Feb 6, 2026 · economic_event
January jobs report delayed indefinitely as government shutdown halts BLS operations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on February 2, 2026 that the January Employment Situation report — typically released the first Friday of February — would not be published on its scheduled February 6 date due to a partial government shutdown that began January 31. The shutdown resulted from a congressional impasse over Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement funding. The BLS was among the agencies forced to suspend operations. The delayed report was ultimately released February 11, after the shutdown ended February 3.
Oct 15, 2025 · political
U.S. Department of Labor warns continued ICE raids threaten domestic food production and consumer food prices
The U.S. Department of Labor warns that continued ICE worksite raids targeting agricultural and food-processing facilities threaten domestic food production and consumer food prices. The warning highlights the economic impact of immigration enforcement on the agricultural sector and food supply chain.
Jun 25, 2025 · regulatory_action
Labor Department stops enforcing Biden's gig worker protection rule
The Department of Labor announced on June 25, 2025 that it would no longer enforce the 2024 independent contractor rule that made it harder for companies to classify workers as gig contractors rather than employees. The rule had given gig workers access to minimum wage protections, overtime pay, and benefits. The Trump administration said it would issue a new rule restoring a simpler classification test favored by Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
Mar 8, 2025 · executive
FDA REMS restrictions keep limiting mifepristone after Dobbs
The Trump administration's FDA maintained and tightened Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy restrictions on mifepristone, requiring in-person dispensing and provider certification despite the Supreme Court's Dobbs ruling returning abortion regulation to states. The REMS framework blocked telehealth prescribing and mail-order pharmacy dispensing in states where abortion remains legal. Reproductive rights advocates argued the restrictions exceeded FDA's statutory authority under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Mar 4, 2025 · executive
DOL Lowers FLSA Overtime Threshold Cutting Coverage for 3 Million Workers
The Department of Labor published a final rule lowering the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime salary threshold from $684 per week to $597 per week, reversing a Biden administration increase that had expanded overtime eligibility to approximately 4.3 million workers. The rollback restored the pre-2024 threshold, immediately removing overtime pay protections for an estimated 3 million salaried workers earning between $597 and $684 weekly. No congressional action was required because the threshold is set by executive rulemaking authority under the FLSA.
