Eugene Scalia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Scalia
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Official portrait, 2019
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| 28th United States Secretary of Labor | |
| In office September 30, 2019 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Deputy | Patrick Pizzella |
| Preceded by | Alexander Acosta |
| Succeeded by | Marty Walsh |
| 25th United States Solicitor of Labor | |
| In office January 11, 2002 – January 17, 2003 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Henry Solano |
| Succeeded by | Howard M. Radzely |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 14, 1963 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Patricia Larsen
(m. 1993) |
| Children | 7 |
| Parents | Antonin Scalia (father) Maureen McCarthy (mother) |
| Education | University of Virginia (BA) University of Chicago (JD) |
Eugene Scalia (born August 14, 1963) is an American lawyer. He held an important job in the U.S. government. From 2019 to 2021, he was the 28th United States Secretary of Labor. This means he led the department that helps workers and businesses. He served during the end of the Trump administration.
Before that, he was the United States Solicitor of Labor for President George W. Bush. His father was Antonin Scalia, a famous judge on the Supreme Court. People described Eugene Scalia as a very skilled lawyer. He often supported businesses and wanted fewer government rules. After his time in government, he went back to working as a lawyer.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Eugene Scalia was born on August 14, 1963. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the second of nine children. His father, Antonin Scalia, later became a Supreme Court Justice. Eugene went to the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. He graduated in 1981.
At school, he was known as "Gene". He was an editor for the school newspaper. He also played soccer and was on the debate team. He was elected vice-president of the school's disciplinary board. He won against Arne Duncan, who later became the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Scalia then went to the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1985 with a degree in economics. He also studied political science. He worked for the U.S. government for two years. After that, he went to the University of Chicago Law School. He became the editor-in-chief of the University of Chicago Law Review. He earned his law degree in 1990.
Early Legal Career
Scalia first worked for the government in the United States Department of Education. He was an aide to William Bennett, the U.S. Secretary of Education. This was from 1985 to 1987. From 1992 to 1993, he was a special assistant. He worked for William Barr, who was the Attorney General.
Scalia also worked as a private lawyer. He practiced law in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. In 2000, his law firm, Gibson Dunn, represented George W. Bush. This was for a case before the U.S. Supreme Court called Bush v. Gore.
Solicitor of Labor Role
President Bush appointed Scalia as the United States Solicitor of Labor. He started this job in January 2002. This position is the chief lawyer for the Department of Labor.
Some people criticized him at the time. They said he was not supportive enough of workers. They also didn't like his writings about workplace safety rules. However, some former officials from the Department of Labor said he helped workers' rights. They said he supported legal action to protect workers.
The New York Times wrote that Scalia was known for opposing a rule. This rule would have given more protection to workers. It was for those at risk of injuries from repeating movements. Congress later removed this rule in 2001.
Private Legal Work
During his time as a private lawyer, Scalia defended big companies. He helped them against rules about money and workers. A writer named Eyal Press said Scalia often made it harder for workers. He said Scalia hindered their efforts to get benefits or defend their rights.
After working for President Bush, he helped Wall Street firms. He helped them oppose financial oversight. He also criticized banking rules made under President Obama.
In 2006, Scalia argued a case called Wal-Mart v. Maryland. He argued for the companies. This case stopped a state law. The law would have made large companies spend more on employee healthcare.
After being Secretary of Labor, Scalia went back to Gibson Dunn. He is now a co-chair there. He helps lead the firm's group that deals with government rules.
U.S. Secretary of Labor
On July 18, 2019, President Donald Trump announced his plan. He wanted Scalia to be the next Secretary of Labor. On September 26, 2019, the Senate approved his nomination. The vote was 53 to 44. Vice President Mike Pence swore Scalia into office on September 30.
Scalia is the only person to have been both the Solicitor and the Secretary of Labor. During his time as Secretary, he changed some worker protections. This led to criticism from leaders of labor unions.
Janet Herold was a lawyer in the Labor Department. She filed lawsuits against big tech companies. In 2019, she said Scalia misused his power. She claimed he interfered in a lawsuit against Oracle. Oracle was being investigated for possibly underpaying women and people of color. Scalia suggested a settlement amount. Herold thought it was too low. Oracle later won the case. The Department of Labor did not appeal the decision.
The Department of Labor said Herold's claims were wrong. They said Scalia did not take part in the settlement talks. Herold was fired by Scalia in January 2021. She had refused to take a different job.
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