This week, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and part of Monroe counties, was appointed chairman of the subcommittee on workforce protections under the education and workforce committee.

In his first term representing Pennsylvania’s 7th District, Mackenzie brings a wealth of experience in labor and industry to this key leadership role.

“It’s an honor to be selected as Chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee,” Mackenzie said. “Throughout my career, I have focused on creating policies that strengthen our workforce, promote economic growth, and support working families.

“Having previously served as the Republican Chair of the Labor and Industry Committee in the Pennsylvania state House, I’m looking forward to using my experience to deliver results for American workers. That includes fighting for many of the same reforms that I’ve worked for in the past, including mandatory E-Verify, expanding paid family leave, and protecting workers.”

The Education and Workforce Committee is responsible for developing federal policies related to education and labor. It plays a critical role in shaping legislation that impacts schools, workforce training programs, worker rights, and job growth.

The Subcommittee on Workforce Protections develops policies related to wages, hours, workers’ compensation, family leave and other labor-related issues.

Mackenzie began his public service career in the U.S. Department of Labor. Later, he served as director of policy at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, where he led efforts on unemployment compensation reform, workers’ compensation insurance, the Uniform Construction Code and workforce development initiatives.

Mackenzie has been appointed to serve on two additional committees: Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security.