Murray To Vote Against Second Trump Nominee for Secretary of Labor

Murray: “Workers made clear that they want a true champion as Secretary of Labor, who will stand up for their rights, wages, and wellbeing”

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on the nomination of Alexander Acosta as Secretary of Labor. Acosta was nominated following the withdrawal of Andrew Puzder, President Trump’s initial nominee for the Department. 

“Andrew Puzder’s decision to withdraw from consideration was a victory for women, workers, and families—because he was uniquely unqualified to serve as Secretary of Labor. I’ve been very clear, however, that despite President Trump’s first truly disastrous choice, we cannot lower our standards as we evaluate other nominees.

“Workers have made clear that they want a true champion as Secretary of Labor, who will stand up for their rights, wages, and wellbeing. And, within an Administration already known for skirting ethics rules and pressuring federal employees, it is especially important that the next Secretary of Labor be someone who can uphold the mission of the Department of Labor even in the face of political pressure.

“While there is no question that Alexander Acosta is a very different nominee than Mr. Puzder I continue to have serious concerns, given Mr. Acosta’s professional history, about whether undue political pressure would impact decision-making at the Department should he be confirmed. My concerns were only heightened at our hearing, when Mr. Acosta deferred to the President and refused to take a strong stand on critical issues including expanding overtime pay to more workers, fighting for equal pay, and advocating for investments in job training and other key priorities of the Department of Labor. I will vote no on this nomination.”   

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