Brett Samuels
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Covering retirement benefits for @BLaw. Former White House reporter for @thehill. @WhiteSox fan. @dailyorange/@SyracuseU alum. bsamuels@bloombergindustry.com
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Articles by Brett Samuels
Democrats Seek Staffing Breakdown at Employee Benefits Regulator
Oct. 9, 2026, 2:11 PM UTC Two House Democrats are seeking details from the US Labor Department’s employee benefits regulator about its staffing levels and enforcement resources after significant turnover in the subagency. In a letter to Employee Benefits Security Administration head Daniel Aronowitz, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) requested data on the subagency’s number of full-time staff, its investigations over the last two years, and its plans for future staffing.
Democrats Seek Staffing Breakdown at Employee Benefits Regulator
Two House Democrats are seeking details from the US Labor Department's employee benefits regulator about its staffing levels and enforcement resources after significant turnover in the subagency.
Democrats Seek Staffing Breakdown at Employee Benefits Regulator
Two House Democrats are seeking details from the US Labor Department’s employee benefits regulator about its staffing levels and enforcement resources after significant turnover in the subagency. In a letter to Employee Benefits Security Administration head Daniel Aronowitz, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) requested data on the subagency’s number of full-time staff, its investigations over the last two years, and its plans for future staffing.
Trump Accounts Claimed by Under 1% of 60 Million Auto Enrolled Original
Roughly 164,000 Trump Accounts have been claimed in the first week since the Treasury Department automatically enrolled tens of millions of eligible children into the savings vehicles, an official said Thursday. The 164,000 is out of the roughly 60 million accounts that were automatically established on Oct. 1 by the Trump administration, said Helen Morrison, benefits tax counsel at Treasury, during the American Bar Association Section of Taxation Virtual 2026 Fall Tax Meeting.
Trump Account Employer Proposal Prompts IRS Review of Feedback
The IRS is weighing employer feedback around Trump Accounts after receiving a wave of public comments on proposed regulations for the child savings vehicles, including on definitions and documentation. Kevin Knopf, a senior technician reviewer in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, said Wednesday during the American Bar Association Section of Taxation Virtual 2026 Fall Tax Meeting that the agency had received a flurry of comments on the proposal issued in August.
Trump Account Plan Spurs Feedback on Dependents, Employer Rules
The IRS is weighing employer feedback around Trump Accounts after receiving a wave of public comments on proposed regulations for the child savings vehicles, including on definitions and documentation. Kevin Knopf, a senior technician reviewer in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, said Wednesday during the American Bar Association Section of Taxation Virtual 2026 Fall Tax Meeting that the agency had received a flurry of comments on the proposal issued in August.
Trump Account Employer Proposal Prompts IRS Review of Feedback
The IRS is weighing employer feedback around Trump Accounts after receiving a wave of public comments on proposed regulations for the child savings vehicles, including on definitions and documentation.
Treasury Reviewing Saver's Match Comments Ahead of Proposed Rule
The Treasury Department is reviewing public feedback on a forthcoming proposal to govern the Saver's Match program, which will go into effect next year and offers government money for certain workers who put money into a retirement account.
Treasury Reviewing Saver’s Match Comments Ahead of Proposed Rule
The Treasury Department is reviewing public feedback on a forthcoming proposal to govern the Saver’s Match program, which will go into effect next year and offers government money for certain workers who put money into a retirement account. Bill Evans, an official in the Benefits Tax Counsel’s office at Treasury, said a working group has already started reviewing public comments after the period to submit feedback ended on Monday.
Trump Account Salary Contributions to Be Accepted by Year's End Original
, the financial institution tasked with administering Trump Accounts, expects to receive contributions toward the child savings vehicles that workers make via salary reductions before the end of the year.
Trump Accounts Auto-Enroll Success Hinges on Parents’ Key Step
The US Treasury Department took a major step toward expanding access to kids’ savings accounts through automatic enrollment, but benefits attorneys warn the program’s success depends on parents claiming them. Treasury recently completed the automatic enrollment of tens of millions of Trump Accounts for every eligible child under the age of 18 with a Social Security number.
Trump Accounts Auto-Enroll Success Hinges on Parents’ Key Step
The US Treasury Department took a major step toward expanding access to kids’ savings accounts through automatic enrollment, but benefits attorneys warn the program’s success depends on parents claiming them. Treasury recently completed the automatic enrollment of tens of millions of Trump Accounts for every eligible child under the age of 18 with a Social Security number.
