[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6211565,"mediaKeyId","3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a","parentId",3694970,"title","OSHA nominee outlines modernization plan and support for workplace violence protections; senators push on emergency responder and heat standards","audioSeconds",311,"startMs",2461000,"endMs",2772000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a&start=2461&end=2772","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a/thumbnail_2461000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6211565/OSHA-nominee-outlines-modernization-plan-and-support-for-workplace-violence-protections-senators-push-on-emergency-responder-and-heat-standards","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211565-0ebcddd5257b9d52bc0b5fb004810e57/orig.mp4?Expires=1776204912&Signature=XlMn87H8qqXYMsYB1oDNV-9oHK~Cv8mrPAgXZYCRKpG2SYzBdO5IKyA0OHN9an7k7QeEzoEpXHS4HYL72KoRDle1R6G7RZx5cGYEV12~slaOicbfH7p0t-0mfHHxM8eiLLcBYmUeJeB4irgUE5twQlc6VoIycH4j4uNbZQJtNlqNCUEaskDHJmy-eKn~m~L8Ra17TI20nz4-K3jnipTdWGA1MGJUb~bnIRj~fdI7YgP5Xu2T9TKrYf9C6MWvBA6lhyCIqrRqwYBcEYsi9AfJzp1zsRntkF1JJn9ZzVV24QJo2ia8w78fSm61c0V6WYZQ-GhZkUbonYLp0TBXe3j93A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions","date","2025-06-05T00:00:00Z","article","David Keeling, President Trump's nominee to head the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, told the Senate HELP Committee he would pursue modernization, use predictive analytics for prevention and expand collaboration among employers, unions and professional groups.

\"If confirmed, my goals are straightforward and simple,\" Keeling said, outlining plans to accelerate regulatory modernization, \"bring to bear technologies and predictive analytics\" to move OSHA toward injury prevention, and update voluntary protection programs. He also said he would prioritize enforcement transformation and expand engagement with at‑risk employers before tragedies occur.

Senators pressed Keeling about specific regulatory actions. Senator Tammy Baldwin asked whether he would commit to issuing and finalizing the Department's planned workplace violence rule for health care and social‑service workers; Keeling said he sees \"massive opportunity for improvement\" and that he looked forward to working with senators on the issue. He agreed, on questioning from Senator Blunt Rochester, to support whistleblower protections.

Senators representing emergency responders asked about a proposed emergency responder standard (a nearly 50‑year‑old fire standard). Keeling said there is a \"path through\" on that rule but said he had not yet consulted career OSHA staff as a nominee. He committed that working with the career team on volunteer firefighter concerns would be one of his early conversations if confirmed. Senator Ed Markey urged a final heat‑stress prevention rule; Keeling said he would work with Congress on heat protections and other priorities.

Committee members also raised concerns about research and data. Alaska's senator questioned gaps if the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) capacity changes; Keeling noted NIOSH does not directly report to the Department of Labor and said professional groups and private resources could help fill gaps, while acknowledging such gaps would be difficult to bridge.

Why it matters: OSHA rulemaking and enforcement affect workplace safety across industries. Keeling's stated focus on modernization, predictive analytics, and voluntary program reform signals an administrative emphasis on engagement and proactive mitigation rather than solely on traditional compliance inspections. Senators pressed him to commit to finalizing rulemakings affecting emergency responders, health‑care worker safety and heat stress, and to prioritize whistleblower protections.

