On February 19, the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a confirmation hearing for former Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the United States Department of Labor.

On February 19, the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a confirmation hearing for former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) to lead the United States Department of Labor (DOL). During the testimony, Chavez-DeRemer spent time distancing herself from prior support as a Congresswoman from the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, the need for a skilled workforce and a regulatory climate that spurs economic growth.

Chavez-DeRemer highlighted the critical challenges employers and workers alike are facing today and the need to create regulatory environments that address this. The DOL will play a critical role in revising and removing onerous regulations from the previous administration and the agency will continue to play an important role in ensuring a level playing field among employers. DOL will also plan a large role in ensuring apprenticeship programs continue to flourish and other federal workforce training initiatives continue.

Despite some of the broadest bipartisan support of any Trump administration nomination, Chavez-DeRemer is still defending her past support of the PRO Act and how her previous support is not an indication of future support, or the position of the Trump administration. Many of the issues discussed in the hearing were covered in meetings with and a letter from AGC to the Trump administration on how the industry can be a partner to revitalize the nation’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and rebuild America’s infrastructure. The next step in the confirmation process will require approval from the Senate committee followed by approval by the full Senate. This could happen in the near future.

For additional information, please contact Jim Young.