Enzi Says DOE Rule is One More Example of Heavy Handed Regulation Harming America’s Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today said the final rule on gainful employment issued by the Department of Education (DOE) ignores the larger issues affecting the entire postsecondary education sector such as rising student debt and loan defaults.  He said the new rule joins a growing list of burdensome regulations hurting America’s economy.

“While this rule is not as onerous as what was originally proposed, the Department of Education’s new gainful employment regulation is still troubling because it ignores larger issues affecting the entire postsecondary education sector,” said Senator Enzi.   “This entire 436 page rule focuses on the issue of gainful employment, yet this Administration continues to strangle the job creators in this country.  The Administration should instead take a closer look at how its burdensome rules and overregulation have hurt our nation’s economy and the millions of unemployed Americans.  Many of these affected schools provide important training for those who choose to become mechanics, plumbers and electricians. This rule uses a heavy hand against these schools and makes it more difficult for Americans to access educational opportunities. I also have strong concerns about the rulemaking process surrounding the new regulations given the questionable involvement of special interests, including investment fund managers.”

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