Trump Accounts Auto-Enroll Success Hinges on Parents' Key Step
The US Treasury Department took a major step toward expanding access to kids' savings accounts through automatic enrollment, but benefits attorneys warn the program's success depends on parents claiming them.
Democrat Presses Sonderling on Labor Department Oversight Asks
The top Democrat on the House Committee on Education and Workforce is pushing newly-confirmed Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to address a dozen outstanding oversight requests on activities within the department.
Democrat Presses Sonderling on Labor Department Oversight Asks
The top Democrat on the House Committee on Education and Workforce is pushing newly-confirmed Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to address a dozen outstanding oversight requests on activities within the department. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), the ranking member on the committee, wrote to Sonderling on Friday in a letter shared with Bloomberg Law requesting answers on outstanding oversight requests that the congressman said the agency has either ignored or provided incomplete information.
Democrats Aim to Close Retirement Advice Loopholes in New Bill
A new bill from House Democrats would close loopholes around retirement investment advice and could address an issue that past administrations have unsuccessfully attempted to settle through regulation. The Workers’ Retirement Savings Protection Act would ensure workers receive retirement investment advice on 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts, and rollovers that is in their best interest, even if it is on a one-time basis.
Democrats Aim to Close Retirement Advice Loopholes in New Bill
A new bill from House Democrats would close loopholes around retirement investment advice and could address an issue that past administrations have unsuccessfully attempted to settle through regulation.
Trump Account Auto-Enrollment Completed for Millions of Kids
The US Treasury Department completed the automatic enrollment of Trump Accounts for tens of millions of children in a push to expand access to the tax-advantaged savings vehicles.
Trump Account Auto-Enrollment Completed for Millions of Kids
The US Treasury Department completed the automatic enrollment of Trump Accounts for tens of millions of children in a push to expand access to the tax-advantaged savings vehicles. The department said Thursday that every child under the age of 18 with a valid Social Security number now has an account.
EEOC Sues Sporting Goods Chain Over Age Discrimination in ESOP
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused Scheels All Sports Inc. of age discrimination against employees age 40 and older through its employee stock ownership plan.
EEOC Sues Sporting Goods Chain Over Age Discrimination in ESOP
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused Scheels All Sports Inc. of age discrimination against employees age 40 and older through its employee stock ownership plan.
Labor Chief Pick Sonderling Cleared for Final Senate Vote (1)
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling cleared a procedural hurdle to a final confirmation vote after the Senate closed debate on his nomination to permanently take the Labor Department’s top job. The chamber Wednesday voted 53-47 in a procedural cloture vote to advance Sonderling.
Trump Account Automatic Enrollment Proposed in New IRS Rule (1)
The US Treasury Department is proposing regulations to implement automatic enrollment into Trump Accounts, the tax-advantaged savings accounts for kids. The IRS Tuesday proposed regulations centered on creationof the accounts, including an automatic sign-up provision and the making of qualified stock contributions. The agency has in recent weeks issued a flurry of guidance around the program, which officially went live on July 4.
Trump Account Automatic Enrollment Proposed in New Treasury Rule
The US Treasury Department is proposing regulations to implement automatic enrollment into Trump Accounts, the tax-advantaged savings accounts for kids. The IRS published proposed regulations on Tuesday around the establishment of the accounts, including automatic enrollment, as well as qualified stock contributions toward accounts.
DOL Benefits Head Stamps Agency Through Staffing, Enforcement
The head of the US Labor Department’s employee benefits regulator took over the subagency last year and has reshaped its regulatory and enforcement landscape around employer-sponsored health and retirement plans. Daniel Aronowitz‘s first year as the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s leader included reversing Biden administration rules and unveiling a proposal to allow private equity and cryptocurrency in 401(k) plans.
DOL Benefits Head Stamps Agency Through Staffing, Enforcement
The head of the US Labor Department’s employee benefits regulator took over the subagency last year and has reshaped its regulatory and enforcement landscape around employer-sponsored health and retirement plans. Daniel Aronowitz‘s first year as the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s leader included reversing Biden administration rules and unveiling a proposal to allow private equity and cryptocurrency in 401(k) plans.
