S.Hrg.119-23

1[Senate Hearing 119-23]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                         S. Hrg. 119-2356                  NOMINATION OF LORI M. CHAVEZ-DEREMER7                     TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF LABOR89=======================================================================1011                                HEARING1213                                OF THE1415                    COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION,16                          LABOR, AND PENSIONS1718                          UNITED STATES SENATE1920                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2122                             FIRST SESSION2324                                   ON2526   EXAMINING THE NOMINATION OF LORI CHAVEZ-DEREMER, OF OREGON, TO BE27                           SECRETARY OF LABOR2829                               __________3031                           FEBRUARY 19, 20253233                               __________3435 Printed for the use of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and36                                Pensions3738[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3940        Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov4142                                __________4344                   U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4559-492 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 20254647-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4849          COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS5051                BILL CASSIDY, M.D., Louisiana, Chairman5253RAND PAUL, M.D., Kentucky            BERNIE SANDERS (I), Vermont,54SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine                  Ranking Member55LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska               PATTY MURRAY, Washington56MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma           TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin57ROGER MARSHALL, M.D., Kansas         CHRISTOPHER MURPHY, Connecticut58TIM SCOTT, South Carolina            TIM KAINE, Virginia59JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri                MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire60TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama            JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado61JIM BANKS, Indiana                   ED MARKEY, Massachusetts62JON HUSTED, Ohio                     ANDY KIM, New Jersey63ASHLEY MOODY, Florida                LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware64                                     ANGELA ALSOBROOKS, Maryland6566                Amanda Lincoln, Majority Staff Director67           Danielle Janowski, Majority Deputy Staff Director68                Warren Gunnels, Minority Staff Director69              Bill Dauster, Minority Deputy Staff Director7071                            C O N T E N T S7273                              ----------7475                               STATEMENTS7677                      WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 20257879                                                                   Page8081                           Committee Members8283Cassidy, Hon. Bill, Chairman, Committee on Health, Education,84  Labor, and Pensions, Opening statement.........................     185Sanders, Hon. Bernie, Ranking Member, U.S. Senator from the State86  of Vermont, Opening statement..................................     287Mullin, Hon. Markwayne, U.S. Senator from the State of Oklahoma,88  Opening Statement..............................................     38990                               Witnesses9192Chavez-DeRemer, Hon. Lori M., Happy Valley, OR...................     593    Prepared statement...........................................     79495                        QUESTIONS FOR THE RECORD9697Response by The Hon. Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer to questions of:98    Senator Sanders..............................................    4799    Senator Murray...............................................    51100    Senator Baldwin..............................................    54101    Senator Kaine................................................    55102    Senator Hassan...............................................    58103    Senator Hickenlooper.........................................    59104    Senator Markey...............................................    63105    Senator Blunt Rochester......................................    69106    Senator Alsobrooks...........................................    71107108                  NOMINATION OF LORI M. CHAVEZ-DEREMER109                     TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF LABOR110111                              ----------112113                      Wednesday, February 19, 2025114115                                       U.S. Senate,116       Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions,117                                                    Washington, DC.118    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:02 a.m., in119room SD-562, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Bill Cassidy,120Chairman of the Committee, presiding.121122    Present: Senators Cassidy [presiding], Paul, Collins,123Murkowski, Mullin, Marshall, Scott, Hawley, Tuberville, Banks,124Husted, Moody, Sanders, Murray, Baldwin, Murphy, Kaine, Hassan,125Hickenlooper, Markey, Kim, Blunt Rochester, and Alsobrooks.126127                  OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR CASSIDY128129    The Chairman. The hearing of the Health, Education Labor,130and Pensions Committee will please come to order.131Representative Chavez-DeRemer, thank you for appearing before132the Committee and for meeting with me and others over the past133several weeks.134135    The Committee on Labor has the responsibility to fairly136enforce the Nation's labor laws unbiased toward one side or the137other. The Biden/Harris administration weaponized their138authority against workers on behalf of Democrats' political139supporters. They eroded the flexibility of over 27 million140independent workers, threatening their ability to provide for141their families in the manner in which they chose.142143    They also attempted to dismantle the franchise model,144employing over 9 million workers and empowering Americans from145all communities to become successful business owners. The146American people rejected these anti-worker policies at the147ballot box. With President Trump back in office we have the148opportunity to turn the page and enact a Pro America agenda:149empowering workers, securing economic prosperity.150151    If confirmed as Secretary of Labor, I look forward to152working together to accomplish this shared mission. Your153nomination and support from both unions and businesses. You're154in a unique position to build a bridge between these two groups155to benefit all workers. With potential labor disputes on the156horizon, I'm sure these relationships will be an asset to the157Trump administration.158159    There are concerns, however, about your past support for160the Democrats' cornerstone legislation, the PRO Act. Workers161should have the freedom to decide if they wish to join a union162or not. The PRO Act would eliminate this freedom, allowing163workers to be coerced and intimidated into unionization. I164represent a right-to-work state. This protects workers from165forced unionization.166167    This is of course, therefore, deeply important to me. I168appreciated our conversations on this issue. I now understand169that your co-sponsorship of the PRO Act did not reflect your170support of the legislation, but rather your interest in being171part of any group that legislated on behalf of employees'172rights. I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to explain your173position, and the Trump administration's position, and agenda174moving forward during this hearing.175176    Thank you again for being here. I look forward to177understanding your vision for the Department of Labor, and how178we can work together, empowering all workers and unleashing the179American economy.180181    With that, I yield to Senator Sanders.182183                  OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR SANDERS184185    Senator Sanders. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you Ms.186Chavez-DeRemer for being with us. And let me begin by thanking187the Biden administration for being the most pro-worker188administration in the modern history of this country.189190    The mission of the Department of Labor is ``To force191promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job192seekers and retirees of the United States, improve working193conditions, advance opportunities for profitable employment,194and assure work related benefits and rights.'' That is the195mission of the Department of Labor, and it is a mission that is196more important now, in my view, than it has ever been.197198    Mr. Chairman for the past 50 years, our economy has been199doing extraordinarily well, never, ever done better for the200people on top. Top 1 percent right now is enjoying wealth in201power in a way that has never existed in the history of202America.203204    We now have the absurd situation, the disgraceful situation205where three people, Mr. Musk, Mr. Zuckerberg, and Mr. Bezos are206now worth over $900 billion. That is more wealth than the207bottom half of American society, 170 million people. Is that208really what America is supposed to be about?209210    In America today, Mr. Chairman, we have more income and211wealth inequality than we have ever had. Over 60 percent of our212people, as we speak right here, 60 percent of Americans are213living paycheck to paycheck. I grew up in a family living214paycheck to paycheck, that isn't easy. Stress level, enormous.215People trying to find out how they're going to get healthcare,216how they're going to pay their rent, how they're going to feed217their kids, which is one of the reasons why working-class218people live 6 years shorter lives than the people on top.219220    Given all of this reality of an economy that's working well221for the billionaire class, but not for working families, we222need a Labor Secretary who in fact is going to be a champion of223working families not be ambiguous about it, but stand up for224the working families of our Country. We need a Labor Secretary225who understands that we must raise the minimum wage, now $7.25,226Federal minimum wage. Anybody think that anybody, anywhere in227America can live on seven and a quarter and hour?228229    We need a Labor Secretary who will work each and every day230to make it easier, not harder for workers to exercise their231constitutional right to form a union and collectively bargain232for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. We need a233labor secretary who understands we must end once and for all234the disastrous right to work laws in 28 states by refueling235Section 14B of Taft-Hartley.236237    We need a Labor Secretary who understands that we must end238the international embarrassment of America being the only major239country on Earth that does not guarantee paid family and240medical leave or paid sick days. Imagine that. Only major241country on earth doesn't guarantee paid family medical leave.242We need a Labor Secretary who understands that it's243unacceptable that women earning 75 cents on the dollar compared244to men.245246    Mrs. Chavez-DeRemer, I have reviewed your record. And in247many respects, especially given the nature of the nominees that248Mr. Trump has brought forth, it is very good. You were one of249the few Republican Members of Congress who co-sponsored the PRO250Act, and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to make it251easier for workers to form unions. You have been a defender of252union apprenticeship programs, and you have fought to expand253the concept of employee ownership. Something that I feel very254strongly about.255256    Many unions, as the Chairman mentioned, have come out in257support of your nomination, and that is an interesting258development. I have spoken with you and I've spoken with union259leaders who support your nomination, but here is my concern.260261    If you are confirmed, you'll not only be in charge of262enforcing more than 180 labor laws that are on the books today,263you will be the President's chief Labor advisor. That's what264you'll be when it comes to labor policy, you'll have to make a265choice. Will you be a rubber stamp for the anti-worker agenda266of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and other multi-billionaires who are267blatantly anti-union, they don't make any bones about it. Or268will you stand with working families all over the country? So269that is really the main issue. It's not just your record. This270is a very unusual Administration in my view.271272    We are moving toward an authoritarian society where one273person has enormous power. Will you have the courage to say,274Mr. President, that's unconstitutional, that's wrong, I will275not stand with you. So, with that, I look forward to hearing276what you have to say, and thanks for being with us.277278    The Chairman. Now, to introduce the nominee, Senator279Mullin.280281                  OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR MULLIN282283    Senator Mullin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And before I read284the opening statement, I just want to point out the unique285coalition that President Trump has built here. If you take286Tulsi Gabbard, or Bobby Kennedy, and now Lori.287288    The last time Sean and I was in this room together289obviously we had our differences. And Bernie, I think you290remember that well, but somehow, we were able to put our291differences besides, because President Trump asked us to. And292when the words come up, like Biden administration was the most293pro-union labor person in 50 years, you got to remind yourself294he also lost labor vote by 59 percent because it wasn't295working.296297    But President Trump brings something unique to the table as298he's built a coalition, and Lori represents that. Lori299represents someone that is uniquely positioned to bring people300like Sean and I who presented Lori to President Trump and said,301this is someone that we can work together with. And I would302hope that you would set your bias opinions to the side and303understand that this is a negotiation between two fractions of304the party and is saying, we're willing to work together.305306    Employees don't exist without employers and companies don't307exist without employees. And I recognize that as much as308anybody. There is a position where we can be at, that we can309find a negotiated agreement, where we can set some differences310aside, like the PRO Act. I think my position on that has been311very, very, very clear.312313    Oklahoma is a right-to-work state, but unions also thrive314there. And at the same time, we can find common ground. Lori315represents that. And so regardless of what you might think316about the President, understand that this is someone that317everybody should represent and should respect.318319    If you're looking for a bipartisan, independent thinker320that's going to represent the union that you want Mr. Sanders,321to say that you represent, when you understand that you have a322President that's representing the Republican party, but also323won the popular vote, you would think this is someone that324you'd be very happy with, because she is directly, uniquely325positioned in the center.326327    I truly say that from a position that I've had to move a328long way. And if I can move, and if Sean and I can move and329come together on this, then that if nothing else should set330some type of an example, even though I do joke with my new331friend over here, which I had the mic, and he can't defend332himself here, that if we were in a relationship, I'd be the man333in the relationship. He adamantly denies that.334335    [Laughter.]336337    Senator Mullin. That's awfully strange, but I say that338because now we're friends enough that we can make fun of each339other and at the same time we can work together. And so, I want340to read my statement, but what I've covered is pretty clear.341And I wanted to say that from my heart.342343    Chairman Cassidy, thank you for allowing me to share my344thoughts and support on the nomination for the Secretary of345Labor.346347    As the Senate has gone through the advising consent process348of confirming President Trump's nominee, things have gotten349increasingly partisan and contentious. But one thing that both350sides of I'll agree on is supporting working class Americans351that power our Country's economy. No company can survive352without employees, and no employee is hired without a company.353It takes both sides to be in a boat rowing together in the same354direction to be successful.355356    I'm only moderately successful because I have been very357fortunate to have employees that were willing to get in the358boat with me and row in the same direction. With Lori's unique359background as a small business owner, public servant, and360through her relationship with union leaders, she has the361ability to bridge the gap between businesses and workers.362Lori's nomination reflects the historic coalition of working-363class Americans that elected President Trump to a second term364in the White House.365366    As a Member of Congress, she often worked across the aisle367in her efforts to support this cause. One of those issues, the368PRO Act, as has been mentioned a couple times, I know that'll369come up in conversation today. I get it, Oklahoma's a proud370right-to-work state, and yet we still support Lori.371372    But as both sides of the table can continue to work373together for hardworking Americans who have been struggling to374put food on the table and to create better opportunities for375themselves, their children, their grandchildren, I don't think376we have to look any farther than understanding Lori is an377independent, nonpartisan perspective who will always keep the378workforce the top of mind. And I would really encourage all of379you get to take a hard look, just like my good friend Sean and380I have done.381382    With that, I yield back.383384    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Mullin. Representative385Chavez-DeRemer, do you have a statement? And I think you're386going to, along the way, introduce your family.387388 STATEMENT OF THE HON. LORI M. CHAVEZ-DEREMER, HAPPY VALLEY, OR389390    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Chairman Cassidy, Ranking Member391Sanders, and Members of the Committee, it is an honor to appear392before you as President Trump's nominee to lead the Department393of Labor. My discussions with many of you have been insightful394and inspiring, reinforcing my commitment to serve our Nation's395workforce under President Trump's bold leadership following his396historic November victory. I am uniquely prepared to lead this397department with resolve and purpose.398399    Before I begin, I want to take a moment to honor the400incredible people who have supported me throughout my 24-year401journey in public service. My parents, who became ardent fans402of C-SPAN when I entered Congress, are here today offering403their unwavering support. My twin daughters, Emilie, and Annie.404405    Emilie was here last week and I know with the postponement,406but she couldn't come back. She's 36 weeks pregnant, lives in407Michigan, and her doctor said, no more flying, so Emilie I know408you're watching and I know you support, support me here today.409And Annie, one's a Democrat and one's a Republican, and they410have been my steadfast defenders teaching me patience and the411value of an open mind.412413    Finally, my loving husband, Shawn, my high school414sweetheart, who has stood by my side through every triumph and415challenge. To all of you, thank you. Thank you for your416boundless love and encouragement.417418    I also want to thank the labor and business communities419that are here in the audience today, because they support420President Trump's vision for the American worker. I am deeply421grateful to President Trump for this extraordinary opportunity422to serve as the Secretary of Labor. It is both humbling and a423call to action that I do not take lightly.424425    In 2024, our Nation witnessed the single greatest political426achievement of our time. President Trump has united a new427coalition of working-class Americans like never before, with42859.6 percent of Teamsters backing him, historic support from429African American and Latino voters and record-breaking turnout430in once solid blue cities and states, Americans are speaking431loud and clear. They're calling for action, progress, and432leadership that puts the American worker first.433434    Like many Americans, my journey is rooted in my values435instilled by my father and mother. My father, a proud Teamster436who worked tirelessly for over 30 years. The fair pay and437benefits he received ensured our family's stability and438security. From his example, I learned the transformative power439of hard work and determination propelling me to become the440first in my family to graduate from college with a degree in441business administration.442443    Later, after supporting my husband through medical school,444we built our own small business. For two decades, we445successfully navigated the challenges faced by employers from446complex labor regulations, to workforce shortages and rising447costs. These experiences have given me invaluable insights into448the struggles and triumphs of American business owners,449insights I carried with me as mayor of one of the fastest450growing Oregon communities and later as a Member of Congress.451In every role, my priority has been clear: to fight for the452American worker and the business that drive our economy.453454    