President Donald Trump's nominee for Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, successfully passed a crucial vote in a Senate committee, moving one step closer to confirmation after key support from Democrats.
Fox News reported that Chavez-DeRemer cleared a vote within the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, garnering a bipartisan tally of 14-9, which may lead to her confirmation as the next U.S. secretary of labor.
The nomination of Chavez-DeRemer by President Trump has drawn significant attention, largely due to her previously expressed views on labor laws. During the Senate committee vote, Chavez-DeRemer's stance on the Protecting the Right to Organize Act was a focal point.
The PRO Act is legislation aimed at supporting labor unions by opposing state-level right-to-work laws, which allow workers to opt out of paying union dues in certain circumstances.
Chavez-DeRemer's initial support for elements of the PRO Act raised concerns among some senators, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. Despite Paul's reservations, Chavez-DeRemer's retraction during a hearing on Feb. 19 helped her allay some criticisms. When asked if she had changed her position on the PRO Act's impact on state right-to-work laws, she confirmed, "Yes, sir," to a question posed by Sen. Paul.
This change of position proved instrumental in garnering support from several Democrats within the HELP Committee. Notably, Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., announced her backing for Chavez-DeRemer following interactions with her and upon considering feedback from constituents.
"The Department of Labor plays an integral role in supporting workers and small businesses alike," Hassan stated. "After hearing significant support from constituents, including members of labor unions in New Hampshire, I will support Representative Chavez-DeRemer's nomination as Secretary of Labor."
In addition to Hassan, other Democrats, such as Sens. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., sided with the nominee, underscoring a theme of bipartisan cooperation within the committee.
During the confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer outlined her vision for the Department of Labor, emphasizing initiatives that align with traditional Republican values and broader worker support. She stressed the importance of investing in trade schools and sought to promote fairness for businesses, employees, and unions in the competitive landscape.
Chavez-DeRemer credits President Trump for creating an unprecedented coalition of working-class support across various demographics.
Her remarks highlighted the significant support Trump received from diverse groups, including a notable portion of the Teamsters, African-American, and Latino voters, which she believes signifies a strong mandate for policies favoring American workers.
With the committee's favorable vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., now has the option to file a motion to conclude the debate on Chavez-DeRemer's nomination, paving the way for a full Senate vote on her confirmation.
Trump expressed confidence in Chavez-DeRemer's abilities, stating, "Lori has worked tirelessly with both Business and Labor to build America’s workforce and support the hardworking men and women of America."
The President went on to affirm his optimism for future collaboration, with intentions to create significant opportunities for workers, enhance training programs, and rejuvenate the American manufacturing sector.
Ultimately, the bipartisan support Chavez-DeRemer has received symbolizes a rare moment of political consensus and reflects her commitment to unifying diverse interests for the benefit of American labor.
As the Senate moves closer to a final vote, her candidacy illustrates the evolving nature of labor politics and presents a noteworthy milestone in the Trump administration’s labor policy agenda.
