Press Releases

House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Workforce Protections Subcommittee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following joint statement on the Department of Labor’s final overtime rule:

Our nation’s overtime rules need to be streamlined and modernized to provide greater clarity for both workers and employers. The existing regulatory maze is too confusing and complex, and it doesn’t reflect the realities of the 21st century workforce. That’s why we offered to partner with the administration to responsibly address these issues and strengthen employee safeguards. Unfortunately, the department has finalized an extreme and partisan rule that will hurt the very individuals they claim it will help.

Because of this rule, many Americans will soon realize they have fewer job prospects, less flexibility in the workplace, and less opportunity to move up the economic ladder. Those who can least afford it will be hit the hardest—small businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions. The ripple effect of this rule will extend beyond their employees to the people they serve. Younger Americans will be particularly harmed by the administration’s action. While the president and his Democrat allies pay lip service to college affordability, they are pushing a rule that will increase college costs and make it harder for graduates to begin their careers.

These are consequences the American people simply cannot afford, especially in today’s anemic economy. That’s why we plan to explore all options to protect families and students from this fundamentally flawed rule, and we’ll continue our efforts to encourage policies that reduce regulatory burdens, increase workplace flexibility, and lead to the economic opportunities and prosperity every American deserves.

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