Labor secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer expected to pass committee vote

President Donald Trump’s nominee for labor secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is expected to pass a key vote before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) on Thursday after gaining support from Democrat Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation was in jeopardy last week due to her past support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which was opposed by Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Senator Hassan’s decision to support Chavez-DeRemer, despite their differences on certain issues, signals that the nominee will likely pass through the committee vote. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hassan expressed that after hearing significant support from constituents, including members of labor unions in New Hampshire, she believes Chavez-DeRemer is qualified to serve as the next secretary of labor and looks forward to working with her.

Chavez-DeRemer, who previously backed the PRO Act as a representative for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, assured senators during her confirmation hearing that she no longer supports overturning Republican-supported right-to-work laws under the PRO Act. This change in stance has paved the way for broader bipartisan support for her confirmation.

If confirmed, Chavez-DeRemer plans to focus on investing in trade schools to provide more educational opportunities beyond traditional four-year degrees, aiming to strengthen the American workforce. She also emphasized her commitment to leveling the playing field for American businesses, workers, and unions.

During her hearing, Chavez-DeRemer praised President Trump for his efforts in uniting a new coalition of working-class Americans and expressed her eagerness to work with him to create more opportunities for American workers. Trump, who nominated Chavez-DeRemer less than three weeks after being elected president, commended her for her dedication to building America’s workforce and supporting hardworking men and women.

If the HELP Committee votes to send Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination before the full Senate, Majority Leader John Thune can file a motion to end Senate floor debate on the nominee, leading to a final confirmation vote. Chavez-DeRemer’s testimony and her willingness to work across party lines have positioned her as a potential leader who can bridge the divide and prioritize the needs of American workers.