President Donald Trump’s pick for labor secretary walked back her support for pro-union legislation in her Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday in a clear effort to win over some GOP votes.
Former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Ore.) is one of the few Republican lawmakers who endorsed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act, which includes a slew of labor-friendly reforms. Her decision to co-sponsor the bill has been a big concern for GOP senators who are hostile to unions.
Under questioning from Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.), Chavez-DeRemer appeared willing to water down her backing for the bill to rally more support for her confirmation.
Rand asked Chavez-DeRemer if she still supported the PRO Act’s provision that would essentially repeal state right-to-work laws. Such laws forbid contracts between employers and unions that require workers to pay dues if they receive union protections.
“What you shared with me is how important it is to you and your state, and I heard that from many members,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I fully and fairly support states who want to protect their right to work.”
Paul asked if that meant she was pulling her support for the PRO Act’s right-to-work repeal.
“Yes,” she replied.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Labor Department, testifies during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Feb. 19 in Washington, D.C. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
The PRO Act is a sweeping proposal that would do much more than just nullify right-to-work laws. It would create strong penalties for illegal union-busting, ban anti-union “captive audience” meetings, make it easier for workers to secure collective-bargaining agreements, and prevent employers from permanently replacing strikers, among other measures.
The legislation has previously passed the Democratic-controlled House but never the Senate, facing fierce opposition from Republicans and skepticism from centrist Democrats. The prospect of right-to-work repeal looms large for conservative senators like Paul, particularly in the South, where such laws are sacrosanct to the GOP. Paul previously said he would vote against her.
Chavez-DeRemer’s pro-labor leanings have made Democrats more open to supporting her, and won her at least some union backing for the position — an unusual turn for a Republican labor secretary nominee. Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, had recommended Trump tap her for the role.
Chavez-DeRemer said in her opening statement Wednesday that her goal would be to “implement President Trump’s policy vision.”
“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.