Our current economic landscape has changed dramatically455since my father worked in a creamery demanding bold action and456real change. In the last 4 years, prices have risen, wages have457fallen, and 78 percent of Americans do not feel confident that458their children will lead better lives. We have also seen major459companies like Hino Motors, General Motors, Ford, and460Stellantis have accelerated layoffs at facilities across the461country.462463    To rebuild confidence and strengthen our workforce, we must464invest in educational pathways beyond the traditional 4-year465degree, ensuring that every American worker has access to the466skills and training for long-term success. Part of that effort467requires honest discussion about our labor policies. I know468there has been a lot of conversation about my support of the469PRO Act. Like President Trump, I believe our labor laws need to470be updated and modernized to reflect today's workforce and the471business environment.472473    As a Member of Congress, the PRO Act was the bill to have474those conversations, conversations that mattered deeply to the475people of Oregon's Fifth Congressional District. I recognize476that bill was imperfect, and I also recognize that I'm no477longer representing Oregon as a lawmaker. If confirmed, my job478will be to implement President Trump's policy division, and my479guiding principle will be President Trump's guiding principle,480ensuring a level playing field for businesses, unions, and most481importantly, the American worker.482483    I also know that we will not always agree, but I promise484there will never be surprises. My door will always be open, and485I will never put my thumb on the scale. That commitment extends486to the work ahead of the Department of Labor, which stands at a487crossroads with a vital role in shaping a strong and resilient488economy.489490    As we confront these challenges, I know that everyone in491this room shares the same goal: An economy where every American492has the opportunity to thrive through good wages, safe working493conditions, and a secure retirement. My record of collaboration494demonstrates a shared belief that under President Trump's495leadership, we can deliver real solutions. Putting American496Workers first is not just a vision, but a promise to fight for497every working mom, single dad, small business owner, and every498American striving for their fair shot at the American Dream.499500    If I have the privilege of being confirmed, I look forward501to working with each of you to solve the challenges facing our502Country. Together we can shape our economy that uplifts every503American. I thank this Committee and I look forward to your504questions.505506    [The prepared statement of Ms. Chavez-DeRemer follows.]507               prepared statement of lori chavez-deremer508    Chairman Cassidy, Ranking Member Sanders, and Members of the509Committee, it is a honor to appear before you as President Trump's510nominee to lead the Department of Labor. My discussions with many of511you have been insightful and inspiring, reinforcing my commitment to512serve our Nation's workforce. Under President Trump's bold leadership513following his historic November victory, I am uniquely prepared to lead514this Department with resolve and purpose.515516    Before I begin, I want to take a moment to honor the incredible517people who have supported me throughout my 24-year journey in public518service. My parents, who became ardent fans of C-SPAN when I entered519Congress, are here today, offering their unwavering support. My twin520daughters, Emilie and Annie--one Democrat and one Republican--have been521my steadfast defenders, teaching me patience and the value of an open522mind. And finally, my loving husband Shawn, my high school sweetheart,523who has stood by my side through every triumph and challenge. To all of524you, thank you for your boundless love and encouragement.525526    I am deeply grateful to President Trump for this extraordinary527opportunity to serve as the Secretary of Labor--it is both humbling and528a call to action that I do not take lightly. In 2024, our Nation529witnessed the single greatest political achievement of our time.530President Trump has united a new coalition of working-class Americans531like never before. With 59.6 percent of Teamsters backing him, historic532support from African American and Latino voters, and record-breaking533turnout in once-solid blue cities and states--Americans are speaking534loud and clear. They are calling for action, progress, and leadership535that puts the American worker first.536537    Like many Americans, my journey is rooted in the values instilled538by my father, a proud Teamster who worked tirelessly for over 30 years.539The fair pay and benefits he received ensured our family's stability540and security. From his example, I learned the transformative power of541hard work and determination, propelling me to become the first in my542family to graduate from college with a degree in business543administration.544545    Later, after supporting my husband through medical school, we built546our own small business. For two decades, we successfully navigated the547challenges faced by employers, from complex labor regulations to548workforce shortages and rising cost. These experiences have given me549invaluable insights into the struggles and triumphs of American550business owners, insights I carried with me as mayor of Oregon's551fastest-growing community and later as a Member of Congress. In every552role, my priority has been clear: to fight for American workers and the553businesses that drive our economy.554555    Our current economic landscape has changed dramatically since my556father worked in a creamery--demanding bold action and real change. In557the last 4 years, prices have risen, wages have fallen, and 78 percent558of Americans do not feel confident that their children will lead better559lives. We have also seen major companies like Hino Motors, General560Motors, Ford, and Stellantis have accelerated layoffs at facilities561across the country. To rebuild confidence and strengthen our workforce,562we must invest in educational pathways beyond the traditional 4-year563degree, ensuring that every American worker has access to the skills564and training for long-term success.565566    Part of that effort requires honest discussion about our labor567policies. I know there has been a lot of conversation about my support568of the PRO Act. Like President Trump, I believe our labor laws need to569be updated and modernized to reflect today's workforce and business570environment. As a Member of Congress, the PRO Act was the bill to have571those conversations--conversations that mattered deeply to the people572of Oregon's Fifth Congressional District. I recognize that the bill is573imperfect, and I am no longer a lawmaker. If confirmed, my job will be574to implement President Trump's policy vision, and my guiding principle575will be President Trump's guiding principle: ensuring a level playing576field for businesses, unions, and most importantly, the American577worker. I also know that we will not always agree, but I promise there578will never be surprises. My door will always be open, and I will never579put my thumb on the scale.580581    That commitment extends to the work ahead at the Department of582Labor, which stands at a crossroads with a vital role in shaping a583strong and resilient economy. As we confront these challenges, I know584that everyone in this room shares the same goal: an economy where every585American has the opportunity to thrive through good wages, safe working586conditions, and a secure retirement. My record of collaboration587demonstrates a shared belief that, under President Trump's leadership,588we can deliver real solutions. Putting American Workers First is not589just a vision but a promise to fight for every working mom, single dad,590small business owner, and every American striving for their fair shot591at the American Dream. If I have the privilege of being confirmed, I592look forward to working with each of you to solve the challenges facing593our Country.594595    Together, we can shape an economy that uplifts every American.596597    Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.598                                 ______599600    The Chairman. Thank you very much. I'll begin. First601question, the protecting the right to organize act, or the PRO602Act is a significant and controversial piece of legislation603Democrats have championed for years, and it's not pro worker,604it's pro big union. To my mind, being pro worker means605defending the right of all workers, including those who decide606they don't want to join a union.607608    Now, you co-sponsored the PRO Act as a Member of Congress,609a yes or no, do you still support the PRO Act?610611    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Chairman Cassidy. It was612great to visit with you. I know how important this issue is to613you. And as it was said today, I recognize that I'm no longer614the lawmaker, and I do not believe that the Secretary of Labor615should write the laws. It will be up to Congress to write those616laws and to work together.617618    What I believe is that the American worker deserves to be619paid attention to that was President Trump and I's conversation620in supporting the American worker, how important that is. I621will not be that lawmaker anymore, but I was working for622Oregon's Fifth Congressional District and representing that I623wanted to be at that table. I never want to be left out of a624conversation where we can talk about the American worker and625how important that is, and I respect the right of the right-to-626work states.627628    I have said that, that the bill was imperfect. I understand629that, and I'm no longer the lawmaker.630631    The Chairman. Now, the PRO Act, just to continue on that632would significantly impact franchisees and small businesses by633increasing corporate control of the operations, or at least634assuming that there's increased corporate control. This is yet635another giveaway to large labor unions, it would make it easier636for union to negotiate with large corporations instead of637directly with a small business owner who actually employs the638worker.639640    Question, do you believe Federal law should prioritize641policies that help small businesses thrive rather than imposing642new regulatory hurdles which could hinder their success?643644    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Senator, it's important to recognize645that the President's goal is to uplift all business owners and646uplift all American workers. Understanding the franchise647business model is important to the American workforce. I648supported the overturning of the NLRB rule on joint employer to649support the franchise business model and supported the650President in this.651652    I align that this is important to grow this economy and653recognize the flexibility in people choosing where they want to654do business.655656    The Chairman. By that, am I to take that you would commit657to reexamining DOL's joint employer guidance to provide small658businesses with a clear roadmap on the issue?659660    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. Certainly. If661confirmed, I'll be looking at all regulations and determining662and looking at all of these rules and regulations and663specifically that one.664665    The Chairman. I think the small employer wants that clear666roadmap.667668    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, absolutely. Okay.669670    The Chairman. Next question. Approximately 27 million671workers work as independent contractors, including working672moms, caregivers, self-employed business owners. Now, for many,673the flexibility of independent work is essential to balancing674personal responsibilities and earning a living for their675family.676677    I will point out that the PRO Act tried to impose a one678size fits all rule, which as was done in California, disrupted679livelihoods instead of helping workers. So, question, if680confirmed as secretary, will you commit to refrain from681implementing any rules, stripping independent contractors the682flexibility they need to provide for their families and to683simultaneously contribute to the American economy?684685    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. Certainly, we'll686commit to understanding this. I know the President in the first687administration set out that rule and the parameters is very688important to him on the flexibility of who is an independent689contractor and who is an employee, and that they're properly690classified.691692    But I commit to working with you on supporting independent693contractors through this process because that flexibility is694what is needed. I understand, as you're mentioning in the PRO695Act, but again, as I mentioned, that Bill wasn't perfect, and696these are those conversations that needed to be had. And697supporting that independent contractor is key to growing this698economy now.699700    The Chairman. Now, supporting that independent contractor701is something I'm very interested in. How do we provide the702independent contractor with more affordable health and703retirement benefits without losing that work flexibility?704705    If you will, the person contracting with them, not an706employer, would nonetheless be able to give them access to such707benefits. I'm asking you if you'll work with me and with our708Committee on legislation to make sure that the independent709worker and the small business are able to get the affordable710benefits available to ordinary employees at larger companies.711712    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, sir, I will commit to working with713you wholeheartedly on this issue.714715    The Chairman. With that, I will yield to Chairman Sanders--716--717718    Senator Sanders. I'll take the Chairman.719720    [Laughter.]721722    Senator Sanders. Thank you, Chairman. Oh, thank you.723Senator Cassidy. You're not the Congresswoman from Oregon724anymore, right?725726    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. No, sir.727728    Senator Sanders. Okay. You're trying to become Secretary of729Labor. Let me back up and say a word about what the PRO Act is.730I'm not sure that most Americans know what it is. The reality731is that in America today, labor unions have the support of some73270 percent of the American people, you know why? Because people733understand that the big corporations and their bosses have all734the power. People understand that CEOs make 300 times more than735their workers.736737    People say, you know why, the only way we're going to get738decent wages and benefits is when we organize. Millions of739people want to join unions, but they can't join unions. You740know why? Because corporations, day after day, operate in741illegal ways, they break the law, they say to somebody, you742were late 3 years ago. You're a pro union. You were late, you743are fired. We're going to take you into a captive audience. And744for hour after hour, we're going to tell you how bad unions745are.746747    Do you want to join a union? Fine. You vote for a union.748We're moving the plant to China. All of that stuff happens to749be illegal. All of that stuff happens to be done every single750day by corporate America. So let me get back to the original751question. PRO Act is designed to prevent illegal behavior on752the part of corporate America, on the part of employers so that753workers can make a free choice. Do you support the PRO Act?754755    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Ranking Member Sanders. And756I appreciate the conversation. I support the American worker.757President Trump----758759    Senator Sanders. Okay? I don't mean to be rude. We don't760have a lot of time. I'm gathering that you no longer support761the PRO Act is what I hear, that you support the American762worker. That's what everybody here will say.763764    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer, in 2021, President Biden signed the765Butch Lewis Act that prevented the earned pension benefits of766some 2 million union workers and retirees from being cut by up767to 65 percent. There are people in Congress who want to undo768that enormously important legislation. What do you feel about769the Butch Lewis Act?770771    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I support the Butch Lewis Act in772protecting their retirements.773774    Senator Sanders. You'll go to the match supporting it?775776    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I do support protecting people's777retirements.778779    Senator Sanders. Federal minimum wage is seven and a780quarter, state after state is voted to raise the minimum wage.781Somehow, we can't do it here in Washington. 20 million workers782are making less than $15 an hour. Do you support raising the783minimum wage to a living wage?784785    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Ranking Member Sanders that is an issue786for Congress to determine and raising the minimum wage. As a787Secretary of Labor, I cannot weigh in on that, that's788determined by Congress. If they want to negotiate that, I will789fully and fairly enforce the law as a Labor Secretary, if you790also choose and give you whatever data possible to make that791decision as Members of Congress.792793    Senator Sanders. I understand that Congress makes the law,794but you have an opinion and you will be the leading advocate795for workers if you are confirmed. Question, if you were sitting796where I'm sitting, would you vote to raise the minimum wage to797a living wage?798799    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I'm not sitting where you're800sitting, hypothetically, I used to, but not any longer. But I801do recognize that the minimum wage hasn't been raised since8022009, and the cost of living has gone up. But again, I cannot803sit here and determine what that wage will be fully and fairly,804I will enforce the law, but it will be up to Congress to805determine, because that is not in the purview of the Secretary806of Labor.807808    For instance, in Oregon I know that in Portland, Oregon,809that the minimum wage is almost $16 an hour. And that might810work for Portland, but that's not going to work for Grants Pass811Oregon. And I know that local communities' states determine812what's best for their economy. What we don't want to do is813shock the economy. But again, sitting here today, I cannot814determine as Secretary of Labor, if it should be----815816    Senator Sanders. In his second week in office, President817Trump fired Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the National Labor818Relations Board, leaving the NLRB without a quorum. And what819that means right now, that if workers form a union vote, the820former union and the company says, well, I think that was821illegal, it's unfair. You can slow up the process because822there's nobody to go to. Do you believe that the firing of Ms.823Wilcox was illegal? Which I do.824825    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. President Trump has a right to exercise826his executive power, how he sees in consultation with his team.827828    Senator Sanders. Are you concerned that we do not have a829functioning NLRB right now?830831    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. The NLRB is separate from the832Department of Labor. I understand that, but I do believe that833the function of the NLRB is important, and I will always take834that into consideration doing my job.835836    Senator Sanders. Are you concerned that we do not have a837functioning NLRB now?838839    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again, I have not been read in840with President Trump, but he has a right to exercise his841executive power. And I do believe the NLRB has an important842role independent of the Department of Labor. And I respect843their position as an independent agency.844845    Senator Sanders. Thank You, Senator.846847    The Chairman. Senator Paul.848849    Senator Paul. Thank you. I enjoyed our meeting in our850office. And I know you're aware of this, but about half the851country has right-to-work laws, 26 states have them. When you852compare right-to-work states with non-right-to-work states, you853see that the right-to-work states have double the employment854growth.855856    If you look at manufacturing jobs, they have five times the857manufacturing job growth. If you look at disposable income in858the right-to-work states, about $3,000 more per individual for859disposable income in the right-to-work states. The PRO Act860wasn't just about organizing or enabling unions to organize,861which they already have the right to do. The PRO Act was about862overturning right-to-work laws in 26 states, half of the863country. Most of these states would argue that this would be a864horrendous invasion of their prerogatives.865866    The Chairman asked you, and then the Ranking Member asked867you, do you still support the PRO Act? The reason we want to868know is this is a tremendous sort of invasion of the state's869rights to decide, this would be overturning the right-to-work870laws in half of the country. Do you still support the PRO Act871or don't you support the PRO Act?872873    Mr. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you Senator Paul and I874appreciated our meeting as well. I thought it was quite--what875you shared with me is how important it is to you and your876state. And I heard that from many Members. The right-to-work is877a fundamental tenant of labor laws where states have a right to878choose if they want to be a right to work state, and that879should be protected.880881    Senator Paul. PRO Act would overturn that.882883    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. Thank you, Senator. I signed on to884the PRO Act because I was representing Oregon's Fifth District,885but I also signed onto the PRO Act because I wanted to be at886that table and have those conversations. But I fully, fairly,887and support states who want to protect their right-to-work. I888have said that to every Senator that I have visited with.889890    Senator Paul. You no longer support the aspect of the PRO891Act that would've overturned state right to work laws?892893    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. There were so many parts.894895    Senator Paul. That's a yes.896897    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, sir.898899    Senator Paul. No more questions.900901    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator.902903    The Chairman. With that, I go to Senator Murray.904905    Senator Murray. