Secretary Scalia Signs Order to Promote the Independence Of Department’s Advisory Committee Members

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a new policy to promote the independence of members appointed to its federal advisory committees. This change comes as part of President Trump’s efforts to increase the transparency and financial accountability of government officials under his Administration.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia today signed Secretary’s Order 10-2020 encouraging the use of appointment criteria that will help ensure that members of the Department’s advisory committees are in a position to offer counsel and advice to the Department that is independent of any inappropriate influence or special interest. The order provides that in making advisory committee appointments, the Secretary or his designee will consider whether prospective members are sufficiently financially independent from the Department programs and activities for which they may be asked to provide advice so that their advice is based on their impartial judgment – not improper pecuniary interests.

“The U.S. Department of Labor’s advisory committees provide advice and recommendations to support the Department’s efforts on behalf of the American workforce,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella. “The integrity and objectivity of this input is critical to ensure public confidence in these recommendations.”

All federal advisory committees are subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Department currently sponsors 12 advisory committees that provide expert advice on issues ranging from workplace safety to pension benefit plans. The new appointment policy will apply to future Secretarial appointments and is not retroactive.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.