The federal government has raised the limit on visas for temporary or seasonal workers in nonagricultural industries by as many as 15,000, or 23%, but employers seeking them must state, under penalty of perjury, that their businesses are “likely to suffer irreparable harm” without the new workers.

Action revokes regulation that required potential contractors to disclose violations of labor and safety laws.

Lawmakers quizzed Labor Dept. nominee about issues including overtime and silica rules.

The decision is third injunction issued by a Texas court on a range of Labor Dept. regulations.

At least one construction industry group is pleased that the Dept. of Labor has issued new guidance on complying with its new injury and illness record-keeping rule’s anti-retaliation provisions that relate to drug testing.

Regulation applies to direct federal contracts after Jan. 1 but some federally funded work, like federal-aid highway contracts, are exempt.