The Senate confirmed former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) as Labor Secretary on Monday in a 67-32 bipartisan vote. Seventeen Democrats joined most Republicans in support, while Senators. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) opposed the confirmation. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was absent.
When Chavez-DeRemer was nominated in November, OSHA, overtime, and unions were key issues awaiting Trump’s pick for Labor Secretary.
Republicans view Chavez-DeRemer’s appointment as a shift from Biden-era labor policies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) welcomed the change, criticizing previous labor regulations. However, some conservatives opposed her due to her past support for the pro-union PRO Act. McConnell expressed concerns that she may continue policies favoring unions over worker choice.
“We need the Labor Department to do better than what we saw from the Biden administration,” Thune said last week. “Over the last four years, the Labor Department pushed out many mandates that were the very opposite of pro-worker.”
She is one of the few Trump choices that attracted opposition from some on the GOP’s right wing, primarily because of her backing of the PRO Act, a bill widely supported by Democrats that would boost the ability for unions to organize. Chavez-DeRemer, who lost her reelection bid in November, was a co-sponsor of the bill during her House tenure.
In a statement on Monday, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell said, “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.”
Chavez-DeRemer will oversee a department with 16,000 employees and a proposed $13.9 billion budget. She will enforce labor laws and workplace safety standards and oversee union-related issues. Her appointment comes as the Trump administration faces legal challenges over government downsizing and executive authority.
Labor unions had mixed reactions. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters backed her, citing her pro-labor record, while others questioned her independence under Trump’s administration. During her hearing, she tempered past support for the PRO Act, affirming her belief in right-to-work laws.
Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation makes her the 21st Trump nominee approved by the Senate. As Labor Secretary, she will navigate the administration’s labor policies, balancing worker protections with deregulatory initiatives.
“NATE commends the U.S. Senate for confirming Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor and thus allowing President Trump’s full cabinet to get right to work this early in the administration,” said President & CEO Todd Schlekeway of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Association. “We look forward to working with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer on several emerging workforce and regulatory issues as we continue to build out communications infrastructure across the nation. Her extensive experience and keen knowledge of the many policy and regulatory issues facing our industry make her well-equipped to excel in leading the Department of Labor,” added Schlekeway.
Patrick Halley, President and CEO, WIA, also congratulated the new Secretary of the Department of Labor.
“WIA congratulates Lori Chavez-DeRemer on her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Expanding and developing the wireless and broadband workforce of the future is a critical part of ensuring connectivity across America, including in our rural communities. We look forward to working with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and her staff to promote successful registered apprenticeship programs and establish high-quality career pathways in the broadband and wireless industries,” said Halley.
