Dem support likely to push Trump’s pro-union labor pick past key vote

A Nomination on the Brink: Trump’s Labor Secretary Pick Faces Senate Committee

President Donald Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is on the verge of a major breakthrough in her confirmation process. After a tense week of uncertainty, Chavez-DeRemer is expected to clear a crucial hurdle in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) on Thursday. Her path forward was bolstered by an unexpected endorsement from Sen. Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, who announced her support despite reservations about Chavez-DeRemer’s past stance on key labor policies. This bipartisan backing comes after concerns were raised by Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, who initially opposed Chavez-DeRemer due to her previous support for the controversial Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation seemed in jeopardy last week when Sen. Paul expressed his opposition, citing her alignment with the PRO Act, which aims to expand union rights but has faced fierce Republican pushback for overturning state-level "right-to-work" laws. These laws prohibit employers and unions from requiring workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment. Paul’s resistance meant that Chavez-DeRemer would likely need Democratic support to move forward, and Hassan’s endorsement has now made her confirmation through the HELP Committee all but certain.

A Democrat’s Endorsement: Crossing the Aisle for Labor Secretary

Sen. Maggie Hassan’s decision to support Chavez-DeRemer marks a significant moment of bipartisanship in an otherwise deeply divided Senate. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hassan emphasized the importance of the Department of Labor in supporting both workers and small businesses, noting that her decision was influenced by "significant support" from constituents, including labor unions in New Hampshire. While acknowledging that she and Chavez-DeRemer "may not agree on everything," Hassan expressed confidence in the nominee’s qualifications and commitment to advancing the interests of workers and small businesses in her state.

Hassan’s endorsement is a crucial turning point in Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation journey. With Hassan’s support, the nominee is no longer reliant on Sen. Paul’s vote to advance her nomination. While Paul’s office has not commented on whether he will ultimately vote for Chavez-DeRemer, her retreat from the PRO Act during her Senate hearing appears to have alleviated some of his concerns. During the hearing, Paul directly asked Chavez-DeRemer whether she still supported the PRO Act’s provision to overturn state right-to-work laws. Her response was unequivocal: "Yes, sir," she said, affirming that she no longer supports that aspect of the legislation.

A Shift in Stance: Chavez-DeRemer’s Evolving Position on Labor Rights

Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination was initially complicated by her past support for the PRO Act during her tenure as a U.S. Representative for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. The PRO Act seeks to strengthen union rights by allowing employers and unions to require workers to pay union dues, effectively undoing state right-to-work laws that are championed by Republicans. However, during her confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer distanced herself from this stance, stating that she no longer supports overturning these state-level laws. This shift in position was instrumental in winning over skeptical senators like Rand Paul, who had vowed to oppose her nomination if she continued to back the PRO Act.

The nominee’s revised stance on the PRO Act reflects a strategic effort to build bipartisan support for her confirmation. By stepping back from her earlier position, Chavez-DeRemer has sought to reassure lawmakers that she will approach the role of Labor Secretary as a unifying figure, rather than a partisan advocate. Her ability to navigate these political waters may prove critical as she seeks to lead the Department of Labor, an agency tasked with balancing the interests of workers, businesses, and unions.

Committee Vote and the Road Ahead: What’s Next for Chavez-DeRemer?

If Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination advances through the HELP Committee, it will mark a significant milestone in her path to becoming Labor Secretary. Following a positive committee vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) can file a motion to bring her nomination to the full Senate floor. Once on the floor, the Senate will debate her nomination before holding a cloture vote to end deliberations. If cloture is approved, the Senate will proceed to a final confirmation vote.

While Hassan’s endorsement has bolstered Chavez-DeRemer’s chances, the nominee still faces scrutiny from some lawmakers. Her testimony before the HELP Committee on February 19 highlighted her vision for the Department of Labor, including her advocacy for increased investments in trade schools and vocational training to expand "educational pathways beyond the traditional four-year degree." Chavez-DeRemer also emphasized her commitment to leveling the playing field for American businesses, workers, and unions, vowing to strengthen the U.S. workforce and promote economic growth.

A Vision for Labor: Chavez-DeRemer’s Commitment to American Workers

Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination has been framed as a key opportunity for the Trump administration to advance its labor agenda. In her testimony, she praised President Trump for his efforts to unite a "new coalition of working-class Americans," citing his historic support from unions, African-American voters, and Latino communities. Chavez-DeRemer credited Trump with "the single greatest political achievement of our time," pointing to his ability to mobilize working-class voters and bring about record-breaking turnout in traditionally Democratic strongholds.

In nominating Chavez-DeRemer, Trump highlighted her work with both businesses and labor organizations, describing her as a tireless advocate for American workers. He expressed optimism about her ability to create opportunities for workers, expand training and apprenticeships, and restore manufacturing jobs. Chavez-DeRemer has pledged to carry forward this vision, emphasizing her commitment to cooperation between business and labor as a means of revitalizing the American Dream for working families.

Conclusion: A Confirmation on the Horizon?

With Sen. Hassan’s endorsement and a shift in her stance on the PRO Act, Lori Chavez-DeRemer appears poised to win confirmation as the next Labor Secretary. Her ability to navigate the challenging political landscape of the Senate has demonstrated her skill as a nominee and her willingness to adapt to the demands of the position. While she may still face opposition from some lawmakers, her strong showing before the HELP Committee and her bipartisan appeal have significantly strengthened her prospects.

As the Senate prepares to vote, all eyes will be on Chavez-DeRemer’s ability to deliver on her vision for the Department of Labor. With her confirmation likely, she will soon be tasked with addressing the complex challenges facing American workers, from strengthening workforce development programs to fostering cooperation between businesses and unions. Whether she can unite these diverse interests and build on the progress she has made in the Senate will determine her legacy as Labor Secretary.