Letter to Eugene Scalia, Secretary of Labor Nominee - Senator Murray, DeLauro, Blunt, Cole Question DOL on Misuse of Apprenticeship Grant Funding

Letter

"Quality registered apprenticeship programs provide pathways to good paying jobs for workers across the country, which is why they've received strong bipartisan support in Congress. But Congress specifically barred the Department of Labor from using appropriated funds for non-registered programs that do not ensure the same benefits and protections for workers and employers that registered programs provide. It's simple -- the Department of Labor must use the funds as required by Congress. If the Department of Labor violated appropriations law, then it must be held accountable. Democrats and Republicans came together to fund and support registered apprenticeships, and we have joined forces again to demand answers from DOL and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used in accordance with the law," said Senator Murray.

"Any misuse of funds, especially when contrary to the purpose of the appropriation, raises serious concerns regarding the Department's internal financial controls and accountability on the use of appropriated funds," wrote the Members. "While we did not receive supporting documentation concerning this information, a news media outlet was able to obtain "…an internal agency discussion document detailing results of the financial review.' We are troubled to learn that the press was able to obtain such documentation before any information was provided to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate."

"As the Committees of jurisdiction with oversight over discretionary appropriations for the Department of Labor, the provision of timely information regarding the use of funds is essential to our ability to conduct oversight," continued the Members. "When we request information on any misuse of funds, we appreciate a prompt and thorough response. We expect that the Department will take such an investigation seriously and we encourage you to work cooperatively with the Committees."

Source