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Congresswoman906Chavez-DeRemer. Welcome.907908    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator.909910    Senator Murray. The Trump administration is violating the911bipartisan agreements in our appropriations law by refusing to912spend money that Congress, in a bipartisan manner, has passed913for the American people. I've been hearing about it in my home914state of Washington, I heard from an organization in Edmonds915about whether or not I'll now be able to provide support for916our veterans who are seeking educational and employment917opportunities as they transition to civilian life.918919    I heard from a workforce training program that operates920statewide about whether they'll now be able to continue to pair921workers with employers in the grocery industry. You should know922that the chaos surrounding these funding freezes is causing923real damage to people's lives. So, I want to know, will you924commit to following appropriations laws and the Impoundment925Control Act?926927    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. Thank you, Senator. I know we928talked about this in your office as a Ranking Member of929appropriations, and I do respect the Appropriations Committee930as a former Member of Congress. I think everyone in this room931who's ever sat behind that dais can understand that.932933    Again, the President of the United States has the power to934determine what he's going to do through his executive power. I935am not confirmed. I have not been read into all that. Okay.936937    Senator Murray. I'm asking you; will you follow the, the938law?939940    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I will always follow the law and the941Constitution.942943    Senator Murray. There's a Common Control Act; will you944follow that law?945946    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I will follow the law and the947Constitution.948949    Senator Murray. If you receive a directive to violate950appropriations laws and withhold funding for workers, what will951you do?952953    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I do not believe the President is going954to ask me to break the law 100 percent.955956    Senator Murray. But we have seen that across the board957since he was put into office where he is violating that law. So958you will likely be asked, what will you do?959960    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, It's a hypothetical. I have not961talked to the President on this issue, and I do not believe----962963    Senator Murray. You'll commit to following the law if the964President tells you to violate it?965966    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I will commit to following the law, and967I do not believe the President would ever ask me to break the968law.969970    Senator Murray. Well, Okay. Last week, Elon Musk's DOGE971team came to the Department of Labor, and got access to the972department Sensitive Information System. Musk's companies have,973as you must know, been repeatedly accused of violating labor974laws, including workplace safety laws, discrimination laws, and975wage and hour laws.976977    In fact, OSHA, has investigated Tesla and SpaceX. Now Elon978can access those investigations about his companies because979he's gone in and gotten those records. He can also access980sensitive Market moving data created by the Bureau of Labor981Statistics. That gives him tremendous power to manipulate982quarterly jobs, numbers, and other important economic data to983say nothing of raising potential insider trading concerns.984985    Just to make this abundantly clear, Elon Musk is now in a986position to use his unelected role, to use confidential987government data to advance his own corporate interests while988suppressing his competitors. Do you believe it is appropriate989for someone with such blatant conflicts of interest to have990access to those confidential economic and personal information?991992    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator Murray. If I have993the honor of being confirmed by this Committee and, and the994full Senate, then I will have the opportunity. I have not995stepped foot into the Department of Labor and I understand so996well----997998    Senator Murray. My question to you is, will you protect the999private information of people whose records you will be1000overseeing? Will you allow anyone, a billionaire or anyone else1001to come in and access that?10021003    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Again, because I have not been1004confirmed, I only see the reports that everybody else has seen.1005I have not been read into that. If confirmed----10061007    Senator Murray. You're not answering the question.10081009    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. If confirmed, I will support the1010Department of Labor. I think it's important to support the1011Department of Labor, but I have not been----10121013    Senator Murray. Will you support the private information1014that you will be overseeing? Will you protect that?10151016    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I would protect the private1017information. On this issue, I have not been privy to those1018conversations with the President. I have seen that and if1019confirmed, I commit to you that I will always protect the1020Department of Labor and those issues.10211022    Senator Murray. Well, let me ask you about child labor1023scenario that I've been very worried about. The rise of child1024labor violations, the wage and hour division at the department1025has actually seen a 31 percent increase in minors employed in1026violation of Child labor laws since 2019.10271028    In the last administration, the wage and hour division at1029DOL and the Solicitor's Office worked really hard to secure1030some really important victories against some really egregious1031violators. How will you make sure that the wage and Hour1032division and the solicitor's office work together to enforce1033our child labor laws in this country?10341035    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, protecting child labor is1036abhorrent and nobody should stand for child labor exploitation.1037I will do everything in my power within the Department of Labor1038to double down on the safety of all American workers that are1039exploited, but especially child labor. And I would love to work1040with your office if this is an important issue, it should be1041important to everybody to making sure that we protect against1042any child labor exploitation.10431044    The Chairman. Senator Husted.10451046    Senator Husted. Thank you, Chairman Cassidy. And it was a1047pleasure to visit with you, Ms. Chavez-DeRemer in our meeting1048yesterday. I appreciate you taking the time to come visit and1049share your views across a variety of issues.10501051    I would like to talk a little bit today. I know that1052everyone in this hearing has talked about how they care about1053the American worker and how we make the world better for them.1054One of the ways we do that is we do more Made In America, which1055I know is very important to President Trump.10561057    Another way that we can consider this in terms of earning1058power of the American worker is the impact that illegal1059immigration has had on undermining their ability to earn higher1060wages. And I'm just interested in your opinion about whether or1061not you think the influx of millions of people into this1062country, who many of them are here illegally, is undermining1063the earning power of the American worker.10641065    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, certainly we want to protect the1066American worker and Made in America is important to the1067President of the United States. I couldn't be prouder to1068support the America First agenda for exactly that reason. We1069certainly want to make sure that we're focused on growing this1070economy. That is the conversation that I had with the1071President, on how can we bring the American worker to be the1072pinnacle of every conversation that we have and supporting them1073in growing this economy.10741075    Yes, the mass immigration that we've seen over the last 41076years has hurt the American worker, and we want to make sure1077that we're supporting President Trump in his endeavor to1078support the American worker at all costs.10791080    Senator Husted. Great. Thank you. Let's talk about another1081aspect of Made in America. If we're going to make more things1082in America and we're going to compete on price so that we don't1083have inflation we're obviously going to need to create more1084productivity. Productivity comes from technology in the1085workplace. As we integrate technology in the workplace1086throughout time, it has always been a subject of conversation,1087consternation but it is inevitable that technology will advance1088and we will have to compete.10891090    I would like for you to talk about your thoughts on the1091role of technology in the workplace because we want to make1092jobs safer, we want to make them more rewarding, which1093technology can do. We also know that in creating productivity,1094it can create profits for business. And we want to make sure1095that the reward of that innovation is given to both the worker1096and the business in terms of who benefits from the introduction1097of that technology. Talk about the role of technology in the1098workplace as it relates to labor and how we do more made in1099America with these new innovations.11001101    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator Husted. We had this1102conversation yesterday and how important that you've been1103involved from all levels representing your states. And I've1104talked to many of the Senators on this issue, and it is a1105consternation about will that replace the American worker? And1106I would say, there's got to be space for both because it's1107going to happen. And what we don't want is for other countries1108to get ahead of the game, ahead of America.11091110    How we can work together with the American workforce, the1111employers, and the employees, and how we can work with Congress1112to determine what that looks like. But if there is1113profitability in there and we can support the American worker,1114and then we can have those American workers upskilled and1115reskilled, then this is going to be great for America to grow1116that economy and then share in that profit with the employees1117that are supporting. I think that's the key.11181119    The President and I had a conversation specifically on1120building that bridge between the employer and the employee and1121labor and business, all of that. And if we grow this economy,1122we can do bigger and better things and everybody can live that1123American dream, as you mentioned. So I look forward to really1124diving in as a Department of Labor and giving the resources not1125only to those businesses, but not only to those employees, but1126to Members of Congress who can take this story back to their1127states and know that the Department of Labor and me as a leader1128is going to work on their behalf.11291130    Senator Husted. A final component of that is that many,1131many Americans can have higher paying jobs if they have the1132right kind of skills. They don't need to go to college. They1133can get there through apprenticeships. Talk about how we can1134expand apprenticeships and make sure that we're helping the1135American workforce get the skills they need to compete, be more1136productive, and help America win.11371138    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. One of President Trump's No. 1 focus is1139the expanded apprenticeships, is the investment in1140apprenticeships, making sure that we have the skilled1141workforce. I know as a former mayor and working with business1142owners and working with community colleges, that not1143everybody's going to get that 4-year degree. We have to pay1144attention that they have the skills that they need, that they1145can connect right to the business owners in their communities1146and reinforce that and not have to pick up and walk away.11471148    There's nothing that I want more than for business and1149employers and the education departments to work together and1150really have a skilled workforce.11511152    Senator Husted. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.11531154    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator.11551156    The Chairman. Senator Baldwin.11571158    Senator Baldwin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chavez-DeRemer,1159when we met you expressed your strong support for registered1160apprenticeship. So I want to dig a little bit deeper on that1161last question you were asked. That was reassuring to hear,1162particularly in light of the first Trump administration's1163effort to fund non-registered apprenticeships, or IRAPs as1164they're called.11651166    You also said that you had not yet had an opportunity to1167talk with the President about policy at the time we met. Have1168you had the opportunity to talk with the President about your1169registered apprenticeships? And if so, has that changed your1170position?11711172    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. No thank you, Senator on that issue. It1173is so important on the registered apprenticeships and really1174investing and even doubling down on that. I know in the first1175administration, and I haven't talked to the President on the1176first administration's policies compared to now, on1177apprenticeship from the last administration. But I think1178there's a lot to learn from what happened in the, first1179administration and the successes and not successes. But right1180now, we're focused on the registered apprenticeships, growing1181those, investing in those, and making sure that those are1182adhered to. Thank you.11831184    Senator Baldwin. I want to also dig a little bit deeper on1185appropriated funds. The Labor Health and Human Services1186appropriations Bill includes dedicated funding for1187apprenticeship programs and specifies that the funding is only1188available for registered apprenticeships. So I ask this in the1189context of actions this Administration has already taken,1190including a government wide funding freeze that has now been1191halted by the court.11921193    As Ranking Member of the Labor Health and Human Services1194Appropriation Subcommittee, I have a particular interest in the1195department implementing our bill as Congress intents. That is1196why I was so alarmed to see the National Institutes of Health1197flaunt the law last week, when it proposed a policy that1198directly conflicts with longstanding appropriations language in1199the Labor HHS bill. The Labor HHS Bill says that you can't do1200it, and NIH said it was doing it anyway.12011202    My question to you is, will you follow the law, that says1203funding for apprenticeship programs can only be used for1204registered apprenticeships? Yes, or no?12051206    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.12071208    Senator Baldwin. More broadly, do you commit to spending1209funding as Congress appropriates it?12101211    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Again, as I mentioned earlier, it was1212as it was asked. As a former Member of Congress, I highly1213respect the appropriations process and the role of Congress.12141215    Senator Baldwin. Thank you. The nation's nurses face1216challenging working conditions and they are too frequently1217exacerbated by instances of workplace violence. We talked about1218that in my office. I appreciated that you said that you really1219take that issue seriously. Right now, the Department of Labor1220plans to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking in June of this1221year for the workplace violence in healthcare rulemaking. Do1222you commit to getting this proposed rule issued by June of this1223year and finalized in a very timely way?12241225    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I can commit to working with you1226on the issue because it is an important one. And, if confirmed,1227I will look at every rule as it moves forward. But until then,1228I haven't even, know, seen specifically on the rule, but I1229commit to working with you and taking a look at it.12301231    Senator Baldwin. Been a close conversation on that, we've1232been waiting a long time, it's past due. Your opening statement1233mentioned putting workers first. You've repeated that a number1234of times. So I hope to have your commitment to aggressively1235pursue enforcement against employers that deny workers the1236wages they've earned or fail to provide safe working1237conditions.12381239    The Department of Labor plays a critical role in protecting1240workers' rights, including ensuring workers get the back pay1241they are owed, and investigations into allegations of child1242labor law violations. If confirmed I look forward to working1243with you to make sure that the department has the resources to1244do this important work.12451246    Can you commit to me that this important work will continue1247under the Department of Labor under your leadership, yes, or1248no?12491250    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.12511252    Senator Baldwin. Can you confirm that information under the1253Department of Labor's wage per hour division on their Web site1254will remain up to date, publicly accessible and comprehensive1255like it is today? Yes, or no?12561257    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Again, I have not been at the1258Department of Labor, I have not, but I look forward to working1259with agency heads and making sure that people have the1260information that they need.12611262    Senator Baldwin. All right, one last question. The women in1263apprenticeship and non-traditional occupations grant program,1264Senator----12651266    The Chairman. Senator Baldwin, time's expired.12671268    Senator Baldwin. All right. I'll submit that for the1269record.12701271    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Banks.12721273    Senator Banks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Chavez-DeRemer,1274we served together in the house and worked together on the1275house educational Workforce Committee where you were a leader.1276You worked on many of the very issues that you're testifying1277about today. You are enormously qualified for this position,1278and I'm proud to support you. But can you explain to us for a1279moment what it means to you to put American workers first in1280this golden age of America's economy?12811282    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. Well, what's1283important to me, as was mentioned, the American worker, but we1284have to make sure that the American worker is being fortified1285with not only the skills that they need in order to answer the1286call, but people are looking for the American dream. People are1287wanting to have the skills to work in whatever they determine1288that to be.12891290    Again, we're seeing it's not the 4-year university always,1291It's the 2-year, certificate base. It's answering the call so1292they can have mortgage paying jobs for their families, and1293understand that we're going to protect their benefits and their1294rights and safety in the workplace. The Department of Labor's1295sole focus, is to make sure that we are protecting the wage1296earner, that we are helping the job seekers who are out there1297looking and really reinvigorating the job seekers who have1298decided that they don't want to look any further.12991300    Then protecting those retirees. As a member of education1301and workforce and working together, workforce investment,1302workforce development, I think is going to be key for all of1303our respective states. This, shouldn't be a party issue, I've1304said this over and over again, that's why I've always worked1305across the aisle because the American worker, we don't know1306what their party is, but we know that it matters to them to1307protect their families.13081309    I know how important my family's jobs were for us growing1310up, and I know how important it was for my husband and I to1311build that business for our children and soon to be grandchild.1312So I look forward to continuing down that road and always1313keeping that American worker at the pinnacle. And President1314Trump has said the same thing, and we align on this issue. The1315American worker, this new coalition, this new direction is1316where we're headed in this country.13171318    Senator Banks. Very well put. I know you know this; Indiana1319is the top manufacturing state in the country, yet the China1320shock wiped out 5 million manufacturing jobs in this country.1321And yet the Federal Government programs that were built to help1322those people who lost their jobs, way too many of them were1323left behind and didn't get a job as good as the manufacturing1324job that they had before because of the efforts of China to1325wipe out so many of those jobs in our Country.13261327    How can we better serve those people? How do we get those1328people back on their feet and help them find meaningful good1329paying jobs like the one that they had before that was taken1330away by our biggest enemy, China?13311332    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. That's right. Well, again, it's that1333workforce investment, that workforce development. Oftentimes as1334a former mayor, if we don't go out and talk to the business1335community, if we don't go out and talk to those employers about1336what they're seeking and how they can find those jobs, we have1337to make sure that we are the leaders in this Nation and in the1338world, not China and not any other country.13391340    President Trump, the golden age that you mentioned, this1341has been first and foremost the America first agenda, and1342workforce development and protecting the American worker and1343have them the ability to earn those wages and live the American1344dream is No. 1 in the America first agenda. That to me is1345telling, why this coalition, this new direction of bringing1346labor and business and support is to uplift all Americans. And1347this is first and foremost on the President's mind.13481349    Senator Banks. Back in November when President Biden was1350still in office, his labor department reported a 31 percent1351increase over the last 5 years of illegal child labor in1352America, a direct result of open borders. And I wonder what1353have you thought about what the Labor department or President1354Trump and your leadership can do to save those kids who are in1355our Country being illegally exploited for work in America?13561357    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I have not had a conversation1358specific to that topic but I know how important it is to1359protect. Well, first of all, children who have no fault of1360their own are being exploited. We never want to exploit. And1361our children it's, again, as I mentioned, it's abhorrent that1362we would ever in this country choose to do so.13631364    We will make sure that our workers are safe. We'll make1365sure that our children are safe, and that we'll make sure that1366we are heading in the right direction to protect our businesses1367and protect our workers, and never exploit our children. We'll1368double down at the Department of Labor if there's any bad1369actors doing so.13701371    Senator Banks. The Labor Department is responsible for1372combating human trafficking. And forced labor under the Fair1373Labor Standards Act. And the Biden administration completely1374ignored these kids that were brought here illegally and being1375exploited. And I know that's something that you'll take very1376seriously and work on. I look forward to working with you.13771378    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Absolutely. Thank you, Senator.13791380    Senator Banks. I yield back.13811382    The Chairman. Senator Murphy.13831384    Senator Murphy. Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. Thank you1385very much for your willingness to serve and coming before this1386Committee. I think Senator Murray's questions were really1387important regarding the security of data and sensitive1388information at the Department of Labor.13891390    I just want to drill down and maybe make a finer point1391here. Elon Musk is right now the subject of several OSHA1392investigations. Multiple companies are subject of multiple1393investigations. His rocket company has an injury rate that's1394about nine times higher than the industry average.13951396    I heard you say that you're going to protect data privacy,1397but let me just ask once again the very specific question. Will1398you commit to denying access to Elon Musk or any of his1399representatives to information about labor violations at OSHA1400or any other information about labor violation investigations1401at the Department of Labor?14021403    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. On this same issue,1404committing to the privacy, again I know that for most listening1405to this, it seems as though when we're trying to answer these1406questions, but I have not been in these conversations as I'm1407not confirmed. I only see what has happened possibly on the1408news and so forth.14091410    The President has the executive power to have his coalition1411of advisors and determine what's best for the American people.1412He made a promise to the American people that he was going to1413do these things and check into what is happening. Other than1414that, I have not been read in on any of this. And if confirmed,1415I commit to taking a deeper look and working with your office1416and in any other office on this issue. But at this point----14171418    Senator Murphy. This one feels pretty simple, right? I1419mean, this is an individual who owns companies that have1420existing investigations, he has a direct interest in getting1421information about the seriousness of those investigations. He1422has interest in getting information about investigations1423against his competitors. It seems like a pretty simple1424commitment to make; to say, I am not going to give any private1425company exclusive access to information about open1426investigations against them or their competitors. I mean, why1427can't you just make that commitment to us?14281429    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again the President has the1430executive power to exercise it as he sees fit. I am not the1431President of the United States. I work for the President of the1432United States, if confirmed. And I will serve at the pleasure1433of the President.14341435    On this issue, again, I have not been into the Department1436of Labor, and so I will commit to working with your office,1437I'll commit to coming back as soon if confirmed and I'm in the1438Department of Labor, coming back and answering those questions1439to this Committee wholeheartedly. I'll commit to that.14401441    Senator Murphy. But you have the ability to disagree with1442the President. You certainly serve at his pleasure, but that1443doesn't mean that you have to take actions that you believe to1444be unethical. If the President asks you to give access to1445information to benefit a friend of his who has pending1446investigations, you wouldn't say no?14471448    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I certainly--well the President I1449think in building his team, a formidable team, I'm to determine1450that I don't think is expecting, yes men and women, we are1451going to be advisors to the President, and I would talk to the1452President. But on this issue, one, I'm not an attorney. I would1453certainly consult with the Department of Labor Solicitors; I1454would certainly consult with the White House and their1455attorneys. But until I am confirmed and in the Department of1456Labor, I would not be able to say specific to this without1457having the full picture before that.14581459    Senator Murphy. I don't think you need to be an attorney to1460understand that giving access to a company to sensitive data1461about labor violations at their company or to competitors1462companies is deeply unethical.14631464    Let me ask you another question. Both SpaceX and Amazon1465have filed suits against the NLRB contesting its1466constitutionality. It's a pretty extreme argument saying that1467the NLRB is actually unconstitutional. I know you were asked1468earlier about the firing of one of the members. Do you believe1469that the NLRB is constitutional?14701471    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I believe the NLRB definitely has its1472authority, and I respect that authority. I know you mentioned,1473or I mentioned that I'm not an attorney. That being said, it1474looks like the courts are dealing with that. But what I respect1475is the fact that it is separate independent agency and I think1476it has a role to play, and I respect that. And as the1477Department of Labor secretary if confirmed, I will take that1478very seriously.14791480    Senator Murphy. But you believe that it's constitutional?14811482    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, I believe that the----14831484    Senator Murphy. Well, you can answer that question real1485fast.14861487    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. Thank you. I definitely believe1488that the NLRB is an important agency independent, and I will1489work with the NLRB as we have very different jurisdictions, but1490we often overlap. And so I think it's important to recognize1491that is an important agency, independent and so forth.14921493    The Chairman. Senator Moody.14941495    Senator Moody. Thank you, Chairman Cassidy. Oh, Hello,1496congratulations on your nomination. Thanks for being with us1497today.14981499    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, thank you.15001501    Senator Moody. I wanted to follow-up on something my1502colleague Senator Banks brought up. And you mentioned that you1503had not had a conversation about this, but I'm hopeful that you1504have paid attention to what's been going on and studied what's1505been happening to so many children throughout our Nation,1506especially over the last 4 years.15071508    It is common knowledge now, it is not a political opinion,1509that under the Biden administration, hundreds of thousands of1510minor children flooded into our Country. Many were forced into1511labor trafficking, working many hours a day under even1512undercutting American wages. But to the detriment of many of1513these children, some were injured, some died. It was1514heartbreaking.15151516    As a mother of a child that is around the same age that1517some of these children were forced into this labor, I find it1518appalling that more people were not speaking out about this and1519certainly, unacceptable that we had an administration that was1520not talking about this every single day when these horrors were1521taking place in our own Country. Florida was so upset about it;1522we kept asking routinely for more information from the1523Administration so that we could monitor what children were in1524our state and care for them and account for them. We even1525launched a grand jury investigation.15261527    I just wanted to quote for you what that grand jury found.1528And again, this is community members, not politically driven.1529``The Biden administration forced migration, sale, and abuse of1530foreign children. This process exposed children to horrifying1531health conditions, constant criminal threat, labor and sex1532trafficking, robbery, rape, and other experiences not done1533justice by mere words''.15341535    The challenging part here is, as we've uncovered more and1536more instances of this, it appeared that the Department of1537Labor was not engaging and expecting the same type of1538transparency that many of the states were, even though the1539Department of Labor had the responsibility and authority to1540enforce some of this stuff.15411542    When we tried to get Biden administration representatives1543to come and testify and give us information, and provide1544documents, we were repeatedly stopped, obstructed from doing1545that. And in fact, they responded to one of our requests that1546they show up by saying ``the state had failed to show how it1547was in the interest of the agency'', when all we were seeking1548to do was to fight in the interest of the tens of thousands of1549lost children.15501551    I will ask you, if you are given this enormous1552responsibility, do you commit to doing everything in your power1553to enforcing the child labor laws and working with the states1554that so desperately want to protect the children in their1555states, that believe they have the responsibility and the1556ability to do that?15571558    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. 100 percent, Senator. As I mentioned,1559what has happened over the last 4 years has been horrendous. It1560is not something that United States stand for and again, it is1561not a political issue. This is protecting children, and we1562should not ever allow that to happen in this country. And I 1001563percent commit to you that I will work with your office, and1564any other office in order to protect those children and1565understand that we should never accept this in the United1566States.15671568    Senator Moody. You know, there was some words recently1569promoted in a memo by President Trump and his administration,1570radical transparency. And I think that is essential in moving1571forward from these agencies, so that the people understand what1572is taking place in their country under their noses. Because we1573know any power that rests in this government rests with the1574consent of the governed.15751576    I think as we are waking up to what has been happening,1577many are saying we never gave that consent. And we as a1578Congress need to hold the agencies accountable to that. I want1579to now direct your attention to right-to-work laws and states1580that have chosen to pass right-to-work laws like the state of1581Florida. We passed legislation to ensure, that for example,1582dues could not be forced out of people's paychecks, that was1583very important within our state.15841585    When the Department of Labor saw that under the last1586administration they sought to threat to withhold funding from1587the state of Florida, when we promoted our own policies to1588ensure reasonable collective bargaining and, and right-to-work1589laws. We brought suit, I fought that in court that is still1590pending. It is on appeal right now. Do I have your word that1591you will look at that, dig in on that, determine if those1592threats were indeed justified and if not, work with the state1593of Florida to resolve that?15941595    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. Well, it is in litigation, I can't1596comment on the actual litigation. I do look forward, if1597confirmed to working with your office and taking a hard look at1598that and respecting what the state of Florida is doing with1599their right-to-work life.16001601    Senator Moody. Put simply, do you respect the ability of1602the states to enact policy and the benefit of our own states?16031604    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.16051606    The Chairman. Senator Kaine.16071608    Senator Kaine. Thank you. And thank you to Representative1609Chavez-DeRemer for the good discussion we had about a month1610ago. You said you respect the National Labor Relations Board1611and want to work together with it, though they are independent.1612The National Labor Relations Board is created by statute and1613it's the Law of the land, correct?16141615    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes Sir.16161617    Senator Kaine. It was created pursuant to the National1618Labor Relations Act, which was also a statute and is the law of1619the land, correct?16201621    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, sir.16221623    Senator Kaine. Currently the NLRB lacks a quorum because of1624actions of President Trump. The legality of his removal of an1625NLRB member is being contested in court. But the NLRB should1626have a quorum, shouldn't it?16271628    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, in order to do business, I1629suppose, yes.16301631    Senator Kaine. Your opinion is that a President of either1632party or a Congress of either party should assure that the1633National Labor Relations Board has a quorum, correct?16341635    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.16361637    Senator Kaine. Because in the absence of a quorum, it can't1638do its job.16391640    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Correct. That would be on its face,1641yes.16421643    Senator Kaine. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,1644do you believe in the notion that workers should have equal1645opportunities?16461647    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I'm sorry, could you repeat that?16481649    Senator Kaine. Do you believe in the notion that workers1650should have equal employment opportunities?16511652    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Absolutely.16531654    Senator Kaine. The EEOC is an independent agency, but it1655deals with workers. And you've said you want to put workers1656first. The EEOC right now lacks a quorum. The EEOC was created1657by statute, and it's the law of the land, correct?16581659    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.16601661    Senator Kaine. Have you ever taken the position as a1662Congresswoman that either the NLRB or the EEOC should be1663defunded or eliminated?16641665    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. No, not that I recall.16661667    Senator Kaine. Since the EEOC is the law of the land, and1668it's important that workers have equal employment1669opportunities, the EEOC should have a quorum to operate,1670correct?16711672    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.16731674    Senator Kaine. Because of actions of the President, the1675EEOC currently has no quorum and cannot operate to protect1676equal employment opportunities. But you would agree with me,1677similar to the discussion we had about the NLRB, that it being1678the law of the land, any President of either party and any1679Congress of either party, should ensure that the EEOC has a1680quorum so it can protect workers, correct?16811682    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.16831684    Senator Kaine. The Department of Labor has some specific1685programs designed to benefit veterans. There's a, a couple of1686programs within the DOL focused on veterans' employment needs.1687Should you be confirmed, would you take those obligations to1688watch out for American veterans seriously?16891690    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Absolutely.16911692    Senator Kaine. If you became aware that an employer, a1693major employer, was taking actions that disproportionately1694negatively affected veterans, would that concern you?16951696    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.16971698    Senator Kaine. The mass firing that President Trump is1699doing within the Federal Government right now, is hitting1700veterans very, very hard. The civilian workforce is about 31701percent veteran, the Federal workforce is 30 percent veteran1702and veteran workers are also disproportionately probationary1703employees. The actions thus far taken by this Administration1704are punishing American veterans badly.17051706    I live in one of the states that has the highest per capita1707representation of veterans. We're seeing people laid off at VA1708clinics. I have two VA clinics that are supposed to open in the1709next couple of months whose opening is jeopardized because of1710the mass firings. And even outside of the VA. The1711disproportionate effect of the firings to this point, fall hard1712upon veterans. I'm happy to hear that you will take it1713seriously if any major employer in this country1714disproportionately punishes veterans. Do you know what a1715restrictive covenant is?17161717    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I do not.17181719    Senator Kaine. A restrictive covenant is when an employer,1720as a condition of employment, makes an employee say, and if you1721leave, you can't work with anybody in the same industry. I'm1722sure you're familiar with the concept, people use different1723titles, but you're familiar with the concept. Do you think1724restrictive covenants limiting a worker's ability to choose1725where they want to work is anti-worker?17261727    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I'm assuming you're probably also1728naming those as the non-competes. Is that what you're referring1729to?17301731    Senator Kaine. Yes, actually non-compete is better. Yes.1732Right.17331734    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. I'm sorry, when I didn't recognize1735the other term.17361737    Senator Kaine. Both are used, but non-compete is probably1738more common.17391740    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I know that's primarily taken up by1741most of the state jurisdictions on whether that's their law or1742not their law and determined by that. So I think it's dependent1743on what the state's laws are and how they focus on----17441745    Senator Kaine. If you want to put workers first,1746restricting their ability to find a job after they leave one1747employer, that's not putting workers first. It restrains1748workers. The reason I ask is that in the absence of quorum at1749the NLRB, the NLRB General Counsel has just issued a memo1750rescinding a previous order of the Biden administration,1751protecting workers, put workers first.17521753    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator.17541755    Senator Kaine. I yield.17561757    The Chairman. Senator Collins.17581759    Senator Collins. Thank you. Ms. Chavez-DeRemer, a major1760provision of the PRO Act which you co-sponsored would eliminate1761secret elections when workers vote on whether or not to1762organize. The secret ballot, obviously helps to protect workers1763from intimidation, pressure, and retaliation. Do you continue1764to support the elimination of secret ballots in union1765elections?17661767    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I do not support that portion. That's,1768an important--supporting the secret ballot is key, not only to1769protect the employee from maybe a bad union, but also a bad1770worker. So I think it's good to have that democracy in keeping1771those ballots protected. The secret ballot.17721773    Senator Collins. Let me turn to a different issue. In the1774last administration, OSHA published a proposed rule that would1775affect our firefighters and our fire departments. I've heard1776directly from many volunteer and rural firefighters from the1777State of Maine who have concerns about the high compliance1778costs and what they view as totally impractical training1779requirements that this rule would impose.17801781    Some of the larger departments could accommodate these1782changes. But the majority of the fire departments in Maine are1783not large. They're serving small rural communities. OSHA itself1784has estimated that the nationwide compliance costs could