WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling released the following statements today applauding President Trump’s latest Executive Order, “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors.”

“The federal government should not be making retirement investment decisions for hardworking Americans, including decisions regarding alternative assets,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “The Department of Labor already took action to rescind the Biden Administration’s guidance that disadvantaged crypto investments. This Executive Order further supports our efforts to improve flexibility and eliminate unfair one-size-fits-all approaches, and I applaud President Trump for taking decisive action.”

“All American workers should be able to look forward to a secure and prosperous retirement. Today’s Executive Order directs the Department of Labor to level the playing field for all Americans saving for retirement by breaking down barriers to investment opportunities previously accessible only to certain pension plans and the very wealthy,” Deputy Secretary Sonderling said. “American workers should be able to make choices that best meet their personal financial needs, and President Trump’s Executive Order will empower them to do that.”

The Executive Order directs the department to reexamine its guidance regarding fiduciary decisions, ensuring asset allocation funds that include alternative asset investments are available to plan participants. It also directs the Secretary to clarify the department’s position on alternative assets, including the appropriate fiduciary process associated with offering asset allocation funds containing alternative asset investments under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

The Secretary is also directed to prioritize actions that curb frivolous ERISA litigation, which can constrain fiduciaries from applying their best judgment when selecting investments and investment options.  

Learn more about the Executive Order.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer issued the following statement regarding the July 2025 Employment Situation Report:

“Following expectation-defying three percent GDP growth in the second quarter, today’s jobs report provides further evidence that the American people are seeing real progress as we recover from the failed economic policies of the previous Administration. Wages continue to rise, and native-born workers have accounted for all job gains since Inauguration Day. We’ve seen consistent economic improvements across the board over the last several months, with more Americans enjoying lower prices, a booming stock market, and half a million jobs created.

“Thanks to President Trump’s bold America First agenda, fair trade deals and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are poised to further strengthen the American workforce. Trillions of dollars in private investments, along with historic tax relief for workers and families, will only continue to create jobs and grow our economy.

“Whether it’s expanding access to on-the-job training programs or cutting red tape for employers, the Department of Labor remains laser-focused on amplifying economic growth by ensuring every American has a pathway to a good-paying job and a secure retirement.”

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her nationwide America at Work listening tour this week starting on the West Coast in Washington state to discuss artificial intelligence, before heading to the East Coast and stopping in South Carolina, where she spoke with business leaders and manufacturers in Florence, Georgetown, Hartsville, Mullins, and Myrtle Beach.

In Kirkland, Washington, the Secretary met with software developers at ServiceNow to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. In South Carolina, she visited with manufacturers across multiple industries to hear directly from business leaders and workers about how President Trump’s pro-growth policies are strengthening the American workforce.

“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.”

“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,” said Rep. Russell Fry. “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.”

Washington

In Kirkland, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer toured ServiceNow’s offices and met with employees to discuss how they are helping power a new AI boom in the U.S. The Secretary emphasized that the Department of Labor will play a central role in implementing President Trump’s AI Action Plan, which aims to boost AI literacy, invest in skills training, and ensure American workers are equipped to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

South Carolina

In Myrtle Beach, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer joined Rep. Fry for a roundtable discussion with business leaders at the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. They talked about how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is reinvigorating American industry by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding access to Pell Grants for technical schools so students can be ready to fill in-demand jobs. The Secretary also provided an update on her America at Work tour, reiterating that listening directly to workers is critical to developing policies that put American workers first.

Following the roundtable, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited several local employers that are driving economic growth and job creation:

• Envirosep, where she met with engineers and technicians developing next-generation heating system technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• SOPACKO, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat meals for the U.S. military, where she observed how recent investments have strengthened domestic production and bolstered manufacturing capacity to support America’s servicemembers.
• Buc-ee’s, where she toured the company’s only South Carolina location and saw firsthand how the pride and value of hard work is reflected in top-tier customer service.
• Stingray Boats, where she visited with workers to learn more about how one of the nation’s leading independent boat builders has been manufacturing high-performance recreational boats for over four decades. 

At each stop, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlighted how President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is creating new pathways to economic prosperity by expanding opportunity and helping more hardworking men and women achieve the American Dream. Learn more about her recent visits to Georgia, Michigan, and Indiana.

ATLANTA – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her America at Work listening tour this week in Atlanta, where she met with linemen at Georgia Power’s Klondike Training Center, spoke at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials’ 42nd Annual Conference, and toured a Coca-Cola bottling facility. 

