5 Key Insights from Labor Secretary Nominee Chavez-DeRemer’s Confirmation Hearing

As former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) sought approval for the labor secretary position on Feb. 19, senators examined various topics, including right-to-work laws, visa programs, and the federal minimum wage.

This selection was seen as atypical for a Republican, especially considering the nominee’s co-sponsorship of the pro-union Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2023, which aimed to enhance protections for union workers and independent contractors while undermining states’ right-to-work laws, allowing employees to choose not to join a union.

Trump, who sought union backing during his campaign, commended Chavez-DeRemer for her efforts in collaborating with both industry and labor to bolster America’s workforce and support its dedicated workers.

While Republican members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee scrutinized the nominee’s past support for unions, the primary inquiry from Democrats focused on her willingness to challenge the authority of the man who appointed her.

Here are several key insights from her answers to these and other inquiries.

Prioritizing American Workers

Chavez-DeRemer began her remarks by highlighting the increase in blue-collar support for Republicans during Trump’s administration.

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“President Trump has formed a new coalition of working-class Americans like never before, with 59.6 percent of Teamsters backing him, receiving historic support from African American and Latino voters, and achieving record turnout in areas that were once strongly Democratic,” she stated.

“The American people are making their voices heard. They are demanding action, progress, and leadership that prioritizes the American worker.”

Chavez-DeRemer emphasized that this would be her focus if she is confirmed as labor secretary.

Highlighting her commitment to advancing the interests of American workers, Chavez-DeRemer mentioned that she is the daughter of a “proud Teamster,” her father, who worked in a creamery. She also referenced her experience as a small business owner, her time in Congress, and her role as the former mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon, as influential in shaping her stance on labor issues.

“In all my roles, my focus has been clear: advocating for the American worker and the businesses that fuel our economy,” she commented.

To restore faith in the American workforce, she stated that investment in alternative educational routes, such as apprenticeships or certification programs, is essential.

“This should not be seen as a partisan issue. … That’s why I’ve consistently worked across party lines. The American worker’s identity isn’t tied to their political affiliation; their priority is ensuring their families are protected,” she articulated.

Visa Work Programs

While reaffirming her focus on American workers, Chavez-DeRemer also expressed her support for the H-1B visa program that permits foreign nationals to fill specialty positions in the U.S.

“Our goal is not to displace American workers. We want to ensure that we are investing in them and equipping them with the skills necessary for the tech industry,” she remarked.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged that numerous senators raised concerns about the ongoing need for the H-1B program—a matter that has recently created divisions among Republicans prioritizing an “America First” agenda.

Chavez-DeRemer stated that it would be up to Congress to determine the volume of H-1B visas allocated for foreign workers. She added, however, that she would “evaluate the market” and collaborate with relevant agencies to identify where those visas are most required “after we have explored all other options.”

The nominee was also queried regarding her stance on the H-2B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to temporarily fill non-agricultural positions with foreign laborers.

Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) emphasized how heavily their states depend on seasonal H-2B workers and asked whether she would support the program and advocate for certain roles to be exempt from the visa cap restrictions.

“You can’t obtain an H-2B visa until you can demonstrate that you have exhausted all possible efforts to find U.S. workers,” Murkowski pointed out, seeking assurance that Chavez-DeRemer would support her initiatives on this matter.

The nominee confirmed her willingness to assist.

PRO Act Support

During her initial statement, Chavez-DeRemer acknowledged that she had anticipated numerous inquiries about her backing of the PRO Act.

She distanced herself from the legislation, clarifying that her initial support stemmed from her obligation to advocate for her constituents.

“I understand that the bill had its shortcomings, and I also recognize that my role as a lawmaker representing Oregon is no longer applicable. If confirmed, my responsibility will be to uphold President Trump’s policy objectives, using his principle of ensuring fair competition for businesses, unions, and, most significantly, the American worker as my compass,” she stated.

Despite this, several Republicans expressed apprehension regarding her previous endorsement of a bill that drew widespread criticism within their ranks.

“Employees should have the autonomy to choose whether to join a union. The PRO Act would infringe upon this autonomy, making workers vulnerable to coercion and intimidation,” commented Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the committee chair.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) similarly noted that the legislation would abolish right-to-work laws across several states and pressed Chavez-DeRemer to clarify her current stance on the issue.

“I supported the PRO Act because I needed to represent Oregon’s Fifth District, but my intention was also to engage in dialogue and be involved in the legislative process,” Chavez-DeRemer explained, asserting her support for “states that want to uphold their right-to-work regulations.”

“So, you no longer endorse the facets of the PRO Act that sought to eliminate state right-to-work laws?” Paul questioned.

Chavez-DeRemer replied affirmatively.

Minimum Wage

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the leading Democrat on the committee, inquired about Chavez-DeRemer’s position on raising the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour to what he described as “a living wage.”

“As the labor secretary, I cannot express support for that. It is a decision for Congress to determine,” she responded. “Should they choose to negotiate a raise, I will fully and fairly implement the law as labor secretary and provide whatever data is necessary to guide that decision.”

When asked if she would advocate for a minimum wage increase if she were in Sanders’ position, Chavez-DeRemer acknowledged that the federal minimum wage has not risen since 2009, despite the rising cost of living, but reiterated that the decision is not hers to make.

“I will enforce the law, but it’s Congress that holds that responsibility, as it does not fall under the authority of the secretary of labor,” she clarified.

Adherence to the Law

Sanders was among several Democrats who questioned Chavez-DeRemer regarding her willingness to uphold her duties if faced with an unethical or unconstitutional directive from the president.

“This administration is quite unprecedented. In my opinion, we’re heading toward an authoritarian state where one individual wields substantial power,” Sanders remarked in his opening statement.

“Will you have the fortitude to proclaim, ‘Mr. President, that’s unconstitutional. That’s objectionable. I will not comply with such an order’?”

Similar inquiries were later raised by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

Referring to the ambiguity surrounding the Trump administration’s cessation of federal funding, Murray asked the nominee if she would “adhere to the law” regarding funds authorized by Congress.

“I will comply with the law and the Constitution,” Chavez-DeRemer affirmed.

Murray persisted, asking how she would respond if ordered to “violate appropriations laws and withhold funding for workers.”

“I commit to following the law, and I do not expect the president would ever request me to act against the law,” Chavez-DeRemer replied.

Nathan Worcester contributed to this report.