exceed1785a hundred million dollars per year for volunteer fire1786departments alone. And so the result is going to be closed1787departments to reduce firefighter workforce and harming public1788safety in small rural communities.17891790    Although there may be some benefits to take a look at the1791old standards and see if they are updated, what OSHA has1792published would be extremely harmful and actually decrease1793public safety in rural America. What is your position on this1794rule? And will you reexamine it if confirmed?17951796    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, Senator Collins. I will look to1797reexamine. I would imagine all rules and regulations confirmed1798once I can get in those doors and fully understand. But1799protecting our first responders, we've seen it in a small1800community like Happy Valley, Oregon and beyond, protecting our1801firefighters and making sure they have the resources they need1802and helping them, of course, comply, but sometimes1803understanding what that compliance looks like, I think is a1804remit of the Department of Labor for all rules and regulations.18051806    People want to comply, but the cost that they would close1807their doors is not going to be good for any community. And I1808promise you, if confirmed, that I will take a hard look at that1809regulation and work with your office as well.18101811    Senator Collins. Thank You. Last year, the State of Maine1812had 15 million tourists. That is about 10 times our state's1813total population. So it's not surprising that those who are in1814the hospitality industry, despite every effort, cannot come up1815with a sufficient number of employees to serve the flood of1816tourists, which we are very happy to welcome to the great State1817of Maine.18181819    We rely heavily on seasonal worker visas known as H-2B1820visas, to help fill that workforce gap. Can you commit to1821making available the maximum amount of H-2B visas that Congress1822authorizes? There's some discretion on what the number will be,1823but Congress gives the Administration the authority to go to1824the maximum level.18251826    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. That's right, Senator. I commit to1827working not only with you all, and this is brought up by many1828of you in our meetings on how important the H-2A, H-2B, H-1B1829visas are and the seasonal visas. I'll work with the Department1830of Homeland Security Secretary Noem, in looking at those caps1831and the Department of Labor's role and remit on this is testing1832the market and understanding who's asking for these permits,1833and then working with the Department of Homeland and the1834Department of State to talk about that cap and whether or not1835Congress wants to enact that. So yes, I commit to working with1836you and them as well.18371838    Senator Collins. Thank You.18391840    The Chairman. Senator Hassan.18411842    Senator Hassan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning1843still, Congresswoman, it's good to see you. And I appreciated1844the time we had when we met in my office a little bit ago. I1845appreciate your willingness to serve and that of your family. I1846wanted to follow-up before turning to a couple of questions I1847have on a line of questioning we heard from Senator Murray.18481849    I take it from her questions and your answers that you have1850stated that if you are directed by the President to take an1851action that would break the law, you would follow the law?18521853    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Absolutely. I will follow the law on1854the Constitution. I do not believe the President would ask me1855to break the law.18561857    Senator Hassan. I understand that as the response from1858nominees, we've seen a lot of evidence that he will in the last18594 weeks. And then I wanted to follow-up on Senator Murphy's1860point about Mr. Musk's access to DOL information. And this is1861not a question, but I just want you to understand why we are1862focused on this. Mr. Musk spent a quarter of a billion dollars1863to get Donald Trump elected. And since inauguration day, we1864have found out that the State Department was planning to give1865Tesla a $400 million contract for armored vehicles.18661867    Now, we find that Elon Musk has access to the Department of1868Transportation records and data systems, when in fact, he's1869being investigated by DOT because of multiple inquiries into1870the safety of Tesla vehicles and the deaths they may have1871caused.18721873    Then we find out that he's got access to the Department of1874Labor information. He's got programmers with him when we know1875that he's being investigated by the Department of Labor. So it1876seems like Mr. Musk is getting a big payback from Mr. Trump1877right in the first month of this Administration. And that1878concerns us greatly. Now, I did want to turn to a couple of1879issues that you and I talked about.18801881    We have a shared interest in increasing access to1882apprenticeship and workforce training, and there's been real1883bipartisan focus on that. If confirmed, will you expand these1884programs? And how will you prioritize rural communities in this1885effort? Because getting apprenticeship programs in rural1886communities to fit the actual economy and workforce needs in1887those rural communities is a pretty unique thing. And I would1888like your thoughts on that.18891890    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator, and I enjoyed our1891conversation as well. Again, a lot of this information that I1892experience comes from being a former mayor, and then having the1893experience as a Member of Congress as well, to understand how1894the laws are made. But in the rural areas, oftentimes they are1895forgotten. It's a forgotten parts of a lot of our states.18961897    One of the things we talked about is the hubs, and I think1898I talked about that with Senator Hickenlooper as well. And1899knowing that there are programs that are going to skill the1900workforce in those rural communities.19011902    For instance, an example in Oregon, one of the hubs--I1903think I mentioned to you and Senator Hickenlooper was it's a1904real direct--while it's not an apprenticeship program, until we1905can fortify or work toward possibly what that looks like in1906other parts of certain industries we talked, I think about the1907healthcare industry specifically, is working with our community1908colleges and our local technical colleges to have those1909certificate base so that we have that workforce right in those1910communities.19111912    When we take that information from our businesses, and we1913kind of back into degrees for our students in order to do that.1914But I look forward to working on a bipartisan level to really1915fortify those apprenticeship programs so that we can have that1916skilled workforce.19171918    Senator Hassan. I would look forward to working in a1919bipartisan way on that. One of the things we could do is to1920pass the bipartisan bicameral reauthorization of the Workforce1921Innovation and Opportunity Act that we agreed to last Congress.1922So that's an important way we could move forward.19231924    With 2.6 million workplace injuries and illnesses reported1925annually, we have to do more to protect the health and safety1926of our workers. Yet workers still have to fight for common1927sense protections like air conditioning for delivery drivers1928during the scotching heat of the summer, and properly fitting1929protective equipment for construction workers. If confirmed,1930how will you coordinate and prioritize workforce safety across1931all of DOL'S agencies?19321933    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Oh, thank you, Senator. Again, one of1934the remits for the Department of Labor is to protect the1935workplace. Make sure that they're free of hazard, make sure1936that we're protecting the American worker. Nobody expects to go1937to work in the morning and be unsafe or be hurt. So it will be1938the role to work with the experts in all of the departments1939across the Department of Labor to make sure that we're honoring1940the mission of the Department of Labor.19411942    Senator Hassan. I would appreciate that. I also appreciate1943the fact that you rightly respected the expertise of some of1944our Federal workforce there because they know a lot about1945workplace safety, and I don't want them to be subject to these1946mass layoffs we are seeing. I will submit for the record a1947question about paid leave. We were able to expand it in for1948Federal workers under President Trump's first term. I'd1949appreciate your thoughts on that. Thank you.19501951    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Hassan. And Senator1952Mullin, I apologize if you snuck in just before Senator1953Collins.19541955    Senator Mullin.19561957    Senator Mullin. It gave me time to get my head in place.1958Thank you, Chairman. And I just kind of want to point out some1959interesting things that's going on. The Senator from New1960Hampshire was complaining about a contract that was awarded by1961the Biden administration, and somehow, you're tied it to the1962Trump administration for Tesla.19631964    I don't actually know how those work. I mean as good as I1965do, that was the contract that was given by the Biden1966administration, or that was looking to be given by the1967administration, not the Trump administration. And somehow1968that's a conflict of interest. And then when we start talking1969about that, you're concerned about Mark and Jeff and Elon. It1970wasn't too long ago; you guys were happy to take all their1971money. It's just the party that's supposed to be of inclusion.1972Now, all of a sudden, if you don't agree with this, you're the1973enemy.19741975    I'll use my friend Sean, for example. He was brave enough1976to speak and spoke his mind on some things that maybe all of us1977didn't agree at the Republican Convention. And for the first1978time in decades, he was not invited to speak at the Democrat1979National Convention. Why? Because he had a different opinion1980about where the democrat woke movement has gone. What happened1981to the inclusion? Yet what we do is we spend all of our time1982complaining and making reckless accusations about something1983that's absolutely false.19841985    When you guys don't want to hear it, you guys just accuse1986everybody else of being a criminal and for some reason being1987compromised. It's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. It's the1988same thing we heard in 2017, and yet you guys are just1989recycling. You guys are doing nothing but trying to stir your1990base by fear when it's absolutely 100 percent wrong and1991shouldn't even exist.19921993    Now, with my rant over I like to turn back to Lori and ask1994you a question. You're very uniquely positioned, I made that1995clear when I was introducing you. Coming from a very blue state1996and being a Republican that's very heavily union, and you've1997been backed by the union. You have the support of a new1998coalition that President Trump has brought together. What role1999do you think you play in this new coalition?20002001    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator Mullin. For, for2002one, thank you again for being here today and introducing me.2003But on this question, building the bridge, and I think that2004this is the new direction. 77,300,000 Americans voted for2005President Trump. We know that the American worker, wherever2006they are on the continuum, if it's organized labor, if it's2007employees, if it's employers they supported and gave the2008President a mandate. He won 312 electoral votes. He won all the2009swing states, and he did have a mandate.20102011    But in that mandate, what's unique about this time, is the2012fact that he included the American worker of being first. He's2013talking about the men and women who build this country, that's2014the focus. And I believe that the President nominated me to2015bring my experience, not only as a mayor, not as a business2016owner, but because I did garner labor support.20172018    The President and I align in this issue, that if we focus2019on the American worker, despite the politics that is going to2020come up, sometimes, we're not going to agree on everything, but2021we can agree that we are at a pivotal moment in this history to2022capitalize and support the American worker, and that everyone2023can achieve the American dream.20242025    I know how important that was for my family. I know how2026important that is to all your constituents. And I want to bring2027people to the table. And when they're at that table, I want2028them to stay at that table because I know sometimes, they're2029going to disagree. But it is not to put the thumb on the scale.2030It is not to weigh in and support on each side. It's to keep2031them at that table till they determine that they can solve the2032issues. Just like you and Sean O'Brien.20332034    This is important to the President, it's important to me.2035He asked me to be an extension on his team, a formidable team2036where we won't forget that. And I won't forget that. I'll work2037hard every day to be the leader that this country deserves at2038the Department of Labor to carry on that message for the2039President.20402041    Senator Mullin. One of President Trump's main focus was2042bringing jobs back to manufacturing. In fact, American first2043agenda was all about protecting the American workers. How do2044you plan on working uniquely with both sides to bring2045manufacturing back to the United States?20462047    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again, thank you for this2048question, because it is where we have been lacking. We have2049seen communities be decimated, small rural communities where,2050Oregon is a timber industry, and they have been decimated over2051the last 15-20 years. We have to bring those back so we can2052buildup our communities. I look forward to investing in the2053workforce, again, it was mentioned, we owe which is a2054bipartisan effort.20552056    As a member of--workforce, I was proud to honor that. And2057if President Trump wants to bring that forward, I look to2058working with all of your office for that workforce investments2059to buildup those jobs, to reinvest in those manufacturing jobs.20602061    Senator Mullin. Thank you so much.20622063    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.20642065    Senator Kim.20662067    Senator Kim. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Congresswoman,2068for coming on out and talking to us. In your opening statement,2069your written testimony, you talked about putting American2070workers first as the priority here, and I appreciate that. I2071think a lot of us agree with that.20722073    I guess I just wanted to ask you, because you talked about2074the vision that you have that should be a vision for our2075Country. So I guess I wanted to ask you to sort of expand on2076that vision. Is $7 and 25 cents an hour, is that enough to live2077on in America in the year of 2025?20782079    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. For the question I2080know Ranking Member Sanders asked the same question. I2081recognize that it hasn't been changed, the minimum wage, I2082guess.20832084    Senator Kim. I'm just asking you like, is do you think2085that's enough for a worker to live on? I'm just trying to get a2086sense of your vision for what the standard of life for an2087American worker is.20882089    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I mean, again, for every state,2090for every community, again, I mentioned Oregon, what happens in2091Portland doesn't happen in Grants Pass. It certainly doesn't2092happen.20932094    Senator Kim. I understand that about Oregon. But like, I2095guess I would ask you, what is 7.25 an hour? That is what, in2096an annual term, do you know off the top of your head? Oh, it's2097not a math question, so I'm just trying to get a sense of--so2098it's about $15,000 a year. Yes. So I guess I just want to ask2099you, do you think that there is a state in this country where2100someone can live comfortably on their own for $15,000 a year?21012102    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I don't know if there is, but I2103would look to work with Congress. This is a congressional2104issue. I hope I can support you in telling the story of what's2105happening on the ground, but that's what----21062107    Senator Kim. I'm just trying to get a sense of from you is2108what your vision is. Because I do want to try to engage and see2109if we can work on that together. So, for instance, biggest2110issue I keep hearing about is about affordability of housing2111and the challenges that people are facing when it comes to2112that.21132114    Again, I'm just trying to get a sense of where you're at on2115this. Do you have a sense of what percentage of someone's2116salary should go toward housing? Is there an upper limit in2117your mind of where you'd like to see that?21182119    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I know oftentimes they talk2120about, if it's 10 percent, 20 percent, but here's my2121commitment, Senator. My commitment to you is to tell that2122story. I will come out and visit every state and, and2123understand what's important to them, and tell that story not2124only to the President, but also work with Members of Congress.2125And if you all see fit, I will fully and fairly enforce the2126minimum wage laws that you all see fit and work together. I2127know, again, I will----21282129    Senator Kim. This will be a conversation between us here.2130It's important. I mean, like, it's not just on us. You're going2131to be somebody who's supposed to be fighting for sure for the2132American worker. Is 50 percent of someone's salary too high in2133terms of what goes toward housing?21342135    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again, depending on what the2136salary is, people can determine that. I mean, if I had to take2137a guess, you are wanting me to say yes or no. It's hard to2138guess on what people want to spend on their housing, but I do2139want to help the American worker. I want them to make enough2140money. I want to give them the opportunities. And I want to2141work with Congress on this issue because it is important. This2142is a sensitive issue. We hear about it all the time.21432144    Senator Kim. Yes. So, as I said, the top issue, and I'll2145say that, when it comes to the lowest median rents that we see2146in this country right now, it's around $850, $900 a month,2147which is at around $10,000 a month. Some of the states where,2148again, the minimum wage is $15,000 a year, so talking about two2149thirds of their salaries, when it comes to paid leave, I mean--2150I know a colleague of mine was going to raise this, we were2151able to move forward on government employees. I want to just2152get a sense; do you believe that all American workers are2153entitled to paid leave?21542155    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again we don't have a Federal2156paid leave.21572158    Senator Kim. Should we? I'm just trying to get a sense of2159your vision. I get it, you're not a mayor anymore, but like,2160I'm just trying to get a sense of what you're going to be2161fighting for. What's your vision for the American worker?21622163    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. Well, my vision for the American2164worker is to achieve the American dream. To have opportunities.21652166    Senator Kim. I understand those opportunities, but is a2167part of the American dream paid leave for all workers?21682169    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again, I cannot commit to you2170today that I would say 100 percent paid leave across the board2171is something that should be taken up by the Federal Government2172its dependent of states. State of Oregon, again, they choose to2173do that respective of their states.21742175    I want people to have the opportunities to keep more of2176their hard-earned dollars. I know the President again, is in2177line with the America First agenda to have those freedoms to2178keep those dollars that they earn. And we want to make the most2179prosperous opportunities available for them to earn the most2180based on what they are skilled to do and, and offer them the2181development and the skills that they can to earn that2182opportunity. I want this more than anything.21832184    Senator Kim. Look, I want it too. And that's why, if2185confirmed, I want to work with you on this.21862187    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Absolutely.21882189    Senator Kim. But I'll just tell you, like, when I talk to2190workers back in New Jersey, they say it feels like death from a2191thousand cuts right now. There's housing, there's healthcare,2192there's so many other things, they're working two to three jobs2193just to be able to get by. They're not asking for the moon.2194They're just asking to be able to live a life of dignity and2195decency. And I hope that we can at least be able to stand up2196and say that's what we're going to fight for. I yield back.21972198    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you.21992200    The Chairman. Senator Tuberville.22012202    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. Good morning.22032204    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Good morning, coach.22052206    Senator Tuberville. Let's beat a dead horse here. To work2207state Alabama, my constituents at home want to know that are2208you going to try to change our statuses Right to work?22092210    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I respect the fact that you are from a2211right-to-work state, and I respect the fact that you can2212continue to be a right-to-work state.22132214    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. Back when we had the, the2215PRO Act, I offered an amendment that would require2216authorization from employees in order for any