Former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., President Donald Trump's nominee for the Department of Labor, is facing scrutiny from Republicans in the Senate due to her pro-union stances. However, she has garnered interest from pro-labor Democrats as well.
Chavez-DeRemer's support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) has raised concerns among Republicans. The PRO Act, a controversial legislation, aims to eliminate state laws that prevent employers and unions from mandating workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., emphasized the need for Chavez-DeRemer to clarify her position on the PRO Act during the upcoming hearing process. The legislation was backed by Democrats and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters but faced opposition from Republicans and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Chavez-DeRemer is scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) for her hearing. Some committee members, like Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., have expressed reservations about supporting her due to her stance on the PRO Act.
Despite facing opposition from some Republicans, Chavez-DeRemer has received support from Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who highlighted her appeal among labor unions. Mullin suggested that Democrats may find her nomination favorable due to her pro-labor stance.
If Chavez-DeRemer fails to secure enough Republican support in the HELP committee, she may need to rely on Democrats to advance her nomination. The possibility of a bipartisan coalition emerging to confirm her remains, given her strong backing from labor groups.
While Sen. Paul predicted significant Republican defections, Sen. Mullin indicated that the number of GOP members opposing Chavez-DeRemer might be fewer than anticipated. The outcome of her confirmation process hinges on garnering sufficient bipartisan backing in the Senate.
