Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonproftis Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6094, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act.

We are at a crossroads in our country as we are still struggling to build up our economy after the last recession. Since then, businessowners have struggled to not only grow their companies, but also to provide for their employees.

As a small-business owner, I had both the company's and my employees' best interest in mind, as my employees were like a second family to me.

I would have wanted nothing more than to ensure they are getting what they need and that they are fully compensated for all of their work.

But this rule doesn't do that.

On the surface, this administration is painting this rule as a step forward for American workers, but it is not. Everyone from universities to nonprofits will feel the weight of this rule as they seek to rearrange schedules and reclassify employees so as to prevent compounding negative effects on their organizations.

Universities and colleges will see a sharp jump in payrolls as they have to grapple with how to manage their existing personnel while trying to keep their institution on an upward trajectory. Tuitions will increase. Nonprofit organizations will have to reclassify workers as their annual budgets are stretched to the brink, resulting in a drop in services to the people who need it most.

The Department of Labor spent the last 27 months working on this rule. Since its implementation, they have given businesses a 6-month window to implement it.

I have heard from countless companies, nonprofits, universities, and chambers of commerce who are extremely worried about the impact this will have on their operations. While this rule was intended to ensure employees see an increase in benefits, it will have the direct opposite effect.

This bill would delay the rule for 6 months to allow for a longer look at its effects. It gives Congress more time to find a legislative solution. Mr. Speaker, I have always wanted the best for my employees, and this rule simply doesn't do that.

I applaud Congressman Walberg, Chairman Kline, and the Education and the Workforce Committee staff for their hard work in pulling this together.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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