Black Statement on Department of Labor’s Re-Proposed Family Farm Regulation

Washington, D.C. —Today, U.S. Representative Diane Black (R-TN), expressed cautious optimism at news that the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division will re-propose the portion of its regulation on child labor in agriculture that could have threatened young adults ability to work on their family farms. 

“I am relieved that the Department of Labor has delayed implementing this absurd regulation and is taking more time to hear public comment on the issue,” said Black.  “However, we must remember that this is only a delay and not repeal—we must continue our work to fight this harmful regulation.”

The announced delay would give the Department more time to consider the portion of their child labor regulation that changed the parental exemption, which would exclude family farms that have become LLCs or is not entirely owned by the family.  The agriculture community and Members of Congress have expressed serious concern that the rule would change the traditional definition of a family farm.

“In December, I joined many of my colleagues in writing a letter to the Department of Labor, opposing their new regulations on family farms,” said Black.  “This rule is regulation for the sake of regulation—the tradition of working the family farm together is one that has shaped America for generations.  Washington bureaucrats are threatening the basic culture of our Agricultural community and I will continue to fight against this measure and ones like it.” 

To read the Department of Labor’s Announcement, click here

To read Congressman Black’s December Press Release defending family farms, click here