Throughout these visits, the Secretary emphasized the Trump Administration’s commitment to building a stronger American workforce and delivering results through the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“At every stop on my ‘America at Work’ listening tour, I hear from hardworking men and women like the Coca-Cola bottlers in Atlanta who are grateful to finally have a President who puts American Workers First, including through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “From no tax on tips or overtime to expanded Pell Grant access for trade and technical schools, this pro-growth legislation means more take-home pay and more opportunities for families to get ahead. President Trump and I are committed to the same goal: making sure every American worker can build a good life and achieve the American Dream.”

Georgia Power

On Tuesday, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Geogia Power’s Klondike Training Center where she met with linemen who keep the lights on for millions of Americans every day. She observed training demonstrations and learned how Georgia Power’s Lineworker Entry Program equips workers with in-demand skills for good-paying jobs.

NALEO Conference

On Wednesday, the Secretary addressed NALEO’s annual conference, underscoring the Administration’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity for all Americans. She highlighted how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s pro-worker provisions – including expanded access to Pell Grants for two-year educational programs – will help connect more workers with the skills training they need to fill mortgage-paying jobs. She also updated attendees on her America at Work tour, noting how listening directly to workers is shaping policies that will strengthen the workforce and the economy.

Coca-Cola Bottling Facility

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer also toured a Coca-Cola bottling facility in Atlanta, where she saw how advanced technologies like semi-automated picking systems are boosting production and efficiency. The Secretary emphasized the importance of upskilling America’s workforce in the age of artificial intelligence and automation to ensure they are prepared to fill the jobs of the future. She also visited the company’s Commercial Driver’s License training area and fleet mechanic shop, hearing firsthand how investments at the federal, state, and local level help workers secure good-paying jobs that support their families and communities.

The America at Work listening tour will continue in the weeks ahead as Secretary Chavez-DeRemer travels the country to listen to workers, gather feedback, and take their voices back to Washington to inform pro-growth, pro-worker policies. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced several programs designed to help employers, unions, and pension plans voluntarily assess and improve their compliance with federal labor laws.

The self-audit programs, which include new and updated offerings, aim to enhance worker protections while reducing the likelihood of formal investigation or litigation.  

“Self-audits are one of the most effective ways to build a culture of compliance and trust,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “These programs are designed to give employers, unions, and benefit plan officials the tools they need to correct potential violations proactively. By empowering the regulated community with clarity and collaboration, we are continuing to fulfill the Department of Labor’s mission to put both workers and employers first.”

The following agencies offer self-audit programs:

• Employee Benefits Security Administration: EBSA offers two key self-correction programs for fiduciaries and benefits plan administrators: the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program, which encourages employers and plan officials to voluntarily correct violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program, which encourages voluntary compliance with ERISA’s annual reporting requirements and offers incentives to late filers, including paying lower penalties.
• Mine Safety and Health Administration: MSHA’s new Compliance Assistance in Safety and Health program features resources available to mining operations via an information hub on the MSHA.gov website. This hub provides links to a variety of safety and health topics to assist mining operations and provides direct contact to safety and health specialists to address their needs related to compliance assistance.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: OSHA is expanding its Voluntary Protection Programs to meet businesses where they are on their safety journey to help develop strong safety programs and lower injury rates, allowing them to undergo regular self-evaluations and avoid routine inspections. OSHA is increasing its efforts to support voluntary compliance through its On-Site Consultation Program, which offers no-cost and confidential safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses.
• Office of Labor-Management Standards: OLMS administers the Voluntary Compliance Partnership program to help unions assess their compliance with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act. The program focuses on key areas such as reporting and disclosure requirements, as well as financial integrity.
• Veterans’ Employment and Training Service: VETS has launched a new program, SALUTE: Support and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment, to help employers proactively review their policies and practices under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The program aims to foster good-faith compliance and ensure the employment rights of service members are respected.
• Wage and Hour Division: The Wage and Hour Division is restarting the Payroll Audit Independent Determination program to enable employers to self-identify and resolve minimum wage, overtime, and leave violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Family and Medical Leave Act. 

Visitors can access resources, toolkits, and program-specific guidance at dol.gov/SelfAudit.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling today praised the release of President Trump’s artificial intelligence policy strategy, “Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan.”

Developed in response to the President’s January Executive Order “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” the AI Action Plan sets a clear policy roadmap of the specific actions needed to help the U.S. achieve global AI dominance. 

The plan illustrates how American workers will be central to the Trump Administration’s AI policy and includes two areas outlining the Labor Department’s integral role in creating a future-ready workforce: “Empower American Workers in the Age of AI” and “Train a Skilled Workforce for AI Infrastructure.”

