On March 10, the Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman, as the new Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor with a 67-to-32 vote.
As the head of the Department of Labor, she will oversee the enforcement of laws and policies related to unions, the workplace, and worker rights and protections. The Secretary of Labor is a Cabinet member, holding significant authority over labor matters in the United States
The Senate confirmation process serves as an important check on presidential power, ensuring that nominees for key positions are assessed and qualified for their roles. To be confirmed, a nominee must receive a majority of Senate votes. Once confirmed, the nominee officially assumes their new position.
Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation was marked by bipartisan support, including votes from Democrats like Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. However, Republicans, including Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky, voted against her due to her support for labor unions and collective bargaining.
While in Congress, Chavez-DeRemer co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which strengthens protections for workers trying to organize or join unions and challenges “right-to-work” laws in several states.
McConnell criticized her support for the PRO Act in a statement, arguing that it would force Americans into union membership.
“The American people demand and deserve change after four years of economic heartache under the ‘most pro-union administration in American history.’ Unfortunately, Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s record pushing policies that force hardworking Americans into union membership suggests more of the same,” McConnell said. “Most Americans believe joining a union should be a personal choice – not a mandate – which is why more than half the states, including Kentucky, have adopted right-to-work laws.”
Despite her past co-sponsorship of the PRO Act, Chavez-DeRemer sought to clarify her stance on the bill during her Senate confirmation hearing and expressed support for President Trump.
Following her confirmation, Chavez-DeRemer posted on X, “I’m deeply honored to be confirmed as the 30th @USDOL Secretary under President @realDonaldTrump. As promised, I’ll work tirelessly to put American Workers First by fighting for good-paying jobs, safe working conditions, and secure retirement benefits.”