The hearing produced commitments but not votes; senators will continue oversight during the confirmation process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Nomination Hearing: June 5th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","David Keeling, nominee to lead OSHA, told the Senate HELP Committee he will push to modernize enforcement with predictive analytics and closer collaboration with employers and unions, and he agreed to pursue protections including workplace‑violence and whistleblower safeguards if confirmed.","taxTitle","Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1995,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6211570,"EBSA nominee pledges to loosen enforcement and clarify fiduciary rules, senators press on ESOPs and retirement access",324,2128000,2452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a&start=2128&end=2452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a/thumbnail_2128000.jpg","/articles/6211570/EBSA-nominee-pledges-to-loosen-enforcement-and-clarify-fiduciary-rules-senators-press-on-ESOPs-and-retirement-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211570-22963c461490d7298a09b7c1d6f0294a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776204912&Signature=Ki7VEqSC04Gm8hY5jbm-oJM6cW48JeQnfhw4gcmCCJtAKOZ10rlYL7e9nljnqLY3uo5o3b5r62O~-zRcrNqoosvvUKjtxnOecKGfYOLtmXjcWlAKwLBDAq2Lu4ezShj3Y0xrYMVIYF6-7gNRuDo-nSczeEhe5CzToECwLlPcdJA8jTl8wMk-ylFr5GsRUt70kO7lTky4-FLuUDE6tj9eE15YHNvpsffyAInKAEE4Agr2n9i1Smb7NVuxHXzBmZAoHHtV60NGjMthmqUM8nS~VrCUj7HeIQ~3TfIinYjfLJEUjIcCMVYA5M5uKwKQmfbVhX2kYeAB~VgJoqcZTa8KFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Daniel Aronowitz, President Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of Labor to lead the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), told the Senate HELP Committee he would prioritize clearer fiduciary guidance, limit protracted investigations and restore discretion to plan fiduciaries.

\"I believe that fiduciaries should decide what's in retirement plans, not government bureaucrats, not plaintiff lawyers,\" Aronowitz said. He described EBSA as in need of a \"major turnaround\" and said he would end \"the practice of open‑ended investigations that go on for years.\"

Aronowitz emphasized encouraging sponsors to expand retirement and health benefits by reducing regulatory burden and litigation risk. He said EBSA should provide ‘‘regulatory clarity\" on issues such as mental‑health parity, private equity, cryptocurrency and ESG considerations so plan sponsors have certainty. He added he would champion innovative plan types and measures to bring retirement to underserved workers.

Senators questioned Aronowitz on enforcement and employee‑ownership plans. Senator Dan Sullivan and others urged support for Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs); Aronowitz said he would \"end the war on ESOPs,\" arguing DOL enforcement has been overly aggressive toward valuation professionals and that independent valuation firms should be trusted absent clear conflicts of interest.

Senators also pressed him on access to retirement for workers without employer plans. In response, Aronowitz said he would work with Congress on proposals to make retirement more accessible, including bipartisan proposals to allow federal retirement accounts with matching for lower‑income workers; he explicitly committed to working on the \"Retirement Savings for Americans Act\" if confirmed.

Why it matters: EBSA enforces ERISA and oversees private retirement and welfare plans holding trillions in assets. Aronowitz's stated priorities — swifter investigations, less expansive enforcement, and regulatory clarity — would shift agency emphasis toward plan sponsor discretion and, potentially, fewer contested enforcement actions. Senators and advocates will watch whether those priorities change participant protections or encourage broader plan coverage.

Aronowitz did not face a committee vote at the hearing; senators may submit questions for the record.","Daniel Aronowitz, President Trump's nominee to head the Employee Benefits Security Administration, told the Senate HELP Committee he will seek regulatory clarity, faster investigations and ‘‘even‑handed\" enforcement; he pledged to support ESOPs and expand retirement access for gig and small‑business workers if confirmed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6211575,"Education nominee emphasizes state control, literacy gains and school choice as senators press on data and program cuts",2380,1454000,3834000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a&start=1454&end=3834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a/thumbnail_1454000.jpg","/articles/6211575/Education-nominee-emphasizes-state-control-literacy-gains-and-school-choice-as-senators-press-on-data-and-program-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211575-fb48e3d1916bdc2097686c946fd9674b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776204912&Signature=Dk2HYi3RbbR1csVQM-MQYu8CMrF~msflfBOetqDTegdBbUNMsFZhw1HfIjwLUlg~iafBM~Tuo3Y-m-jRswMKwFYQQDWhKEHWWYpGAEeEtJw0Ff3bJpe8ZNULoctbSZUjqdsklRd7dxpReCBy6P4ogL0Z72Fb3mVBNWK4isNaRajSCAfehJ-Prm47JjUJIMeEoFQBd5xl-z6Cp5hWfnGqJU0kqPc0SaLK5sGSPvxlLGj45sYPbe3pJkgfeG15G4TzbGqprvMPtN8050trSp~U8LkxFyqcE8IYTIniwjVujy-FyjYo6mkiAbNynAvKiszD2BHCpBGc0XJmZb3NSGYtlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Penny Schwinn, President Trump's nominee for Deputy Secretary of Education, told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that she believes \"when the money is closest to the child, when the decisions are closest to the child, we can best serve the child.\" She described an outcomes‑focused approach that gives states flexibility and emphasized literacy and workforce pathways.

