Trump’s Labor Secretary Nominee Poised to Advance After Securing Key Democrat Support

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, is expected to clear a crucial hurdle this Thursday with a vote before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). This positive outlook follows the endorsement of her nomination by Senator Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, significantly bolstering Chavez-DeRemer’s chances of advancement.

The path to this point has been somewhat turbulent. Chavez-DeRemer’s prior support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act had initially cast a shadow over her confirmation prospects. Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, voiced his opposition, stating he would withhold his vote if she continued to back the PRO Act. Paul’s reluctance created a predicament, potentially requiring a Democratic vote to overcome this critical confirmation challenge.

Senator Hassan’s support effectively removes this obstacle. As a member of the HELP Committee, her endorsement signals a strong likelihood that Chavez-DeRemer will successfully pass the committee vote.

"The Department of Labor plays an integral role in supporting workers and small businesses alike, and after hearing significant support from constituents, including members of labor unions in New Hampshire, I will support Representative Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination as Secretary of Labor," Hassan stated in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

This support is particularly noteworthy considering that Chavez-DeRemer has seemingly walked back her previous stance on the PRO Act, aligning herself more closely with Republican positions on right-to-work laws.

Hassan acknowledged that she might not agree with Chavez-DeRemer on every issue, but emphasized her belief that she is "qualified" to serve and has garnered "significant support" from New Hampshire voters.

"Though we may not agree on everything, after meeting with Representative Chavez-DeRemer and listening to her testimony during her confirmation hearing, I believe that she is qualified to serve as the next secretary of labor, and I look forward to working with her to support New Hampshire’s workers and small businesses," Hassan further elaborated.

Chavez-DeRemer’s history includes supporting the PRO Act while representing Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. However, during her Senate confirmation hearing, she stated that she no longer supports overturning Republican-backed right-to-work laws under the PRO Act.

The PRO Act is a contentious piece of legislation that would effectively eliminate state-level laws preventing employers and unions from mandating workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment. Republicans strongly oppose the PRO Act, arguing that it undermines right-to-work principles.

Chavez-DeRemer’s shift on the PRO Act could potentially win back Senator Paul’s vote. However, with Senator Hassan’s support now secured, Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation is no longer dependent on Paul’s decision.

In a statement ahead of Chavez-DeRemer’s hearing, Paul stated to Fox News Digital, "If she wanted to make a public statement saying that her support for the PRO Act was incorrect and she no longer does, then I’d think about her nomination."

During the hearing, Senator Paul directly questioned Chavez-DeRemer, "So you no longer support the aspect of the PRO Act that would have overturned state right-to-work laws?"

To which she replied, "Yes, sir."

As of the time of reporting, Paul’s office has not responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on how he will vote in the committee.

Chavez-DeRemer’s testimony before the HELP Committee took place on February 19th. If the committee votes to send Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination to the full Senate, Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, can initiate a motion to conclude Senate floor debate on the nominee, triggering a cloture vote to halt further deliberations. Once the debate is closed, senators will cast their final confirmation vote.

During her hearing, Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the importance of investments in trade schools to broaden "educational pathways beyond the traditional four-year degree" to strengthen the American workforce. She also stated her commitment to creating a level playing field for American businesses, workers, and unions.

Beyond policy specifics, Chavez-DeRemer also expressed her gratitude to President Trump and credited him with achieving the "single greatest political achievement of our time" in building a "new coalition of working-class Americans."

"President Trump has united a new coalition of working-class Americans like never before. With 59.6% of Teamsters backing him, historic support from African-American and Latino voters, and record-breaking turnout in once-solid blue cities and states, Americans are speaking loud and clear. They are calling for action, progress and leadership that puts the American worker first," Chavez-DeRemer stated.

President Trump nominated Chavez-DeRemer for Secretary of Labor less than three weeks after he was elected president.

"Lori has worked tirelessly with both Business and Labor to build America’s workforce, and support the hardworking men and women of America," Trump wrote.

"I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand training and apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our manufacturing jobs. Together, we will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families," he added.