U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her "America at Work" listening tour this week, making stops on both the West and East Coasts to discuss workforce development and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries.
Beginning in Kirkland, Washington, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer met with software developers at ServiceNow to talk about the expanding role of AI in the workplace. She emphasized that the Department of Labor will play a key part in carrying out President Trump’s AI Action Plan, which is designed to increase AI literacy, invest in skills training, and prepare American workers for an economy where AI plays a growing role.
The Secretary then traveled to South Carolina, visiting manufacturers and businesses across Florence, Georgetown, Hartsville, Mullins, and Myrtle Beach. There she spoke with business leaders and workers about how recent federal policies are affecting local economies.
“Every sector of our economy is coming back to life under President Trump’s bold, visionary leadership – from artificial intelligence in Washington state to advanced manufacturing in South Carolina,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “In just over six months, this President has expanded economic opportunity for hardworking Americans by making historic investments in our workforce through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. I’d like to thank my friend, Congressman Fry, for hosting me in the great state of South Carolina to see the positive impacts of these America First policies firsthand. I’m committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure workers have the tools they need to succeed in America’s new Golden Age.”
Rep. Russell Fry joined Secretary Chavez-DeRemer during her visit in Myrtle Beach. He stated: “South Carolina is home to some of the hardest working people in the country, and the One Big Beautiful Bill puts them first – cutting taxes, growing jobs, and investing in the future of our workforce. From touring thriving manufacturing facilities, seeing our tourism and hospitality industries in action, and meeting the workers who keep it all running, we saw firsthand how this legislation delivers for South Carolina families and the American people. Thank you to my good friend Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for visiting the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions of our state to see just how much this bill will mean for South Carolina’s future.”
During her time on the East Coast, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer participated in a roundtable discussion at the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce with Rep. Fry and local business leaders. The group discussed provisions within President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act that aim to support industry growth by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay as well as expanding Pell Grant access for technical school students.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer also visited several employers contributing to job creation in South Carolina:
- At Envirosep she met engineers developing heating system technologies focused on energy efficiency.
- At SOPACKO she observed operations producing ready-to-eat meals for military use.
- She toured Buc-ee’s only location in South Carolina.
- At Stingray Boats she learned about their longstanding boat manufacturing operations.
At each stop along her tour—also recently including visits to Georgia, Michigan, and Indiana—the Secretary underscored efforts by the administration’s legislative agenda to expand economic opportunities for American workers.
