Norton Releases Remarks from Department of Labor Rally to Protest DOGE Interference

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from today’s rally to protest the Department of Governmental Efficiency interference at the Department of Labor.

“The Trump administration, including the Musk shadow government, seems intent on dismantling much of the federal government and the vital services it provides, in violation of the Constitution, federal statutes and federal regulations,” Norton said. “Federal employees at the Department of Labor do critical work protecting the rights and safety of workers across the country. Depriving the federal government of their expertise and experience will harm the services that the federal government provides to all Americans.”

Norton’s full remarks follow. 

Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

February 5, 2025

Department of Labor Rally

I am sorry we are here under these circumstances. These are unprecedented and extraordinarily difficult times for the federal government and federal employees. The Trump administration, including the Musk shadow government, seems intent on dismantling much of the federal government and the vital services it provides, in violation of the Constitution, federal statutes and federal regulations. The administration has relentlessly attacked federal employees, subjecting them to chaos and fear. It has dismantled an agency, imposed a hiring freeze, offered deferred resignation, fired employees, put employees on leave, effectively reestablished Schedule F, and ended telework and remote work.

Let’s be clear what is motivating these actions. They are designed to get experts, like those who work here at the Department of Labor, to quit the federal workforce. They want to gut the nonpartisan civil service and to convert a significant portion of the remaining civil service into political appointees. Federal employees at the Department of Labor do critical work protecting the rights and safety of workers across the country. Depriving the federal government of their expertise and experience will harm the services that the federal government provides to all Americans.

Federal employees should be applauded for their expertise, tireless work and efforts on behalf of the American people. Thousands of civilian federal employees have given their lives in the line of duty for their country.

I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate to use all the legislative, oversight, litigation and communication tools at our disposal to fight back against these attacks on federal employees.

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