kind of dues fees2217or assessments to be used toward a political campaign by the2218union bosses. It failed. Are you for that? Are you for how2219would you handle that? Dues from a union, paid in a political2220contribution from employees that are not asked can we use your2221money?22222223    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. You're saying they paid their dues.2224It's used for a political contribution without their knowledge.22252226    Senator Tuberville. Yes.22272228    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again that's not something that--2229I think they should be aware of whether dues are going. Yes.22302231    Senator Tuberville. Okay. Just asking. You voted for the2232PRO Act; I was just asking.22332234    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Senator, if I could correct the record.2235I did not vote for the PRO Act. I put my name on this. We did2236not have a vote on the PRO Act, so I just wanted to correct the2237record on that.22382239    Senator Tuberville. All right. We had this conversation a2240couple of weeks ago, my constituents want to know, you worked2241in Planned Parenthood years and years ago. You pro-life or Pro-2242Choice?22432244    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I am supportive of the President's2245agenda. I have a hundred percent pro-life voting record in2246Congress and I will continue to support the America First2247agenda, which we know includes life.22482249    Senator Tuberville. Good answer. All right. Talk to me2250about legal immigration. In my state, we have the most2251engineers in the country, in the state of Alabama because of2252NASA and defense contractors and all those things. We're2253running short on a lot of engineers, high tech people that are2254well-trained in our Country. For some reason we're running2255short because big tech is growing. Where do you stand on legal2256immigration? Your thoughts?22572258    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I'm supportive of legal2259immigration only. I mean, I don't see another around it. What2260level you're talking about? Yes. You're talking about--are you2261referring to the H-1 Visa program?22622263    Senator Tuberville. Anything to do with high tech, anything2264to do with engineers. That, eventually we're going to have to2265allow more people to come, but not to tear down the structure2266of young men and women having a chance to make a better living2267because they spent four or 5 years at a university and have to2268pay their bills.22692270    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. No, I appreciate that so much that you2271brought this up. Certainly we never want to replace the2272American worker. We want to make sure that we're investing in2273the American worker and they have the skills needed for the2274high-tech industry as we see moving forward through a lot of2275our respective states.22762277    On the visitor's visa, on the H-1B, there's been2278conversation about, in the immediacy, I've heard that from many2279of the Senators. It's about today, what happens today and2280tomorrow. I commit to you to working again with testing the2281market, that's the Department of Labor's remit. It's a test the2282market and seeing where we need the guest worker program once2283we've exhausted all other programs and making sure that we're2284out there. Then work with the Department of Homeland and2285certainly the Department of State, and if we have to administer2286more.22872288    But that's going to be certainly the--Congress will2289determine it, and then I'll work with those interagency as2290well. And I would love to work with your office on that2291specifically.22922293    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. I'm not going to put you2294under a gun on this question, you probably don't know a lot2295about it. A lot of people in this room know a lot about it:2296NIL, name, image, and likeness. It is a disaster and we're2297going to have to do something in your tenure to help young men2298and women understand, the situation that we're in, because2299we're going to start losing Title IX.23002301    We've got a young man that just signed an $8 million2302contract and he's 20 years old, and it's out of control. So,2303the next time you come hopefully we can have a hearing on what2304we call name, image, and likeness. I'm all for kids making2305money but it is workforce. It needs to be changed. It needs to2306be regulated to a point where all men and women, young men and2307women can have a chance to make money. So just to bring that to2308light, but that will be under your purview in the very near2309future. Thanks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.23102311    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator.23122313    The Chairman. Next would-be Senator Blunt Rochester.23142315    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I2316also want to thank you Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer for the2317opportunity to meet with you ahead of the hearing. I really2318felt we had a robust conversation about the workforce and how2319we move forward as a country, and the fact that working people2320deserve respect, protection, and fair treatment.23212322    I want to start by just acknowledging, I know you are2323following the reports, the over 10,000 Federal employees, civil2324servants who have been fired in recent weeks including staff at2325the FAA, the NIH HHS, the Department of Education and more. And2326to me, beyond the harmful impacts that those individuals are2327feeling and their families are experiencing, it is having2328ramifications across the country.23292330    Everything from our plane safety to biomedical research, to2331measles outbreaks that I just heard on the news earlier today,2332to the Avian Flu, all of this, while the cost of eggs is not2333going down, people are feeling the impact. I'm also concerned,2334I shared with you, I had the opportunity to serve in Delaware2335as Secretary of Labor.23362337    Labor is so important to me, but also state personnel2338director. And just from a workforce planning perspective, a lot2339of this doesn't even make sense to get rid of some employees2340that are protecting our national security, our nuclear safety,2341all of these things and our health, just doesn't make sense.23422343    Then there's going to be the ripple effects of where do2344these folks who are now unemployed get the resources they need2345to live and survive? How do they deal with the trauma? This2346will have ripple impacts. And what you said is you want to help2347the American worker, and I hope that you will consider these2348individuals as also American workers.23492350    My questions, I wanted to talk a little bit about what we2351discussed in terms of the future of work, which has been one of2352my top priorities in preparing folks for the jobs of today, but2353also the jobs of tomorrow. And in Delaware, we have a robust2354biotech ecosystem involving workforce focused partners like the2355Delaware Bioscience Association, and the National Institute for2356Innovation in Manufacturing biopharmaceuticals at the2357University of Delaware, also known as NIIMBL.23582359    We also have with our students the Delaware Pathways and2360vocational technical high schools in Delaware and two labor2361unions. So far, we know we need more workers to grow our2362economy. Do you have a plan to prepare workers for careers in2363emerging industries like biotech and AI?23642365    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. I really did2366appreciate our meeting as well. I know you have the knowledge2367from a labor department in Delaware, and that you ran that, and2368I hope we work together and you will share with me some of the2369tips and tricks of the trade because I don't need to reinvent2370the wheel in a lot of places. I just need to make sure that2371we're respecting and honoring your story as well. And for2372Delawareans----23732374    [Laughter.]23752376    Senator Blunt Rochester. Delawareans, that's right.23772378    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. But this is important specific to the2379skill. And I think what we talked about is even more so than2380high school, we're talking about junior high, right? And2381understanding how important that is for the workforce, that we2382have to get these young people in early and understanding what2383they care about. And that we have that workforce.23842385    Under the Department of Labor, it's going to be my2386responsibility to make sure we're investing in that workforce2387development. I was proud, and I was brought up earlier to serve2388on the ED workforce for reauthorizing WIOA. That's, again, a2389bipartisan, it didn't happen, it didn't go through. And I hope2390with all respect and talking to the President, if it aligns2391that this is something that if Congress takes it back up, that2392I can work with you all not only technically but to enforcing2393that, and really investing in the workforce specific to high2394tech, because we know we're going to need those jobs. And so2395this is an important issue, I would think to everybody sitting2396up here that they're a part of the workforce and respective in2397every state.23982399    Senator Blunt Rochester. I know in our conversation, we2400talked about making sure that labor, as well as industry, are2401present at the table when we make these big policy decisions,2402when we do legislation.24032404    One of the things that I will be focusing on and2405introducing legislation on is an accelerator, the Advanced2406Research Projects Agency of the Department of Labor ARPA-L is2407similar to what we've done for health with ARPA-H with defense2408for DARPA, which gave us groundbreaking technologies like the2409internet and Siri. And so hope to work with you on these as2410well.24112412    Again, let's make sure that we focus on all workers and2413that includes those folks that are being fired, laid off, and2414in a lot of traumas. Thank you. And I yield back.24152416    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator.24172418    The Chairman. Senator Murkowski.24192420    Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to2421the Committee. I enjoyed our conversation. We had a chance to2422talk a little bit about the Alaska workforce. I'm looking at an2423article that just came out and it cites to the Alaska State2424Department of Labor and Workforce Development.24252426    Looking at labor statistics, our workforce statistics back2427in 2023, we don't have 2024 numbers yet, but right now, non-2428resident workers in our state make up 23.5 percent of the2429workforce. That's a lot. It means we get folks that come to us2430from other states. When you have 82 percent of your communities2431that are not connected by road, you can't move as a worker from2432one village to another village unless you're willing to pay2433several hundred dollars for each leg of your airplane ticket to2434get you to another community for work. So we rely on out of2435state workers.24362437    In the oil and gas industry, 37.4 percent of the workers2438were non-residents in the mining industry Non-Residents2439accounted for 41.6, in the seafood processing sector, which is2440significant, it's one of our largest employments and economic2441derive in the state producing more than $5 billion in economic2442activity. So this is big for us, but what is even bigger is in24432023, 82.8 percent of the workers were non-resident.24442445    We process our seafood and small coastal communities that2446if they have a population at all, it's maybe 500 people that2447are there. You cannot run a seafood processing industry when2448you don't have the workers. And so, back to the comment that2449was made earlier about H-2Bs, this is significant for us.2450Senator Collins asked about your commitment to issue2451supplemental visas in a timely manner, but also to the maximum2452extent allowable. You do have that discretion. You've indicated2453that you're going to work to that.24542455    I'm going to ask you to look specifically to the seafood2456processing sector of all the sectors that are out there. And my2457friend from Virginia knows full well, seafood is more truly2458seasonal than so many other sectors. But right now, we are2459competing if you will, for these H-Bs with other sectors like2460landscapers.24612462    Last I checked, you can do landscaping 365 days practically2463in most parts of the country. The seafood sector in Alaska,2464you're looking at an industry during the summer, at least when2465it comes to salmon, where it is literally an eight-to-10-week2466season. We are the poster child for seasonal workers.24672468    I need to know that you will not only support the H-2B Visa2469program, but commit to working with me on legislation to exempt2470seafood processors from the H-2B Visa caps.24712472    This is something that we've been trying to work for years.2473Basically, we've been stalled out by big labor that is so2474concerned that we are not offering these jobs to people across2475the country. You can't get an H-2B visa until you have2476demonstrated that all the efforts that you have made to seek2477U.S. workers, and that none are coming to you.24782479    We had the conversation in my office. It's important to2480state it here publicly, how significant it is and I need your2481assurance that you're going to work with us and work with your2482partners within Homeland Security as well on this critical2483issue for us.24842485    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, ma'am. I will commit to working2486with you specifically on this issue.24872488    Senator Murkowski. Thank you. I appreciate that. A lot of2489conversation about apprenticeship, so I'm not going to revisit2490that. Although I did just come from a meeting with the head of2491the Alaska Military Youth Academy who was talking about the2492benefits of going from that exceptional program to hand in2493glove with the Alaska works training program. So these young2494people can see the benefits right then, right there. Maybe I2495want to be a welder, maybe I want to be a carpenter, but you2496take them hand in hand.24972498    Last thing I'm going to raise is something in a2499conversation just yesterday with the head of the building2500trades. We are talking about childcare. We're talking about2501childcare because we can talk about a workforce, but if people2502can't get to the workforce because they can't afford childcare,2503so I would hope that you're going to prioritize families in the2504workplace and support incentives for onsite childcare.25052506    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes Ma'am.25072508    Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.25092510    The Chairman. Senator Markey.25112512    Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome. Since his2513inauguration President Trump has waged war on public servants,2514especially Federal workers, and the unions. The President2515violated union contracts, by firing tens of thousands of2516Federal workers, used his fork in the road proposal to strung2517on Federal workers into resigning and waiving away their legal2518rights and illegally attempting to nullify union contracts2519ratified in December 2024 and January 2025.25202521    As Secretary of Labor will you abide by the terms of2522collective bargaining agreements between the Department of2523Labor and Federal agency staff unions?25242525    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. It was nice to2526visit with you. I know it's been a few weeks since we have that2527meeting, so I appreciate you being here today. Certainly, the2528Department of Labor is outside of the NLRB where Collective2529bargaining is committed and happening independent of the2530Department of Labor.25312532    I will work with your office in determining exactly what it2533is that you're specifically asking. But outside of the2534Department of Labor, is to protect the American worker. And2535then, of course, as we overlap because Department of Labor2536expands a little bit more than collective bargaining and unfair2537labor practices under the NLRB.25382539    Senator Markey. But will you advise President Trump and2540Elon Musk that they must reverse all decisions that violated2541the contracts that were negotiated between the unions and their2542agency employer?25432544    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, my certainly my role if2545confirmed, is to advise the President on a full picture. And I2546will be candid on what that full picture looks like, and then2547work with the White House. And if it aligns with, with the2548President's America first agenda, I will be that advisor to2549him.25502551    Senator Markey. Well, I mean, obviously, collective2552bargaining is not part of his agenda. And that's where the2553Department of Labor historically has intervened to make sure2554that those protections are put in place. In 2023 during a house2555Committee on Education and Workforce markup, you said you can't2556have a strong union without the presence of the NLRB. On2557January 27th, President Trump illegally fired NLRB Board member2558Gwynne Wilcox in direct violation of the National Labor2559Relations Act.25602561    The NLRB now lacks a quorum and cannot enforce laws meant2562to protect working people from union busting and other illegal2563behavior by companies. And last night, President Trump signed2564an executive order stating the previously independent NLRB must2565now report to him. And the overall effect of this full on2566assault is that President Trump has left workers unprotected2567with no way to exercise their labor rights.25682569    As Secretary of Labor, you'll be the President's top2570advisor on labor issues. If President Trump called you today2571and asked if he should reinstate Gwynne Wilcox, how would you2572advise him?25732574    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. That's hypothetical, as you know, and I2575have not been confirmed but I respect the President's executive2576authority to run the executive office as he sees fit. He is the2577one who was elected President by the American people, and he's2578honoring the promise he made to the American people.25792580    If confirmed, I will work on behalf of the President, but I2581will present him a clear and candid picture with the facts, and2582we will consult them together. But it is important from the2583Department of Labor that I give him that full picture.25842585    Senator Markey. Well unfortunately, according to President2586Trump, the NLRB is no longer an independent agency. And by2587signing that executive order to abolish the independence of the2588NLRB, it puts a lot of pressure on you to make sure that there2589is a protection for the independence and capacity of that2590agency.25912592    I appreciate your record of engaging with unions, but2593workers are under threat at their workplace and in their homes.2594Greedy corporate executives chip away at their rights, lay them2595off, gut their retirement, all while driving up prices, and the2596President is letting the richest man on the planet cut public2597school funding, threatening our children's education and jobs2598of the largest sector of union workers in the country.25992600    He lined his inauguration with billionaires collectively2601worth over a trillion dollars. And since his inauguration union2602workers in Massachusetts have already lost many, many jobs, and2603some of my Republican colleagues are eyeing cuts to programs2604that help people get food, housing, and healthcare.26052606    If you are confirmed and I'm assuming that you will be, I2607commit to working in support of all workers, and I hope you'll2608work with me to stand up to President Trump when he takes2609actions that harm American workers. I think it's very important2610that the Department of Labor and you be the voice for those2611workers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.26122613    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator Markey.26142615    The Chairman. Now Senator Hawley.26162617    Senator Hawley. