Rutledge nominated to head DOL branch that regulates benefits

President Trump has nominated Preston Rutledge to run the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, a position that carries the title of “assistant secretary of labor.”

EBSA regulates private retirement plans, health insurance plans and other employee benefits, and enforces the laws affecting them.

Rutledge currently serves as senior tax and benefits counsel of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. His responsibilities include employee benefits, retirement issues, tax-exempt organizations, health tax issues, and the tax provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Previously, he was senior tax law advisor of the IRS department regulating pensions.

No word yet on when the Senate will hold hearings on Rutledge’s nomination. He becomes just the sixth Department of Labor nomination sent forward for Senate consideration. Eight more positions need nominees.

One of those jobs, assistant secretary of labor in charge of the Employment and Training Administration, was close to being filled but now isn’t. Labor Secretary Alex Acosta had tapped workforce development consultant Mason Bishop for the job, but the White House on Oct. 12 said he was no longer being considered.