Workforce Protections

The Subcommittee on Workforce Protections is a specialized panel within the House Committee on Education and Workforce that focuses on a critical slice of labor policy. While the full committee handles broad education and workforce issues, this subcommittee narrows its focus to worker protections and rights. It conducts initial hearings and reviews legislation before matters can advance to the full committee for a floor vote.

The subcommittee has jurisdiction over a wide range of labor issues. These include wage and hour laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, which sets the federal minimum wage and overtime standards; workers' compensation programs for federal employees, longshore workers, and coal miners; workplace safety and health standards enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); and equal employment opportunity protections against discrimination. The panel also oversees trade and immigration issues as they affect workers and employers, as well as protections for migrant and agricultural workers.

The subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) serving as Ranking Member. The panel has ten members total, with six Republicans and four Democrats. Recent activity includes hearings on workplace technology and artificial intelligence, paid leave policies, and federal workers' compensation programs, demonstrating the subcommittee's active role in examining emerging workplace challenges and existing labor protections.