Workforce Protections Subcommittee Chairman Ryan Mackenzie announced on Mar. 18 that the subcommittee held a hearing focused on improving federal workers’ compensation programs. The hearing, titled "Strengthening Federal Workers’ Compensation Programs: Ensuring Integrity, Efficiency, and Access," examined the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) and its efforts to support injured workers.
The topic is significant because these programs provide essential benefits such as wage replacement, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation to federal employees who are injured or develop occupational illnesses. The House Education and Workforce Committee manages federal programs concerning education, labor, health and workforce development, according to the official website.
In his opening statement, Mackenzie said, "Since its establishment in 1916, OWCP has supported workers who experience an injury on the job or develop an occupational disability or disease. Through these programs, workers and their families may receive wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other assistance." He added that OWCP administers both the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), which together provide billions of dollars in benefits each year.
Mackenzie highlighted recent legislative efforts aimed at improving access to care for injured workers. "H.R. 4122, the Health Care for Energy Workers Act... would expand access to qualified providers and reduce delays in care by allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to order care in the EEOICPA program," he said. He also referenced a similar bill passed last year that amends FECA. According to Mackenzie: "Together, these bills cut unnecessary red tape and help to reduce the hurdles that injured workers are forced to jump through in order to receive care. By embracing solutions like these, we can deliver the savings and efficiency that taxpayers deserve while also streamlining the care that injured workers count on."
The committee also discussed adopting best practices from state-level programs—including technological improvements such as artificial intelligence for claims processing—to increase efficiency within federal systems. The House Education and Workforce Committee influences policy on issues such as student loans and worker protections, according to the official website.
"I look forward to hearing from today’s witnesses about their perspectives and recommendations on how these programs can better serve injured workers while ensuring they run efficiently and operate responsibly," Mackenzie said.
The House Education and Workforce Committee serves in the legislative sector with jurisdiction over education and labor matters, according to the official website.
