequate time for consideration before transitioning administrations.

Foxx, Walberg, Thompson, and Grothman conclude by urging DOL to extend the comment period by an additional 46 days.