Senate Committee Advances Trump’s Labor Secretary Nominee

A Senate committee advanced President Donald Trump’s labor secretary pick on July 30.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions ​Committee voted 12–11 to send the nomination of Keith Sonderling to the full Senate floor. The vote was along party lines.

If confirmed, Sonderling would succeed Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who stepped down in April amid allegations of misconduct at the department, which she denied. The White House said at the time that Chavez-DeRemer had done “a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers” and that she would take a position in the private sector.

During his nomination hearing on July 16, Sonderling touted his professional and legal experience as a reason he should lead the Department of Labor.

Sonderling recalled to the committee his background as a labor and employment lawyer in Florida, a senior policy adviser at the Department of Labor during Trump’s first term, and a commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

He also noted his time as an adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School, where he taught students about laws enforced by the Labor Department.

Sonderling also cited his role on Vice President JD Vance’s task force to combat fraud.

The nominee said he’s directing states to “verify first and pay later” when it comes to unemployment insurance claims. He said the department is working with Alabama on a centralized verification system.

“They have some of the lowest fraud and improper payment rates in the country because they are verifying,” he said.

Sonderling, currently acting labor secretary and deputy labor secretary, previously led the labor group on the Trump transition team following the 2024 election.

Sonderling’s nomination has been supported by business groups, while unions and advocacy groups have opposed it.

During the nomination hearing, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) praised Sonderling’s professional background.

“Based on his extensive experience in labor and employment policy, and as a public servant, it is clear he is qualified,” he said.

Alternatively, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) opposed Sonderling’s nomination.

“I fear any vote to confirm you is for more of the same: to strip overtime protections for our workers, to undercut our unions and to let giant corporations get away with robbery, literally,” she said.

Reuters contributed to this report.