“Since day one, President Trump has made it his top priority to put American Workers First by expanding opportunity and ensuring all are prepared for the challenges of the future,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “By boosting AI literacy and investing in skills training, we’re equipping hardworking Americans with the tools they need to lead and succeed in this new era. The Department of Labor is proud to help deliver on the President’s vision for global AI dominance by building a stronger, more resilient American workforce.”

“The AI Action Plan demonstrates President Trump’s bold leadership in driving forward a worker-centric AI strategy that will create a new era of economic prosperity for American workers,” said Deputy Secretary Sonderling. “The Department of Labor looks forward to executing the critical AI Action Plan efforts that will support our workforce, including expanding AI literacy nationwide, creating a new hub to analyze AI’s impact on the labor market, and piloting innovative models to help workers succeed in an AI-driven economy.”

The “Empower American Workers in the Age of AI” initiative includes proposed actions for the Department of Labor, in collaboration with other federal agencies, to:

• Prioritize AI skills development as a core objective of education and workforce funding streams, including career and technical education, apprenticeships, and other federally supported skills initiatives.
• Establish the AI Workforce Research Hub to lead a sustained federal effort to evaluate AI’s impact on the labor market and the American worker, including recurring analysis, scenario planning, and actionable insights for workforce and education policy.
• Study AI’s impact on the labor market by providing the AI Workforce Research Hub with analysis to support tracking of AI adoption, job creation, displacement, and wage effects.
• Fund rapid retraining for individuals impacted by AI-related job displacement, as well as issue guidance clarifying how funds can be used to proactively upskill workers at risk of future displacement.
• Pilot new approaches to meet workforce challenges created by AI, which may include areas such as rapid retraining models to respond to labor market shifts and new models to support pathways into entry-level roles.

The “Train a Skilled Workforce for AI Infrastructure” initiative includes proposed actions for the Department of Labor, in collaboration with other federal agencies, to:

• Create a national initiative identifying high-priority occupations critical to AI infrastructure.
• Partner with state and local governments and workforce system stakeholders to support the creation of industry-driven training programs for priority AI infrastructure occupations.
• Partner with education and workforce system stakeholders to expand early career exposure programs and pre-apprenticeship opportunities for middle and high school students in AI infrastructure occupations.
• Expand Registered Apprenticeships for occupations critical to AI infrastructure.

Learn more about President Trump’s AI Action Plan. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Small Business Administration today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support American manufacturing. The agreement, which will enhance collaboration and data-sharing across key programs, is designed to cultivate a pipeline of skilled workers to support domestic producers – 98 percent of whom are small businesses. The agreement aligns directly with President Trump’s ongoing efforts to restore American industry and jobs.

“Under President Trump's leadership, this Administration is working tirelessly to restore America as the world's manufacturing superpower – securing trillions in investments and bringing hundreds of thousands of jobs back home. I am thrilled to partner with Administrator Loeffler to usher in a new Golden Age of American manufacturing,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “Through this agreement, the Department of Labor will collaborate with the Small Business Administration to help ensure America's workforce is ready to seize these opportunities by expanding Registered Apprenticeships and other hands-on training programs that will benefit both small and large manufacturers.”

“Thanks to President Trump’s commitment to restoring American industrial dominance, this Administration is already bringing back jobs, economic independence, and national security,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “The vast majority of U.S. manufacturers are small businesses, and I’ve heard firsthand walking factory floors with business leaders that they are spring-loaded for growth with the America First agenda. I’m excited to work alongside Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to cultivate a pipeline of skilled workers and capital to support their growth in a powerful new era of Made in America.”

Under the agreement, the agencies will expand data-sharing and coordination on programs such as the department’s Registered Apprenticeship Program and the Veterans' Employment and Training Service. The Small Business Administration will likewise offer cross-agency training on loan programs to support manufacturing, including the 7a and 504 loan programs. This collaboration will streamline interagency cooperation and awareness while maximizing resource delivery to domestic manufacturers and workers.

Read Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Labor and Small Business Administration.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. departments of Labor and Education announced the implementation of a workforce development partnership to create an integrated federal education and workforce system. The Labor Department will take on a greater role in administering the adult education and family literacy programs funded under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and career and technical education programs funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. The programs will be managed alongside Department of Education staff, with continued leadership and oversight by Education. 

The workforce development partnership marks a major step in shifting management of select Education Department programs to partner agencies. 

“Our bloated federal bureaucracy has made it increasingly difficult to administer workforce development programs effectively, and our students and workers have been left behind as a result. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are restructuring to meet the needs of our workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “I’m excited to team up with Secretary McMahon as we work together to provide states with clearer guidance, reduced regulatory burdens, and more resources that are directly invested in opportunities for American workers.” 

