Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs

The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA) serves to advance the Secretary’s mission by educating policymakers in Washington, throughout state and local governments, and in Tribal Nations about Department of Labor priorities. OCIA assists the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, agency heads, and departmental staff to develop effective programs and strategies to achieve the Department's legislative goals and objectives. OCIA also coordinates with Departmental leadership to educate policymakers about the Department's programs and federal labor issues.

Functions

OCIA is the Department's liaison to Congress and other governmental entities. In this capacity, OCIA's main responsibility is communicating the Department's priorities and policies. This effort is accomplished by:

Congressional and Intergovernmental Communications

OCIA coordinates all Department matters related to Congress as well as state and local officials:

Reviews pending and proposed legislation and its impact on the Department.
Schedules and coordinates Congressional hearings and briefings.
Prepares senior-level staff for briefings and hearings before Congress.
Develops and implements the Department's legislative agenda, which includes legislative initiatives and proposals.
Coordinates the Department's response to technical assistance requests.
Responds to Congressional requests for information.
Monitors all Department-related legislative actions.

OCIA assists congressional staff with a variety of constituent-related inquiries. All congressional casework should be submitted to OCIA using the below form.

OCIA coordinates all Department engagements with Tribal Nations:

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