WASHINGTON – Today, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) sent a follow-up letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su requesting information about workplace safety protocols in the White House following reports that the number of dog bite incidents involving President Biden’s dog, Commander, has risen to 24.
In the letter Foxx writes:"The Committee wrote to you on October 11 and November 15, 2023, regarding potential workplace safety incidents. Recently, news reports say the number of known dog-bite incidents involving the President’s dog Commander and Secret Service employees has risen to 24. In light of this new information, the Committee stresses that it is still concerned about the occupational safety and health program for all employees working at the White House and the Executive Office of the President (EOP)."
Foxx continues:"DOL’s response to the Committee’s November 15 letter stated that DOL was not aware of any forms or reports from the White House submitted pursuant to the OSH Act. It seems that the EOP failed to provide this information to DOL. Furthermore, Assistant Secretary Parker’s QFR response suggests that OSHA’s answer covers only agencies which OSHA 'historically contacts' for injury and illness data. This qualification suggests that, despite the dictates of the OSH Act, OSHA is picking and choosing which agencies it scrutinizes and requires to submit data. … The Committee has an interest in ensuring that the White House is providing the same protections to its workforce that it demands of the private sector. Furthermore, the Committee has an interest in ensuring that DOL has accurate data on the EOP and the White House."
Foxx concludes by requesting additional information and answers including:
Copies of all claims submitted to DOL’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs for EOP employees since January 20, 2021.
Why did Assistant Secretary Parker omit the EOP in the QFR response referenced above when it appears the EOP did not comply with the requirements of the OSH Act?
If the White House has not submitted the appropriate forms to DOL to remain in compliance with the OSH Act, what does DOL intend to do to ensure that the EOP is aware of and complies with the OSH Act’s requirements?
Chairwoman Foxx sent letters to DOL and to the White House on October 11, 2023. When neither DOL nor the White House responded, Foxx wrote again to DOL on November 15, 2023. In these letters, Chairwoman Foxx raised concerns about the White House not abiding by workplace safety standards or providing a safe working environment for its employees. The Committee received a weak, single-page response to these letters that continues to raise concerns that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is selectively choosing which agencies it scrutinizes and holds accountable.