US Lawmakers Seek DOJ Probe of Private Equity Proposal Comments
US lawmakers are asking the Justice Department and FBI to open a criminal investigation into potentially phony comments expressing support for the Labor Department’s proposal to clear the way for more private equity and cryptocurrency in 401(k) plans. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Rep.
New ESOP Law Poised to Curb Litigation, Spark Ownership Boon
Newly passed legislation that clarifies valuation standards for employee stock ownership plans is expected to cut down on litigation and boost interest in the plans as a retirement vehicle, industry officials and attorneys said.
New ESOP Law Poised to Curb Litigation, Spark Ownership Boon
Newly passed legislation that clarifies valuation standards for employee stock ownership plans is expected to cut down on litigation and boost interest in the plans as a retirement vehicle, industry officials and attorneys said.
US House Sends Employee Ownership Plan Bill to Trump’s Desk (1)
A bipartisan bill to clarify valuation standards for employee stock ownership plans passed the US House of Representatives, sending it to President ‘s desk for his signature. The House approved the Retire Through Ownership Act (S.2403) in a 401-14 vote on Wednesday, underscoring support for ESOPs and attempts to increase employee ownership as a rare area of bipartisan agreement in a divided Washington.
IRS Clarifies Secure 2.0 Provision Deadlines for Benefit Plans
The IRS sought to clarify timing for when employer retirement plans must implement changes mandated by the Secure 2.0 Act, which overhauled and updated aspects of the retirement system. Stakeholders have asked for additional information on whether plan amendments must be adopted by the end of the calendar year as established in a previous agency notice, or by the deadlines set forth in a required amendments list published by the IRS.
Abiomed Gets Benefit Plan Exemption for Johnson & Johnson Deal
The US Labor Department granted an exemption allowing ‘s retirement plan to acquire, hold, and receive payments as part of ’s previous purchase of the company. The Employee Benefits Security Administration issued a prohibited transaction exemption, set to be published Thursday in the Federal Register, that allows the company to make the transactions on certain contingent value rights in connection to the 2022 purchase of the company.
Trump Accounts Take ESG Investing Crackdown to Kids’ Portfolios
The Trump administration’s sweeping pushback against socially conscious investing is extending beyond 401(k)s to Trump Accounts, the tax-advantaged savings vehicles for kids, likely prompting ideological and practical questions that employers, workers, and now parents should consider.
Trump Accounts Take ESG Investing Crackdown to Kids’ Portfolios
The Trump administration’s sweeping pushback against socially conscious investing is extending beyond 401(k)s to Trump Accounts, the tax-advantaged savings vehicles for kids, likely prompting ideological and practical questions that employers, workers, and now parents should consider.
Trump Accounts Take ESG Investing Crackdown to Kids’ Portfolios
Deep Dive Sept. 11, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC The Trump administration’s sweeping pushback against socially conscious investing is extending beyond 401(k)s to Trump Accounts, the tax-advantaged savings vehicles for kids, likely prompting ideological and practical questions that employers, workers, and now parents should consider.
Trump Account Benefits Race Makes Payroll Vendors Key Players
Human resource and payroll service providers, like Alight and ADP, are bracing for a central role administering contributions to Trump Accounts as employers weigh incorporating the child savings vehicle as an employee benefit. Major vendors are poised to step in as the main providers based on existing infrastructure and relationships with large firms.
Trump Account Benefits Race Makes Payroll Vendors Key Players
Human resource and payroll service providers, like Alight and ADP, are bracing for a central role administering contributions to Trump Accounts as employers weigh incorporating the child savings vehicle as an employee benefit. Major vendors are poised to step in as the main providers based on existing infrastructure and relationships with large firms.
Jeld-Wen Mostly Escapes Retirement Mismanagement Class Lawsuit
Former Jeld-Wen Holding Inc. employees alleging breach of fiduciary duty in the management of the windows and doors maker’s retirement plan suffered a setback in court when a US federal judge largely dismissed their lawsuit. Kenneth and Elizabeth Kring incorrectly addressed which defendant, Jeld-Wen and investment manager Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC, allegedly engaged in wrongdoing or lacked facts supporting their claims, Judge Mary M.
IRS Proposes Eligible Investment Options for Trump Accounts (1)
The US Treasury Department has proposed the types of mutual funds and exchange traded funds to be included in Trump Accounts, the tax-advantaged savings vehicles for kids, during the growth period. The IRS proposal, set to be published Friday on the Federal Register, comes amid a flurry of rulemaking around the child savings accounts being promoted by the White House.
