September 24, 2019

Eugene Scalia: Secretary of Labor Nominee


KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Eugene Scalia is an experienced lawyer in the areas of labor, employment, and regulation. He has a distinguished record in the private sector and in public service.
  • Mr. Scalia has been commended for his familiarity with labor laws, his intellect, and his demonstrated leadership qualities.
  • The Labor Department needs a capable, skilled leader as it enforces laws to protect workers and supports programs to grow and strengthen the American workforce.

Eugene Scalia has built a distinguished career in public service and the private sector, demonstrating expertise in labor, employment, and regulatory matters. He is a seasoned lawyer who knows the issues facing the Department of Labor from his time as its top legal officer.

Quote Graphic about Scalia

experienced and ready to lead

Eugene Scalia graduated from the University of Virginia and earned a law degree from the University of Chicago, where he was editor-in-chief of the law review. His public service includes working as a speechwriter for Education Secretary William Bennett and special assistant for U.S. Attorney General William Barr.

President George W. Bush appointed Mr. Scalia to be solicitor of the Department of Labor. He served from 2002 to 2003, helping enforce laws that relate to worker pay and benefits, workplace safety, and more. One case he authorized ultimately resulted in a $10 million settlement for poultry industry workers, to pay them for time putting on and removing the protective clothing required for their work.

Mr. Scalia is a partner at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where he co-leads the administrative law and regulatory practice group. His work has involved many laws and regulations that DOL administers. He first joined the firm in 1990, leaving periodically to serve in the executive branch. Mr. Scalia also has done pro bono work at the firm, including successfully representing a Hispanic woman with a hearing disability in a workplace discrimination case.   

He is a senior fellow at the Administrative Conference of the United States, an independent agency that recommends ways to improve the federal regulatory process and the administration of agency programs.

broad support for scalia

Mr. Scalia’s nomination has been praised by a range of groups and individuals. Former DOL career officials called him “fair, open, and honest.” The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council said that as solicitor of DOL he “fairly applied workplace safety laws, minimum wage, and overtime requirements,” and he also “listened to the small business community regarding outdated or potentially excessive rules.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said his prior experience will help him “seamlessly implement the administration’s agenda of protecting employees through balanced and fair enforcement and interpretation of the law.”

 

Issue Tag: Labor