Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the SenateHealth, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today urged nominees to theDepartment of Labor not to view businesses, particularly small businesses, as adversaries.
“I am concerned about the direction the Obama Department of Labor will take,” Enzisaid. “I truly hope the Department does not assume an adversary role against small businesses and businesses in general. Small businesses are not the enemy of workers or the Department of Labor.”
At today’s HELP Committee confirmation hearing for Seth Harris, nominee for DeputyLabor Secretary, and Patricia Smith, nominee for Solicitor, Enzi urged the Department to helpbusinesses comply with federal regulations so they can grow and hire more workers.
“As a former small business owner, I understand the importance of protecting ourworkers, and I have struggled with overly burdensome government regulations,” Enzi said. “We must promote a workplace environment that ensures safety, encourages responsibility, and fosters a flexible regulatory framework that allows small businesses to grow.
“All employers, particularly small business, are already struggling in the currenteconomic climate. Small businesses need the Department to help them understand and comply with complex regulations, not pile on additional burdens.”
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