“The current structure with various federal agencies each managing pieces of the federal workforce portfolio is inefficient and duplicative. Support from the Department of Labor in administering the Department of Education’s workforce programs is a commonsense step in streamlining these programs to better serve students, families, and educators,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “I look forward to collaborating with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to create a stronger talent pipeline for our nation’s workforce.” 

Background 

The Department of Education signed an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Labor on May 21. One day later, a Massachusetts District Judge granted a preliminary injunction to plaintiffs in McMahon v. New York, forcing the Department of Education to pause implementation of the IAA. Yesterday, the Supreme Court granted an emergency request to stay the injunction, allowing the Education Department to implement this IAA and proceed with the reduction in force to administer its programs more efficiently. 

The workforce development partnership was created under an IAA, a tool routinely utilized by government agencies to share resources, collaborate, and ensure efficient service delivery. Under the partnership, the Labor Department will provide day-to-day administration of Education’s Perkins and WIOA Title II programs alongside the larger suite of workforce programs the Labor Department already administers. Administering Perkins V and WIOA Title I, II, and III through the Labor Department will facilitate streamlined services for states and grantees, such as allowing for a unified state plan portal and consistent timelines for submitting the required state plans for WIOA and Perkins. The Department of Education will maintain all statutory responsibilities and positions, policy authority, and oversight of these programs. 

This shared effort will provide a coordinated federal education and workforce system, consistent with Executive Order No. 14278 signed on April 23, 2025. 

The Department of Labor presently administers the majority of federally funded workforce programs. Greater involvement by the Labor Department in administration of these programs will give states central points of contact in the federal government, reducing duplication of effort and conflicting directives from different agencies. It will ensure more funds can be spent on workforce training and less on state and federal bureaucracy and compliance costs. 

Education and Labor will provide states with additional guidance in the coming weeks as these changes are implemented. For any immediate program questions, state partners and grantees should reach out to their respective Employee and Training Administration or Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education points of contact. 

Learn more about the Interagency Agreement. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration today announced new guidance to ensure illegal immigrants are not allowed access to federal workforce development resources and related grants. Coinciding with similar measures being taken across the federal government, this announcement is the department’s latest effort to carry out President Trump’s executive order 14218, Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.

Under this guidance, all grantees funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and related programs must verify valid work authorization before providing participant-level services. This action replaces the Biden Administration’s guidance that incentivized illegal immigration and reinforces the department’s commitment to ensuring taxpayer-funded workforce resources remain focused on strengthening the American workforce.

“America’s workforce is stronger than ever under President Trump’s leadership because he is committed to upholding the rule of law and putting American workers first,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “Our updated guidance makes clear that taxpayer-funded workforce services are reserved for individuals who are authorized to work in the United States, as required by federal law. By ensuring these programs serve their intended purpose, we’re protecting good-paying jobs for American workers and reaffirming this Administration’s commitment to securing our borders and ending illegal immigration.” 

This guidance directs the public workforce development system to update all policies and procedures to verify work authorization and maintain proper documentation in participant case files. This ensures employers can have confidence that partnering with the workforce system will help them hire workers who are both equipped with the skills to succeed and have the necessary approval to work in the United States.

The guidance applies to programs including WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth programs (including statewide employment and training services funded by the Governor reserve), WIOA National Dislocated Worker Grants, Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service, Reentry Employment Opportunities and other programs authorized under Section 169 of WIOA, YouthBuild, the National Farmworker Jobs Program, and the Senior Community Service Employment Program. 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer issued the following statement regarding the June 2025 Employment Situation Report:

“Last month’s strong jobs numbers show that our economy continues to surge under President Trump’s leadership. Month after month, economic indicators confirm that the great American comeback is in full swing. Thanks to President Trump’s bold America First agenda, 147,000 jobs were created just this month, beating expectations for the fourth month in a row – with more on the way as businesses bring production back home.

“As I travel the country on my America at Work listening tour, it’s clear hardworking men and women are tired of the broken status quo and the America Last policies of previous administrations, which shipped jobs overseas and drove up prices. Now, they have a President who is fighting for them and delivering results – wages continue to rise, prices are coming down, and Americans are getting to work.

“We’re just getting started. Putting the One Big Beautiful Bill on President Trump’s desk will deliver the largest tax cut in history for working families, eliminate taxes on overtime pay, and lower costs for small businesses. This historic legislation will build on the momentum we have seen and unleash a new Golden Age of opportunity for American workers.”