Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer Alters Stance on PRO Act, Aligns With Right-to-Work Laws

Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer Alters Stance on PRO Act, Aligns With Right-to-Work Laws

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the pro-union Republican chosen by President Donald Trump to serve as Labor Secretary, testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Wednesday. During the session, she addressed questions regarding her prior support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

Previously representing Oregon’s 5th congressional district, Chavez-DeRemer stated that she no longer endorses the element of the PRO Act that aimed to eliminate Republican-backed Right-to-Work laws. This change may favor her in the eyes of some Republican senators who showed reluctance to support her nomination.

Understanding the PRO Act and Right-to-Work Laws

The PRO Act proposes to undo state laws that allow employers and unions to refrain from mandating that workers pay union dues as a term of their employment. Numerous Republicans have opposed this legislation, particularly because it reverses Right-to-Work laws that allow workers to choose whether to join a union.

Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, stated that he would not approve her nomination if she maintained her support for the PRO Act. Ahead of Chavez-DeRemer’s Senate hearing, Paul remarked, “If she wanted to make a public statement saying that her support for the PRO Act was incorrect and she no longer does, then I’d think about her nomination.”

Senate Hearing Reveals Shifts in Support

During the HELP committee hearing, Paul directly questioned Chavez-DeRemer about her changing stance. He asked, “So you no longer support the aspect of the PRO Act that would have overturned state Right-to-Work laws?” Chavez-DeRemer confirmed her revised position, replying, “Yes, sir.”

Chavez-DeRemer articulated her belief that current labor laws require updates to meet the demands of today’s workforce. “Like President Trump, I believe our labor laws need to be updated and modernized to reflect today’s workforce and the business environment,” she stated.

Balancing State Rights and Federal Influence

She emphasized the distinction between her prior role as a congresswoman from Oregon and her current nominee status, intended to represent the Trump administration’s labor agenda. “I recognize that that bill was imperfect, and I also recognize that I am no longer representing Oregon as a lawmaker,” she explained.

As senators pressed her for clarity, Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama inquired whether she would attempt to alter Alabama’s Right-to-Work laws. Chavez-DeRemer reassured Tuberville, affirming, “I respect the fact that you are from a Right-to-Work state, and I respect the fact that you can continue to be a Right-to-Work state.” Her comments aimed to reassure those who favored maintaining their current labor frameworks.

Chavez-DeRemer’s Commitment to Workers

Throughout the hearing, she stressed her dedication to understanding and prioritizing the needs of workers while supporting states’ rights to maintain their labor laws. “I fully, fairly support states who want to protect their Right-to-Work,” she declared.

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont opened the hearing by challenging Chavez-DeRemer’s commitment to pro-union values. He posed a pivotal question regarding potential loyalties: “Will you stand with working families all over the country?” Sanders critiqued the prevailing influence of powerful business figures who often oppose unionization efforts.

Celebrating Support for Working-Class Americans

Chavez-DeRemer brought her family to the hearing, which emphasized her strong connections to her community. In her opening comments, she expressed gratitude to Trump, crediting him with forging what she called the “single greatest political achievement of our time”—forging a coalition of working-class Americans.

During her statement, she highlighted significant support from diverse demographics and the importance of responding to the desires of American workers. “Americans are speaking loud and clear. They are calling for action, progress, and leadership that puts the American worker first,” she proclaimed.

Advocating for Educational Reforms

Chavez-DeRemer strongly advocated for increased investment in vocational education, emphasizing the need for a diverse range of educational pathways beyond traditional four-year degree programs. This approach, she argues, will enrich the American workforce and promote fairness across business and labor sectors.

“My record of collaboration demonstrates a shared belief that, under President Trump’s leadership, we can deliver real solutions,” she asserted. Her rhetoric underscored a commitment to support all workers, highlighting a promise to prioritize their needs and aspirations.

A Vision for the Future of Labor

Just weeks after Trump’s election, he put forth Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination for the Labor Secretary position. In his endorsement, Trump acknowledged her extensive experience and commitment, stating, “Lori has worked tirelessly with both Business and Labor to build America’s workforce, and support the hardworking men and women of America.”

Trump expressed optimism about her ability to create new opportunities for American workers while promoting training and apprenticeship programs aimed at improving wages and working conditions.

With this nomination, Chavez-DeRemer enters a pivotal role in shaping the future of labor policies in the United States, balancing the needs of individual workers with the overarching goals of national economic growth.