IRS Proposes Updated Rules on Pension Plan Funding Calculations
The IRS is proposing regulations that would update rules around minimum funding requirements for single-employer pension plans, including changes to determining a plan’s funding target and total value of benefits.
Trump Account Rules Ease Path as Small Employers Face Slow Start
The Treasury Department’s proposal outlining how employers can contribute to children’s Trump Accounts addressed key concerns from businesses, but outstanding questions for smaller companies may lead to a slow adoption. The long-awaited guidance, published last week, addressed how to establish contributions, tax treatment, notification requirements, and nondiscrimination rules to ensure lower-paid employees have equal access to the benefit.
Trump Account Rules Ease Path as Small Employers Face Slow Start
Deep Dive Aug. 17, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC The Treasury Department’s proposal outlining how employers can contribute to children’s Trump Accounts addressed key concerns from businesses, but outstanding questions for smaller companies may lead to a slow adoption. The long-awaited guidance, published last week, addressed how to establish contributions, tax treatment, notification requirements, and nondiscrimination rules to ensure lower-paid employees have equal access to the benefit.
IRS Issues Guidance to Standardize Retirement Plan Rollovers
The US Treasury Department has posted guidance intended to simplify the rollover process for savers seeking to transfer money to or from a retirement plan. The IRS notice issued Wednesday implements requirements under the SECURE 2.0 Act, sweeping legislation passed in 2022 to modernize retirement plans with updated features and increase savings..
Pension Insurer Launches Compliance Tool for Prospective Plans
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is offering a new compliance program that will allow prospective plan sponsors to determine whether a proposed pension plan would be covered by the agency’s insurance program. The agency announced Monday that potential plan sponsors can request a coverage assessment letter for a plan that hasn’t been created, providing insight into whether the plan design would be covered by PBGC.
Treasury Proposes Rule on Trump Account Employer Contributions Original
The US Treasury Department released a proposal governing key aspects of how employers can facilitate contributions toward Trump Accounts for their employees. The proposed rule (RIN: 1545-BS19) from the IRS, which is set to be published on the Federal Register on Tuesday, includes guidance for employers on nondiscrimination rules for dependent care assistance programs, which will also be applied to the child savings account program.
Trump Accounts Employer Framework Outlined in IRS Proposal (1)
The US Treasury Department released a proposal governing key aspects of how employers can facilitate contributions toward Trump Accounts for their employees. The proposed rule (RIN: 1545-BS19) from the IRS, which is set to be published on the Federal Register on Tuesday, includes guidance for employers on nondiscrimination rules for dependent care assistance programs, which will also be applied to the child savings account program.
IRS to Issue Regulations on Saver’s Match Retirement Initiative Original
The Treasury Department intends to propose regulations around the Saver’s Match program, which will offer up to $1,000 in government money for certain low-income individuals who contribute to retirement accounts beginning next year. The IRS said in a notice published Friday it would address myriad issues around the Saver’s Match, which was enacted as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act in 2022 and will take effect Jan. 1.
Cornell Workers Get Jury Trial In Retirement Plan Class Dispute Original
Cornell University must face a jury trial in a long-running lawsuit by workers alleging the elite college mishandled their retirement plans. Judge Kevin Castel, in a ruling Thursday for the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, denied Cornell’s motion to strike the jury demand for the remaining Employee Retirement Income Security Act claim that fiduciaries caused the plans to engage in prohibited transactions each time fees were paid to the recordkeepers.
Fossil Fuel-Free 401(k) Lawsuit Tests Limits of Religious Rights
A Christian scientist’s accommodation request for a fossil fuel-free 401(k) fund is drawing skepticism from employment and retirement attorneys, who nonetheless say it could serve as a test of how courts evaluate novel religious claims. Andrew Hartley sued , alleging he has been unlawfully forced to compromise his religious beliefs to invest in its 401(k) because of his moral objection to fossil fuel investments.
IRS Offers Employers Guidance on Paid Medical Leave Tax Credit Original
The US Treasury Department issued guidance for employers seeking to take advantage of the paid family and medical leave tax credit included in last year’s Republican tax-and-spending bill. The IRS notice published Wednesday addresses how employers can calculate the credit based on either wages paid to qualifying employees, or on insurance premiums paid or incurred by the employer.
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