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Congresswoman2618Chavez-DeRemer, welcome. It's great to see you here. I enjoyed2619our conversation. It's been a month or more ago, but it's great2620to see you here. I know you are taking questions, obviously2621from both sides, and I know you've taken a little heat from2622both sides, you've handled it beautifully. Let me just get a2623few things straight. For my Republican colleagues, let me just2624clarify, you are President Trump's choice to lead the2625Department of Labor. Have I got that right?26262627    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, you have.26282629    Senator Hawley. You support the President's policies and2630will implement his agenda. Have I got that right?26312632    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.26332634    Senator Hawley. Of my Democrat colleagues, you very proudly2635sponsored many pieces of pro-labor legislation. In your time,2636the U.S. House of Representatives, you have a long record of2637working with labor, of working with business to try to advance2638a pro worker agenda. Is that fair to say?26392640    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.26412642    Senator Hawley. Which is probably why the President chose2643you for this role, if I'm speculating, is that fair? I think2644your record is reasonable, is really outstanding. Let me ask2645you about one issue that hasn't gotten a whole lot of airtime2646today, but I think is so important. That's the significance of2647immigration when it comes to the American worker.26482649    I've got a chart here that I want to show you. This is the2650Department of Labor's own data on jobs following the pandemic2651and in the last administration, the Biden administration. If2652you look here in the red, those are foreign born workers, if2653you look at the blue, those are American born workers and as2654you can see, the data that you can see at the graphic itself2655tells the story. American born workers, no change in employment2656just to return to the norm in the Biden administration.26572658    Foreign-Born workers, that's where all the jobs go. What's2659does it mean? According to the Department of Labor's own2660statistics during the Biden administration, virtually all of2661the job gains, which were pretty--to say, but even that,2662virtually all of them went to foreign-born workers.26632664    Now we know, again, from the Biden administration's own2665statistics that about 11 million encounters with the illegal2666immigrants were recorded at the border. During 1 month alone,2667the Biden administration allowed 370,000 illegal immigrants to2668cross the border. Many of these people got work permits and2669started working, competing with American workers and legal2670residents, many of them union members, and of course, illegal2671immigrants, not union members. Companies don't pay them the2672same wages. They don't offer them the same protections. Speak2673to the danger of out of control, illegal immigration when it2674comes to wages and benefits for American workers.26752676    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator. Very important2677issue. And one that I know that the President has been very2678public about protecting the American worker and understand that2679we don't want to displace American workers. I understand some2680of the Senators in the guest visa program on the immediacy of2681certain industries. But as a whole, we want to make sure that2682we're always investing in the American worker first.26832684    We want to be one of the strongest economies in the union2685and in the world. So we can be on a level to compete with our2686foreign adversaries when we're talking about China. But what's2687important to the President and important to me and how we align2688is making sure that we're putting the American worker first,2689and that they have the opportunities to earn and be at those2690jobs as they see fit. And the Department of Labor to support2691them in that investment, in those industries.26922693    Senator Hawley. Is it fair to say that a tough border2694policy that cracks down on illegal immigration that stops the2695flow of mass illegal immigration across our border, stops the2696work permits being given to illegal immigrants, this is pro2697worker, this helps American workers maintain their wages and2698maintain their jobs. Is that fair to say?26992700    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.27012702    Senator Hawley. Let me ask you about some of the children2703who came across the border, that were trafficked across the2704border in the last administration, 520,000 of them to be2705precise. Unaccompanied children trafficked across the border,2706hundreds of thousands of them lost, and now being exploited by2707companies like Tyson's Food, for example. Let me just give you2708an example of bad corporate behavior.27092710    Tyson's food has closed down two major plants in my state,2711the state of Missouri, just in the last year and a half. They2712have canceled contracts with farmers. They have put thousands2713of workers in my state out of business. And yet we know from2714the investigations done by the New York Times and others that2715they have huge numbers of illegal child labor in their supply2716chains. In their factories, they are putting children who are2717trafficked here to work.27182719    They're firing American workers, but they are exploiting2720child workers. Will you go after companies like Tysons and2721anyone else who would violate our labor laws and exploit2722children while they are firing American workers?27232724    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. It's an important remit under the2725Department of Labor, as you know, to protect and not exploit2726all workers, but certainly child labor should not be accepted2727by anybody in America. And the Department of Labor has the2728enforcement capability to double down if they knowingly are2729breaking the law and exploiting children in their factories.27302731    Senator Hawley. I think we've got to make the penalties2732even tougher. Senator Brooker and I have bipartisan legislation2733to do that. And again, it is pro worker to say, we're going to2734protect Americans who are working legally and we're not going2735to allow children to be exploited in this country, or people2736trafficked into this country to be exploited for the purpose of2737profits by these mega corporations.27382739    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you.27402741    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Hawley.27422743    Senator Alsobrooks.27442745    Senator Alsobrooks. Thank you. Good morning, Mrs. Chavez-2746DeRemer.27472748    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Good morning.27492750    Senator Alsobrooks. I want to first of all congratulate you2751and your family on your nomination. And to begin by saying, the2752workers that we're talking about today, Maryland has the2753highest per capita share of Federal workers in the country. So2754the people that we're talking about are my constituents by and2755large, and they are reeling from this Administration's mass2756firings.27572758    Now, when we had our conversation last week, and I know2759that it was reinforced today, you assured me that you would2760abide by the law, that even if encouraged to break the law. You2761said that you commit to following the law. Is that still the2762case?27632764    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.27652766    Senator Alsobrooks. Now, do you believe that a collective2767bargaining agreement is enforceable under the law?27682769    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes.27702771    Senator Alsobrooks. If I can ask you, are you aware of the2772statute which recognizes the right of Federal employees to2773engage in collective bargaining?27742775    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. No, I don't know the statute number.27762777    Senator Alsobrooks. It's Title VII of the Civil Service2778Reform Act. But what I can tell you is that statute--are you2779aware of that statute or any statute that limits the binding2780nature of a collective bargaining agreement based on when it2781was signed?27822783    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I'm not an attorney as you know, and so2784I would like to----27852786    Senator Alsobrooks. But you would be in charge of enforcing2787the law, so if it is the law, yes, that there is no statute2788that limits the binding nature of a collective bargaining2789agreement, then you would enforce that collective bargaining2790agreement?27912792    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I will fully and fairly enforce the2793law.27942795    Senator Alsobrooks. Now I want to tell you that President2796Trump has canceled what he has called as Lame-Duck Collective2797Bargaining Agreement. I want to ask you what statute there is2798that you believe would give the President the authority to2799cancel or void approved union contracts certified during a2800Lame-Duck?28012802    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I'm not familiar, and I cannot weigh in2803on any specific statute that you're asking me about.28042805    Senator Alsobrooks. But again, if it is the case, and it's,2806that there is no statute that allows you to set aside a2807collective bargaining agreement, there is no time limit. Would2808you enforce that collective bargaining agreement pursuant to2809the law?28102811    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Again, Senator, being not familiar2812specifically, I would certainly want to discuss this with the2813solicitors that the Department of Labor have confirmed, just to2814make sure that I am on the same page without committing to2815exactly----28162817    Senator Alsobrooks. Well, but once it's confirmed for you2818that it's the law, you have committed that you will enforce the2819law?28202821    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I'm committed to always fully and2822fairly enforce the law, and I will work with the solicitors of2823the Department of Labor to make sure before I weigh in2824specifically on this specific that you're talking about.28252826    Senator Alsobrooks. Okay, let me ask you another question.2827Now, President Trump made some I would call it troubling and2828shameful comments after the devastating fatal plane crash that2829occurred here in Washington, DC. I'm sure you're aware of that2830plane crash.28312832    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes, ma'am.28332834    Senator Alsobrooks. He blamed at the time, while the bodies2835were still in the water, many of them were children. He took2836that moment to blame the incident on Federal aviation2837administration hiring people with intellectual and mental2838health disabilities, again, while the recovery efforts were2839going. Do you agree with the President's comments?28402841    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Senator, I cannot comment on what the2842President says or does not say, I support the President in this2843agenda that he is moving forward with----28442845    Senator Alsobrooks. No, no, the questions is not his2846agenda. Do you agree with the comment that hiring people with2847intellectual mental health disabilities was the reason? do you2848agree with the comment that was the cause?28492850    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I have not had a conversation with the2851President on this, and I cannot weigh in and speak to that any2852further. Okay.28532854    Senator Alsobrooks. I want to make you aware that the same2855hiring language that appeared on the Federal Aviation2856Administration's Web site under President Biden was also there2857during President Trump's first administration as well. So2858nothing has changed in terms of the hiring practices, but2859should workers with disabilities be allowed to work at FAA.28602861    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Absolutely.28622863    Senator Alsobrooks. Okay. Now, in an e-mail that was sent2864out a across the government through OPM, it classified, it used2865language that quote said ``that their goal was to move from2866their lower productivity jobs in the public sector to hire2867productivity jobs in the private sector''. Do you agree that2868public sector jobs are low productivity jobs?28692870    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Again, I mean----28712872    Senator Alsobrooks. This is hypothetical. This is----28732874    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Unless we determine what those are,2875it's hard for me to--if just putting it all in one size fits2876all, it's hard for me to comment on that.28772878    Senator Alsobrooks. It's a yes or no. Do you believe that2879public sector jobs or quote low productivity jobs, is that your2880opinion?28812882    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. I mean, on its face, no.28832884    Senator Alsobrooks. Okay. Thank you so much. Yes, thank2885you. I yield.28862887    The Chairman. Thank you, Senator. Alsobrooks, our Senator2888from Kansas, who's a little humbler this week than he was 22889weeks ago.28902891    [Laughter.]28922893    Senator Marshall. Chairman. I hadn't even thought about2894that issue for about 3 minutes.28952896    [Laughter.]28972898    Senator Marshall. But I am serving lunch today to the2899junior Senator from Pennsylvania.29002901    The Chairman. Senator Blunt Richardson noticed that you're2902wearing Philadelphia eagle colors.29032904    [Laughter.]29052906    Senator Marshall. Guilty as charged. All right. Welcome2907Congresswoman. Thank you for being here today. I'm so grateful2908for President Trump nominating you.29092910    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you.29112912    Senator Marshall. I think when he did this, it was2913certainly a shout out to the hardworking men and women across2914this country, based upon your resume the work you've done, that2915you certainly have been a person committed to, again, those2916hardworking men and women across the country, union, or non-2917union workers, those are people that President Trump supports.29182919    We want them to be successful, we want you to be2920successful, and I think you're going to be a great2921representative at the table represent him as we're going2922forward. I want to talk about workplace development for a2923second. Though unemployment's relatively low, supposedly our2924participation rate isn't as good. That and I think there's an2925opportunity there to get people back in the workforce. And if2926they don't have the skills, the education to do that, then2927let's help them out.29282929    I see there's so many great opportunities. Our community2930colleges, our technical colleges, the unions, apprenticeships,2931all those pieces are out there. What can we do, what can you do2932to help support them and help them be successful?29332934    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator Marshall. And I'm2935sorry that the Chairman is being so mean to you in the first2936few minutes of you being here. But again, it was great meeting2937with you because we had that conversation about workforce2938development and workforce investment in our communities and how2939it can differ oftentimes in a metro area versus a rural area,2940and all of the above. And how you mentioned to me your family2941in the local community colleges.29422943    I took Clackamas Community College right outside in2944Clackamas County right from Happy Valley, and how important2945that was for the community as a whole. And from the Department2946of Labor, I couldn't, again, be more prideful that I had served2947on education and workforce on the WIOA reauthorization. And2948while I didn't make it through, I hope Congress, if the2949President sees that this is important, that Congress will take2950this back up for the reinvestment into our young people so that2951they can be skilled and reskilled in our respective states.29522953    I can't wait to come out and visit, and I think I've2954mentioned this, a couple Senators coming out to all 50 states2955would be amazing, to really learn how the labor laws are2956affecting your respective states and the investment in the2957workforce. So I commit to you that I will work hard through the2958Department of Labor and the agencies within the Department of2959Labor to make sure that our young people are ready to go in the2960workforce.29612962    I also know we talked about the average age of a community2963college entrance is 27 years old. Sometimes people are looking2964to upscale or get another certificate so they can stay in their2965communities where they're raising their families, and that's2966their investment. So I look forward to making this2967wholeheartedly a pillar of the Department of Labor is workforce2968investment development.29692970    Senator Marshall. Certainly, more flexibility in the Pell2971Grants would be a step forward.29722973    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. We worked on that also and in workforce2974and sponsored that bill. We did it for young pilots, but2975certainly that was important.29762977    Senator Marshall. How can you better work with state2978agencies?29792980    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well oftentimes the Department of Labor2981and the Federal State partnership is key and sometimes2982forgotten. I think one of the areas that we can look together2983is unemployment insurance. It was talked about over the last2984several years and how we can be a better Federal partner, give2985them the tools that they need the state partners in order to2986develop their workforces and make sure that they have people2987who are in the workforce who want to stay in the workforce and2988not pick up and leave and again, invite people back.29892990    Many people have left the workforce even to the search of a2991job, and we want to make sure that those people are coming back2992from full force.29932994    Senator Marshall. I want to take a moment and talk about2995the franchise model. Again, I heard the Chairman's opening2996remarks or questions kind of touched on this, but I want to go2997back there. In my mind what the franchise model has done has2998helped many people achieve their American dream of owning their2999own business and being successful too. And I think it's been a3000great opportunity, especially for women, for minorities, for3001veterans as well.30023003    We have to work on this balance, I want the unions to be3004successful, I want the franchises to be successful as well. How3005do we achieve that balance? Any thoughts on where's the win-win3006opportunity when it comes to that issue?30073008    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, a lot of times the references to3009the gig economy and understand the franchise model as well. And3010I support that the efforts of the franchise model as it does3011allow the flexibility for business owners to determine do they3012want to be in business for themselves, do they want to work for3013somebody else?30143015    But I think the only change that can be talked about today3016that will work in all of these is everybody has to have that3017voice and understanding at the table. One of the reasons the3018President nominated me, and that it's kind of been mentioned,3019it's not always that we're going to agree on both sides, but3020we're going to be understood that they'll have a voice. That's3021the difference this time, that I want everybody at that table3022to have that voice and what is valuable to them and their3023membership or them and their employees or a business owner when3024they're struggling, compliance is important, education of3025compliance.30263027    Then also that we can protect all American workers. There's3028a continuum from the first day that we have our first job all3029the way through retirement, wherever a worker is or a retiree3030on that continuum, they should be respected for the hard work3031that they've put in. I can tell you, bringing everybody at the3032table is going to do just that and reinforce the things that we3033care about in our respective states. Thank you.30343035    The Chairman. Senator Hickenlooper.30363037    Senator Hickenlooper. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank3038you representative Chavez-DeRemer, I enjoyed our conversation3039last week and appreciate your enthusiasm. I thought I'd start3040with it's a quick question, that if you track the shrinking of3041the middle class, which we've seen in this country over about3042the last 60 years, I think safe to say it almost exactly tracks3043the reductions in United Labor in terms of, as a percentage of3044the workforce, they track almost perfectly. Do you agree that3045we want to get more workers in unions as a method to expand the3046middle class? Is that a worthy goal?30473048    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I think the goal is the option.3049If people choose to organize, they should have a free and fair3050right to organize, and if they choose not to, they should also3051have that, right?30523053    Senator Hickenlooper. Isn't the country better off with3054more working people getting paid better wages and really the3055only way that generally happens is through union3056representation.30573058    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, again, supportive of both sides3059of the table is going to be important, if an employee chooses3060that they want to be in a union, they have the right to do so3061and the same if they choose not to.30623063    It was just mentioned on the other side about what does it3064look like for the franchise model or the independent contractor3065model. So I think the flexibility and the conversation is3066what's key here. And is there room for both? I believe there3067is, the President certainly believes there is because this is3068the new direction of where oftentimes we've had the extremes3069arguing. If we keep the American worker first and foremost,3070we're going to come to the center of that table and I think3071develop exactly what you're talking about, keeping more of3072their hard-earned dollars.30733074    Senator Hickenlooper. I appreciate that and again, the3075ultimate goal we want to expand the middle class. I appreciate3076your small business background, as a small business person3077myself, in a past life I think that will be invaluable. We met3078last week with some of the leadership from the South Cherry3079Creek School district in South Metro Denver. One of many that3080has an innovative apprenticeship system they put in place in3081their training teachers, HVAC, technicians, engineers,3082aerospace manufacturers, go down the lists, healthcare workers3083of various sorts. And this is just one of many programs we've3084got in Colorado.30853086    Now, the President's proposed funding freezes are going to3087prevent us from keeping many of these programs running in our3088state and I think taking valuable opportunities away from the3089kids. How can you, as secretary, assuming you get approved, how3090can you protect these programs against attempts to unilaterally3091and I think in some cases unlawfully claw back the Federal3092funding from these programs?30933094    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I think the key here is going to3095be presenting to the President again--I mentioned visiting and3096understanding exactly what's happening in Colorado and all the3097respective states and presenting to the President as his3098advisor what's happening on the ground. That's what he wants to3099see; a candid, clear, concise picture so that as we move3100forward in the America First agenda. That we're going to be3101supporting the American worker. That is first and foremost in3102his agenda. Is