The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OVERTIME RULE UPDATE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H6375 on Nov. 30, 2016.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OVERTIME RULE UPDATE
(Mr. ALLEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, last week, a Texas judge granted an emergency injunction against the Department of Labor's overtime rule.
This disastrous overtime rule is yet another attempt by this administration to legislate outside of reason and job description to impose their ``we know what is best for you'' agenda.
This rule, set to go into effect December 1, would double the overtime salary threshold almost overnight. For Americans, this overtime rule would mean fewer job prospects, less flexibility, and less opportunity.
I have stood before this body many times telling the stories of small businesses that have come to me and warned me of the struggles their employees and families would face because of this overtime rule.
Schools and universities back home in my district were negatively impacted by this rule and the possibility of having to inform employees of a partial paycheck right before the holidays. Despite outcry and outrage from folks back home, the administration pushed forward with its unpopular overtime rule.
Thankfully, the courts got it right. I thank the courts for standing up for the rule of law and the American people.
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