Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., confronted the U.S. Department of Labor about increasing violations of child labor laws.
Banks made his remarks at a hearing with the Education and Workforce Committee.
“The policies of this administration of opening the wide border has resulted in hundreds of thousands of migrant children entering the workforce in America to work in unsafe conditions," Banks said at the hearing. "Why didn’t you do anything about it?”
During the hearing, Banks accused Julie Su, acting secretary of the Labor Department, of not taking action to reduce the issue of increasing child labor. Banks accused Su of not answering his question when asked what measures the department is taking to address the issue.
Banks went on to compare the current administration's approach to child labor issues with that of the Trump administration, citing a statistic that a 69% increase has been seen in child labor violations since the tenure of the Biden administration, and he attributes this number to open border policies, according to his remarks at the hearing.
Su noted at the hearing that this increase in these investigation is proof the Department is doing its job. She agreed it is their duty to address these violations.
According to a recent news release, Banks referenced data showing more than 250,000 minors without guardians have been permitted to enter the U.S. in the last two years.
Banks asked Su if she agreed with the viewpoint of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, that the issue of unlawful migrant labor fell largely within the purview of the Department of Labor. He also questioned if she would collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to tackle child labor violations, according to the release.
Born in Columbia City, Ind., Banks began his political career in the Indiana State Senate, 2010-16). According to the bio page on his website, his military service saw him deployed to Afghanistan, leading to a brief senatorial stint by his wife, Amanda.
Banks has been the U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District since 2016 and currently chairs the Republican Study Committee, according to his bio. He has received notable commendations for his commitment to pro-family values, small businesses and personal liberties.
