Members press DOL over wage and hour enforcement, child labor and proposed staffing cuts

Members of the House Education and Labor Committee pressed Secretary Laurie Chavez de Reamer on whether the Department of Labor can sustain enforcement of wage and hour laws, child labor protections and workplace investigations given proposed staffing and funding reductions in the department’s FY2026 budget.

Why it matters: Committee members from both parties warned that fewer investigators and inspectors could weaken enforcement of wage theft, child labor and safety violations. Several members cited historical staffing declines and current investigator counts in Wage and Hour and OSHA as insufficient for national coverage.

What the secretary said: Chavez de Reamer repeatedly told the panel that protecting the American worker is a core DOL mission and that the agency will enforce federal law. She emphasized intentions to streamline and modernize operations and to work with Congress during appropriations. On staffing specifics she said she would clarify FTE counts in writing and that certain essential investigators were not allowed to take department rehiring/DRP actions so that they remain on duty.

Members’ concerns and examples: Lawmakers cited that Wage and Hour Division (WHD) had 611 investigators — a historic low compared with decades past — and argued that current levels cannot meet enforcement needs. Members raised that OSHA would take centuries at current inspection rates to visit every workplace once and asked how fewer inspectors satisfies worker safety. Others raised specific examples of child labor and severe workplace accidents (roofing fall, mining inspection hires) and said additional enforcement resources are necessary.

Committee follow up: Members requested written clarifications about staffing numbers, the status of regional office leases and whether any investigator or hearing services contracts have been canceled; the secretary said she would have staff follow up and requested the committee’s cooperation during ongoing litigation on other topics.

Ending: The department pledged to enforce laws and to provide follow‑up information; the committee signaled further oversight and requested periodic reporting on enforcement capacity and case outcomes.