Westbank Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has strongly criticized the Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed apprenticeship rule, which he believes will restrict Americans' access to essential workforce training programs. Cassidy expressed his concerns over the 135-page proposed rule that would impose new regulations on registered apprenticeships under the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937, a law that is only two pages long.

In his statement, Cassidy highlighted that the proposed rule would establish a one-size-fits-all apprenticeship model, eliminate states' autonomy to address local workforce needs, and burden apprenticeship sponsors and employers with new compliance and registration requirements. He emphasized the negative impact this rule could have on registered apprenticeships, especially during a time when workforce shortages are affecting various industries.

Cassidy specifically called out the infusion of political ideology into the National Apprenticeship System, including diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, which he believes will deter voluntary participation in apprenticeship programs. He urged the Department of Labor to withdraw the proposed rule, stating that it would lead to fewer opportunities for Americans seeking job training.

The Senator also criticized the Biden administration's decision to eliminate competency-based and hybrid models of apprenticeships, which have been successful in driving growth in registered apprenticeships. He argued that the proposed rule would stifle this growth by imposing burdensome requirements on apprenticeship sponsors and employers, with little benefit to the apprentices themselves.

Furthermore, Cassidy raised concerns about the proposed rule centralizing authority within DOL's Office of Apprenticeship at the expense of state discretion, limiting the flexibility of states to administer apprenticeship programs according to their workforce needs. He also questioned the imposition of ideological policies on states and apprenticeship sponsors, warning that such mandates could potentially conflict with existing equal employment obligations and diversity requirements.

In conclusion, Senator Cassidy urged the Department of Labor to rethink the proposed rule, emphasizing that it would hinder participation in the registered apprenticeship system rather than encourage it. He called for policies that expand opportunities for all workers and criticized the costly and ideologically motivated mandates included in the rule.

For more information and updates from HELP Republicans, you can visit their website or follow them on Twitter at @GOPHELP.