Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with Labor Secretary Nominee Alexander Acosta

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta. Acosta is President Trump’s second nominee for Secretary of Labor. His first nominee, Andrew Puzder, withdrew his nomination under fierce opposition from Democrats, workers, and advocates.

“In successfully fighting back against Andrew Puzder’s nomination, workers and families sent a message that they want a true champion for workers as Secretary of Labor—and I met with Alexander Acosta with the goal of ensuring workers’ and families’ needs and priorities are front and center as we work to understand his vision for the Department.”

“As I continue to review Mr. Acosta’s record, I have serious concerns about his ability to be a strong champion for workers’ basic rights, including critical anti-discrimination protections, and to stand up to political pressure – including in an Administration that skirts ethics rules and pressures federal employees – to ensure workers are not being taken advantage of by corporations and billionaires.

“I look forward to further evaluating Mr. Acosta’s qualifications leading up to his hearing, and will continue to insist on a rigorous and thorough vetting process in which Senators get the information we need and have all reasonable questions answered.”

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