Trump’s pick for labor secretary faces questions about unions and more during confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Donald Trump’s pick to run the labor department, former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), faced a series of questions about her past stances on unions, Elon Musk and more during her Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
“In every role, my priority has been clear: to fight for American workers and the businesses that drive our economy,” said Chavez-DeRemer.
Some consider Chavez-DeRemer an unusual pick for a Republican president because of her past for a pro-union bill in Congress called the PRO Act. She faced several questions about the bill from Republicans.
“So you no longer the aspect of the PRO Act that would have overturned state right to work laws?” said Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY).
“Yeah. There were so many parts...” she replied.
“That’s a yes?” said the Sen. Paul.
“Yes. Yes sir,” said Chavez-DeRemer.
Chavez-DeRemer also addressed her for the PRO Act in her opening statement.
“I recognize that that bill was imperfect, and I also recognize that I am no longer representing Oregon as a lawmaker. If confirmed, my job will be to implement President Trump’s policy vision, and my guiding principle will be President Trump’s guiding principle ensuring a level playing field for businesses, unions and most importantly, the American worker,” she said.
Democrats like Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) also questioned her about how she would address efforts to access Labor Department investigations by the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk.
“Will you commit to denying access to Elon Musk or any of his representatives to information about labor violations at OSHA or any other information about labor violation investigations at the Department of Labor?” he asked.
“I have not been read in on any of this. And if confirmed, I commit to taking a deeper look and working with your office and any other office on this issue,” she replied.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a vote on advancing Chavez-DeRemer to the full Senate for a confirmation vote at a later date.
Copyright 2025 Gray DC. All rights reserved.