\"We must empower states, expand choice, and raise reading outcomes,\" Schwinn said, and cited Tennessee's results under her leadership: statewide literacy gains, expanded dual‑credit and credential access, and a larger set of STEM and career‑tech options. She pledged to \"tirelessly work\" for students and described a focus on implementation and transparency.

Senators pressed Schwinn on multiple operational issues. Senator Patty Murray raised the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) missing its statutory June 1 deadline for the annual Condition of Education report after staff reductions and canceled contracts; Murray said NCES had been \"decimated\" and asked whether Schwinn would ensure NCES fulfills statutory duties including administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Schwinn answered that, \"If confirmed, I will absolutely ensure that we follow all of the laws that you all have passed, and certainly want to, reinforce our commitment to NAEP, and its full execution.\"

Senators also asked about implementation of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Schwinn said she would prioritize statutory obligations and work with Congress and states to improve monitoring and outcomes; she agreed to discuss public reporting of monitoring findings with Secretary McMahon and the committee. Lawmakers flagged Government Accountability Office findings that fewer than half of identified schools had compliant improvement plans and that the department had reviewed only three of five states so far in the year.

Several senators raised resources for early identification of dyslexia and interventions. Schwinn described Tennessee's approach of including dyslexia characteristics in state funding formulas, increasing early assessment and training teachers, and said the federal role should be to share best practices across states. She said high‑dosage tutoring and targeted ESSER investments had produced measurable returns in Tennessee.

Senators criticized recent departmental program changes. Schwinn acknowledged that some grant programs were being rebid and said she would work with the secretary and Congress on implementation; she committed to \"working to have an efficient, effective, and outcomes oriented department.\" Senator Maggie Hassan and others pressed her about cancelled funding for grants to expand access to student mental‑health services, which they said disrupted local programs.

Why it matters: As deputy secretary, Schwinn would help implement federal education law and decide how the department distributes funding and technical assistance; senators described potential changes in priorities and asked whether the department can meet statutory monitoring and reporting duties after staffing reductions. Schwinn repeatedly emphasized empowering states, improving fidelity of implementation, and elevating the science of reading as central priorities.

The hearing included follow‑up questions for the record; Schwinn did not receive a committee confirmation vote on the day of the hearing.","Penny Schwinn, nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Education, told the Senate HELP Committee she favors returning authority to states, prioritizing the science of reading and expanding school choice. Senators pressed her on National Center for Education Statistics cuts, ESSA monitoring and canceled student mental‑health grants.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6211579,"Nominee for Education civil‑rights office pledges to fight antisemitism as senators press over staffing cuts and backlog",6000,1769000,7769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a&start=1769&end=7769","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3694970-ce9b98165ac6bc2714105134ac73b25a/thumbnail_1769000.jpg","/articles/6211579/Nominee-for-Education-civilrights-office-pledges-to-fight-antisemitism-as-senators-press-over-staffing-cuts-and-backlog","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211579-b775145fa81ff2ec4ed29bc65163a2b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1776204912&Signature=GsZorXxrOwNBwPFvBphRoUEGl7bqxF1X7nkCzN2xq5SrfKTQmA6ZCVaEe1MxXo-itZLAeGxjyZ2m7nb22gZoaPBXMTOEIcis9O9rR5BICi2kxUzqRFjfaqzdMDoamAdegDLc4o7cyXZrLRizKvYYhk4F1zQK3YHVWftyX8Rwp8z~xO5zuv07HxG0Mjcnjz0zqcSP~LLWq6MzIUpmBfNsszH7mUznQYaJede-TlvGhXOGzXx6MtGu3LYojpwXdSywdBWENRgLkeVUYHnU73buYJRDcb3HYbrQT6xFD9eM4lzeslL6xfOmHBz3SbZXEBuH9Hl3meYEZIHFqsUW0iPBWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kimberly Ritchie, President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR), told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on June 5 that she would prioritize investigations into antisemitism and other civil‑rights complaints if confirmed.

