Unexpected Bipartisan Support Leads to Historic Labor Secretary Appointment

United States Department of Labor building sign

Lori Chavez-DeRemer secured her position as Labor Secretary with a strong bipartisan Senate vote of 67-32, raising questions about her ability to balance Trump’s agenda with her moderate labor stance.

Key Takeaways

Former Oregon Republican Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed as Labor Secretary with significant bipartisan support in a 67-32 Senate vote
Chavez-DeRemer will oversee nearly 16,000 employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion as head of the Department of Labor
Several labor unions endorsed her nomination, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, despite some Republican opposition
Her confirmation faced scrutiny from conservatives due to her previous co-sponsorship of the PRO Act, which supports union organizing
Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation completes President Trump’s cabinet, which was assembled more quickly than former President Biden’s

Bipartisan Approval Secures Cabinet Position

The Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the new U.S. Labor Secretary with a decisive 67-32 vote that crossed party lines. This strong bipartisan showing demonstrated unusual cooperation in today’s polarized political environment. As a former Republican congresswoman from Oregon, Chavez-DeRemer will now lead the Department of Labor, which is responsible for enforcing worker rights and protections nationwide. Her confirmation comes after the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions voted 14-9 in favor of her nomination, setting the stage for the full Senate vote.

Chavez-DeRemer will oversee a substantial federal agency with nearly 16,000 employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025. Her department is tasked with critical functions including reporting unemployment rates, regulating workplace safety standards, and investigating labor disputes. The position represents a significant step up from her previous role as a one-term congresswoman from Oregon, where she established a reputation for working across party lines on labor issues.

Labor Support and Republican Concerns

Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination received support from several major labor unions, including the influential International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This labor backing proved crucial to securing Democratic votes for her confirmation. However, her labor-friendly positions caused some friction within Republican ranks, evidenced by the opposition of GOP Senators Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and Ted Budd. Their concerns stemmed primarily from Chavez-DeRemer’s past co-sponsorship of the PRO Act, legislation that would strengthen union organizing rights.

“If confirmed, my job will be to implement President Trump’s policy vision. And my guiding principle will be President Trump’s guiding principal — ensuring a level playing field for businesses, unions and, most importantly, the American worker.” – Lori Chavez-DeRemer

During her confirmation hearings, Chavez-DeRemer carefully balanced her positions to appeal to both political parties. While acknowledging her support for state “right to work” laws that allow employees to refuse union membership, she also defended her record of working with labor organizations. On minimum wage issues, she expressed caution about federal increases that might “shock the economy,” reflecting a moderate approach that helped secure votes from centrists in both parties.

Completing Trump’s Cabinet

Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation represents the final piece in President Trump’s cabinet assembly, completing the process more rapidly than the previous administration. The Trump administration has now filled key positions with notable figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Critics from Senate leadership expressed concerns about the overall direction of the administration, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer claiming the cabinet appointments reflect policies that favor wealthy interests.

“As we speak, Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are stealing the American dream away from working families, rigging every lever of society in favor of the billionaire class.” – Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

Questions remain about how Chavez-DeRemer will balance her moderate labor positions with the Trump administration’s broader policy goals. During confirmation, she pledged loyalty to the president’s agenda while maintaining her own principles on labor matters. Her department will face immediate challenges, including implementing the administration’s workforce policies, addressing ongoing labor disputes, and navigating the complex regulatory environment surrounding worker protections and business interests.