Smith Continues to Urge Re-Evaluation of Onerous Labor Rule

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has joined 152 bipartisan Members of Congress in signing a letter urging Labor Secretary Hilda Solis to re-evaluate a proposed rule which would place burdensome restrictions on youth participation in agriculture.

“While the safety of young people and all workers is of the utmost importance, these proposed regulations are overly burdensome and out of touch,” said Smith. “These restrictions would prohibit hired workers under the age of 16 from operating farm equipment, handling livestock, and even detassling corn. By limiting the potential of the next generation of farmers and ranchers, this rule could have harmful implications for the long-term outlook of agriculture, including the nation’s food supply.”

On September 2, 2011, the Department of Labor published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which dramatically would alter current child labor laws as they relate to agriculture. In October, Smith signed a bipartisan letter with 77 other House Members which secured an extension of the public comment period on the rule. Smith serves as chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus.

Click here to view the full letter.

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