Ritchie said, \"If I'm confirmed, the department will not stand idly by while Jewish students are attacked and discriminated against,\" and vowed OCR would \"vigorously\" enforce Title VI and related civil‑rights laws. She also told senators she is \"always going to advocate for OCR to have the resources that it needs to do its job.\"

The hearing focused sharply on OCR staffing and capacity. Senators cited multiple changes at the department, including the closure of seven of OCR's 12 regional offices and the firing of nearly 300 OCR staff. Committee members said those moves left investigators with sharply increased caseloads; the transcript records investigators' caseloads rising from about 42 cases per investigator to roughly 115 in some offices. Lawmakers also raised inconsistent public figures for OCR's backlog: a department statement had suggested 2,500 cases while other committee exchanges referenced a figure of 25,000.

Ranking members and committee Democrats repeatedly linked the staffing changes to the department's ability to pursue discrimination complaints. Senator Patty Murray asked Ritchie whether, if confirmed, she would ensure the National Center for Education Statistics and OCR meet statutory obligations; Ritchie said she would \"absolutely\" ensure the department follows laws passed by Congress and that she would \"advocate\" for OCR resources. Senator Tammy Baldwin emphasized claims that the administration's budget request would further reduce OCR funding and expressed concern about the effect on investigations and enforcement.

Senators from both parties pressed Ritchie on how OCR should apply Supreme Court precedent and federal civil‑rights law to disputes over athletics and sex‑based protections. Ritchie described a nuanced approach: \"students who file complaints with OCR alleging discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity...those cases would be investigated by OCR consistent with Title IX, with the Bostock case and with OCR's regulations,\" and said OCR had previously taken enforcement action in athletic cases involving biological males competing in women's athletics.

Committee members also raised web accessibility and services for students with disabilities after the administration reduced staff focused on digital accessibility. Ritchie said websites and apps must be accessible under Section 504 and that she would prioritize web accessibility and outreach if confirmed.

Why it matters: OCR enforces Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments; reduced investigative staff and closed regional offices can slow or limit OCR's ability to resolve complaints and to conduct directed investigations into campus antisemitism, disability access, and other categories of discrimination. Several senators told the committee they want OCR to provide clear public reporting on caseloads and monitoring activity.

Ritchie repeatedly declined to explain or defend specific recent enforcement steps taken by the department while she is still a nominee, citing lack of access to internal case files. Instead she committed to reviewing caseloads, staff distribution and organizational structure \"and help the secretary come up with a very strategic plan\" to address the backlog and shifting priorities.

The hearing did not include a committee vote on Ritchie's nomination. Senators may submit written questions for the record; committee staff announced questions for the record were due June 6.","Kimberly Ritchie, President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, told the Senate HELP Committee she would prioritize investigations into antisemitism and other discrimination if confirmed, but senators pressed her about large staff reductions, closed regional offices and a swollen case backlog.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

OSHA nominee outlines modernization plan and support for workplace violence protections; senators push on emergency responder and heat standards

EBSA nominee pledges to loosen enforcement and clarify fiduciary rules, senators press on ESOPs and retirement access

Education nominee emphasizes state control, literacy gains and school choice as senators press on data and program cuts

Nominee for Education civil‑rights office pledges to fight antisemitism as senators press over staffing cuts and backlog