Hall of Secretaries

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Peter J. Brennan

Tenure: February 2, 1973 to March 15, 1975

From New York. Following high school, he became a painter's apprentice, then master painter. Active in his union; rose to be president of New York Building and Construction Trades Council.

Appointed by Richard Nixon. To protect workers' pensions, the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was enacted in 1974, adding another major dimension to DOL's regulatory role. The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA) decentralized much of the funds and decision making to states and localities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 increased DOL's work for the handicapped. During his tenure, DOL moved its headquarters from 14th Street and Constitution Avenue to the current Frances Perkins Building.