it we're aligned in that? That's the3103conversation that we had; is he wants to support the American3104worker. And so, I will present to him the clear facts from all3105of the respective states.31063107    Senator Hickenlooper. Back to youth apprenticeships, which3108as you know, that's a--my last 6 years as Governor, that's what3109I spent a lot of time on. And I look at it as one of the great3110gaps that 65 to 70 percent of our kids aren't going to get a 4-3111year degree. And we have done a poor job of giving them the3112tools to acquire the skills necessary to have the American3113dream.31143115    Are there ways that we can look at to expand apprenticeship3116programs, youth apprenticeship programs? So, I'm not just3117talking about 18 and over, I'm talking about 16-year-old, 17-3118year-old, 18-year-old kids who could want to work in an3119accounting firm or advanced manufacturing or a hospital,3120whatever. How can you see us expanding that through your tenure3121at the Department of Education?31223123    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I think we can certainly agree3124that and you heard the conversation about speaking to even our3125youngest, our junior high, our middle school kids all the way3126up into high school. But I would like to work with your office3127and as I, if confirmed, get into the Department of Labor,3128really expand, and explore what can be done.31293130    But if I could work with your office specifically on this3131and get to know it a little bit better, I would like to have3132that conversation with you.31333134    Senator Hickenlooper. I will take that and we'll follow-up3135on that. We'll get you out to Colorado. Last a lot of the3136records and on February 5th DOGE went to the Department of3137Labor and demanded that certain Federal employees' information3138be released. And I think there's a lot of retirement account3139private information.31403141    I haven't seen any disclosure of how those records are3142going to be used. And I think what are the reassurances that3143the American people have that those are still safely secure?31443145    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Well, I haven't seen them either and3146because I have not been confirmed, as you all know. I have not3147been read in onto what is happening with DOGE in the Department3148of Labor. But if confirmed, that'll be the first thing I do, is3149make sure that I'm briefed on it and made aware of everything3150that's happening. So, I don't have that answer for you because3151I don't know what's been happening either.31523153    Senator Hickenlooper. Okay. Fair enough. Thank you.31543155    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Thank you, Senator.31563157    The Chairman. This concludes our hearing. You did very well3158and thank you for that.31593160    [Applause.]31613162    The Chairman. To your parents and husband and children, I3163know y'all are incredibly proud.31643165    Ms. Chavez-DeRemer. Yes. This is my husband, my mom and3166dad, my daughter, my parents.31673168    The Chairman. For any Senator who wishes to ask additional3169questions, questions for the record will be due tomorrow at 53170p.m. We now conclude the hearing. Thank you.31713172                        QUESTIONS FOR THE RECORD31733174   Responses by Lori Chavez-DeRemer to Questions of Senator Sanders,3175Senator Murray, Senator Baldwin, Senator Kaine, Senator Hassan, Senator3176  Hickenlooper, Senator Markey, Senator Blunt Rochester and, Senator3177                              Alsobrooks.3178                            senator sanders3179    Question 1. During your hearing, there was much discussion of3180right-to-work laws.31813182        (a). Are you aware that the worker fatality rate is 56 percent3183        higher in right-to-work states as compared to non-right-to-work3184        states?31853186        (b). Are you aware that full-time workers in right-to-work3187        states earn $1,670 less per year than workers in non-right-to-3188        work states?31893190        (c). Are you aware, that despite claims to the contrary during3191        your hearing, there are no discernable impacts on employment3192        levels and economic growth was 3 percent slower in right-to-3193        work states as compared to non-right-to-work states before the3194        COVID-19 pandemic?31953196        (d). Are you aware that the number of households living in3197        poverty is 15 percent higher in right-to-work states as3198        compared to non-right-to-work states? And that the number of3199        families on food stamps is 10 percent higher in right-to-work3200        states as compared to non-right-to-work states?32013202        (e). Are you aware that workers in right-to-work states are3203        less likely to have health insurance or pension plans? So much3204        so that if national right-to-work had been imposed over a3205        decade ago, 2 million workers would have lost access to health3206        insurance and 3 million would have lost their pensions?32073208        (f). Given these facts illustrating the harmful impacts right-3209        to-work laws have on workers, would you reconsider your stated3210        position at the hearing that ``the right to work is a3211        fundamental tenet of labor laws'' and that you ``fully and3212        fairly support states that want to protect their right to3213        work''?32143215    Answer 1(a)--(f). I appreciate you sharing that data with me. A3216fundamental tenet of labor law is allowing workers to decide whether to3217join--or refrain from joining--a union. Federal law protects the3218ability of states to enact right-to-work laws--or refrain from3219enacting--right-to-work laws. I fully support the ability of voters in3220each state to elect state-level legislators who best represent their3221interests and may pass state laws accordingly. I respect Vermont's3222decision not to become a right-to-work state.32233224    Question 2. Please answer the following questions with yes or no3225only:32263227        (a). Do you believe the National Labor Relations Board is3228        constitutional?32293230        (b). Will you commit to responding to any oversight or document3231        requests from Members of this Committee and other Members of3232        Congress in a timely and accurate manner?32333234        (c). Will you commit to ensuring DOGE personnel do not access3235        sensitive personal data and information?32363237        (d). Will you commit to ensuring the integrity of any ongoing3238        investigations into violations of labor and employment laws,3239        including any investigations into companies owned or managed by3240        friends or advisors of President Trump?32413242    Answer 2(a)--(d). While I am not an attorney, I do believe the3243National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) serves an important function in3244the labor policy process independent from the Department of Labor and3245understand that the Supreme Court previously found the NLRB to be3246constitutional.32473248    If confirmed, I look forward to working with you and your3249colleagues on a variety of issues within the Department's remit.32503251    If confirmed, I will ensure all personnel are executing their roles3252in full compliance with Federal law. I will also work with career3253ethics officials and others in the Solicitor's Office to ensure that3254Federal privacy laws are being followed.32553256    If confirmed, I commit to fully and fairly enforcing all laws under3257the Department's jurisdiction, and that includes ensuring the integrity3258of all ongoing investigations, regardless of who owns the company.32593260    Question 3. Protecting life and property is an important3261responsibility of any public safety employee. The Department of Labor3262designates hundreds of employees--such as OSHA and MSHA inspectors--as3263necessary to protect life and property during a lapse in3264appropriations. The President's ``Department of Government Efficiency''3265(DOGE) Workforce Optimization Initiative Executive Order explicitly3266exempts functions related to public safety from the executive order's3267hiring ratio and reductions in force requirements. It also gives agency3268heads the discretion to exempt any position deemed necessary to meet3269public safety responsibilities from the requirements of the executive3270order. Will you commit to ensuring that the Labor Department adheres to3271the language in the President's DOGE executive order that explicitly3272exempts important safety-focused staff such as OSHA and MSHA inspectors3273and other positions from the hiring ratio and reduction in force3274requirements?32753276    Answer 3: I am deeply committed to the Department of Labor's3277workplace safety and enforcement mission. No worker should have to3278worry about whether they will make it home safely after a day of work.3279If confirmed, I will follow the President's Executive Order 14210.32803281    Question 4. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the32822023 unemployment rate for people with disabilities was approximately32837.2 percent, more than double the unemployment rate for people without3284disabilities.32853286        (a). As Secretary of Labor, what is your opinion of the3287        pervasive unemployment and low workforce participation rate of3288        people with disabilities?32893290        (b). How will you prioritize the improvement of employment and3291        independent living outcomes for people with disabilities?32923293        (c). Do you support competitive integrated employment (CIE) for3294        people with disabilities, including people with the3295        intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and youth in3296        transition?32973298        (d). From your perspective, what are ways to increase3299        competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities?33003301    Answer 4(a)--(d). I share your concern about the high unemployment3302rate of people with disabilities and strongly believe in strengthening3303employment opportunities for these individuals. It is also important to3304support those discouraged workers with disabilities who are out of the3305workforce. In 2024, the labor force participation rate of people with3306disabilities ages 16-64 was just 40.7 percent. I understand the3307Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) works with3308the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health and3309Human Services to educate people with disabilities on available3310resources and work incentive programs to increase labor force3311participation. If confirmed, I commit to working with experts at the3312Department, stakeholders, and you and your colleagues, to learn more3313about what we can do to support employment and training opportunities3314for people with disabilities. I want to make sure employers have the3315support they need to successfully recruit, hire, and retain employees3316with disabilities.33173318    Question 5. Subminimum wages reduce the financial independence,3319self-sufficiency, and workforce participation of people with3320disabilities. If confirmed, will you finalize the Department of Labor's3321proposed rule to phase out subminimum wages for people with3322disabilities?33233324    Answer 5. The 14(c) program was established by Congress and is part3325of the Fair Labor Standards Act. I understand this is a deeply personal3326and important issue for many Senators. I've heard from Senators from3327states where the program works well and whose constituents rely on332814(c) for employment. I have also heard from Senators whose states have3329passed laws to eliminate the subminimum wage. Ultimately, this program3330is statutory, and in the absence of congressional action, many states3331have decided what works best for them.33323333    If confirmed, I will commit to working with all Senators to explore3334different opportunities for people with disabilities across the3335country. My goal will be to enhance, rather than hinder, programs that3336strengthen their employment opportunities. While I would need to fully3337review the regulatory history and consult with agency experts, I would3338not want to disrupt programs that are working well.33393340    Question 6. The passage of the WORK Act, as part of SECURE 2.0,3341created the Employee Ownership Initiative at the DOL. Do you commit to3342continuing to implement this program in a robust fashion, including by3343maintaining staff to lead this work? Further, do you commit to ensuring3344that the Chief of the Division of Employee Ownership will work closely3345with the Employee Benefits Security Administration when the adequate3346consideration rule is reconsidered in order to balance protecting plan3347participants while providing clear guidance to fiduciaries on3348determining the fair market value of employer stock?33493350    Answer 6. I understand Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are3351important to many Americans' retirement security, and they often give3352American workers an enhanced sense of ownership in the organizations3353for which they work. For these employee-owners, it is more than just a3354job--they have personal interest in the success of where they work.3355It's important that the Department provide regulatory clarity and high-3356quality compliance assistance to ESOPs. If confirmed, I look forward to3357working with the experts at the Employee Benefits Security3358Administration and with ESOP stakeholders to determine how best to3359support participants in ESOPs.33603361    Question 7. You previously voted in favor of the Biden3362administration's retirement security rule. This rule is currently being3363challenged in the 5th Circuit. If the court permanently stays3364implementation or you decide to rescind or significantly scale back the3365rule, what kinds of protections do you think need to be put in place to3366ensure that hardworking individuals and retirees receive advice that is3367solely in their best interest? Will you commit to using a transparent3368process and allowing members of the public to comment fully on any3369analysis, guidance, or regulatory changes that the DOL proposes to3370replace the Biden administration's rule?33713372    Answer 7. I understand this rule is currently the subject of3373ongoing litigation. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on3374this matter and commit to work closely with my colleagues at the3375Department of Labor and at the Department of Justice. More generally,3376the Department of Labor plays a critical role in protecting the3377retirement benefits that Americans have earned. Workers should have3378access to sound financial advice, and the law requires retirement plan3379fiduciaries to act in the best interest of plan participants and3380beneficiaries. The retirement system needs to work for workers,3381retirees, retirement plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries, and service-3382providers. If confirmed, I look forward to consulting--in a transparent3383manner--with all stakeholders and receiving feedback in determining3384whether and how the system can be improved.33853386    Question 8. In your hearing, you noted to Senator Cassidy that you3387look forward to working with Members of Congress to improve retirement3388benefits for American workers. According to the National Institute on3389Retirement Security, ``[83] percent of Americans say that all workers3390should have a pension so they can be independent and self-reliant in3391retirement'' and ``77 percent agree that the disappearance of pensions3392makes it harder to achieve the American Dream.'' As Secretary, what3393concrete steps will you take to make sure that all Americans have3394access to a pension plan?33953396    Answer 8. The Department of Labor plays an important role in every3397American worker's life--from their very first job all the way through3398retirement. If confirmed, I will take my responsibility to ensure the3399welfare of retirees seriously. I commit to working with you and your3400colleagues, stakeholders, and experts at the Department to explore ways3401to ensure more workers have access to retirement benefits and that3402these benefits are safe and secure.34033404    Question 9. If confirmed as Secretary, will you commit to not3405providing WIOA funding to programs that have violated labor laws?34063407        (a). As the president's primary labor advisor, would you3408        recommend that companies that violated Federal labor laws3409        deserve WIOA funding? If not, why?34103411    Answer 9--(a). As I understand it, much of the funding available3412through WIOA is not awarded directly to programs by the Department but3413rather flows down to the state and local level. State and local3414workforce organizations direct it to meet the specific needs of the job3415seekers and employers in each community. If confirmed, I commit to3416looking into your requests with the Department's experts and to learn3417more about the statutory requirements under programs funded by WIOA.34183419    Question 10. In recent years, the number of non-degree3420credentialing programs has increased dramatically. According to3421researchers, over 500,000 distinct non-degree post-secondary3422certifications are available in the United States. Shorter-term3423workforce training programs are becoming more and more popular among3424employees and students looking to develop new skills and progress in3425their jobs. Although these programs provide more flexible, expedited,3426and cost-effective alternatives to traditional degree programs, they3427also address a crucial need. However, this enormous sector is virtually3428unregulated.34293430        (a). As Secretary, how would you leverage the Department's3431        authority and resources to provide greater transparency into3432        outcomes from WIOA Eligible Training Provider programs?34333434        (b). How can DOL better support state agencies and local3435        workforce boards in their efforts to use Eligible Training3436        Provider List (ETPL) program performance data for continuous3437        improvement?34383439        (c). Throughout the hearing, you mentioned several times how3440        you worked and supported WIOA while a member of the House and3441        would like to see it move forward. Will you encourage the3442        President to support the bipartisan WIOA agreement between3443        Senators Cassidy and Sanders and Representatives Foxx and Scott3444        that was initially included in the Continuing Resolution3445        agreement at the end of last year?34463447    Answer 10(a)--(c). Enhancing the quality and availability of data3448on taxpayer-funded workforce investments is critical for both job3449seekers and policymakers. The American worker deserves accurate and3450actionable data to determine the best career pathways or upskilling3451opportunities for their future, and policymakers need to be able to put3452public workforce funding to its best possible uses to ensure it can3453deliver when workers are underemployed, displaced, or out of the labor3454force. Good data on the performance of programs that receive taxpayer3455funding are also crucial for agencies to be good stewards of taxpayer3456dollars. I understand the Department made this a priority during3457President Trump's first term and launched TrainingProviderResults.gov.3458If confirmed, I look forward to working with my colleagues at the3459Department and collaboratively across government to identify3460opportunities to enhance transparency, usability, and application of3461workforce investment and outcomes data. I also look forward to working3462with Congress as it moves forward with its reauthorization of WIOA and3463would be happy to provide any needed data or technical assistance to3464make the reauthorization a success.34653466    Question 11. Will you commit to following the Administrative3467Procedure Act, which governs the rulemaking process, in all rulemakings3468you participate in if confirmed? Will you do so even if the President3469asks you to do otherwise?34703471    Answer 11. If confirmed, I will follow the Administrative Procedure3472Act and any directives from the White House when developing or3473rescinding regulations.34743475    Question 12. Can you ensure that hiring made by the Department3476remains strictly non-politicized?34773478    Answer 12. If confirmed, I will follow the law and the advice of3479the Department's Solicitor's Office and human resources experts, along3480with any directives from the White House, when making employment-3481related decisions.34823483    Question 13. How will you ensure that the Department has sufficient3484staff to meet its mandates, as well as enforce rules and regulations3485about retirement plans, in the current anti-government worker climate?34863487    Answer 13. I am deeply committed to the Department of Labor's3488mission to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage3489earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve3490working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment;3491and assure work-related benefits and rights. If confirmed, I look3492forward to partnering with agency experts to assess available resources3493and identify any additional needs. The Department will leverage its3494resources and staffing levels to effectively fulfill its mission. While3495the President proposes the budget, it is ultimately up to Congress to3496determine funding. I am committed to supporting the President in3497developing budget proposals that prioritize the protection of American3498workers, and I will ensure that any resources allocated are used3499efficiently and responsibly.35003501    Question 14. During the process of formulating rules and other3502policies, will you commit to advocating for and ensuring that senior3503Department leadership meet with all affected stakeholders, including3504groups that represent workers?35053506    Answer 14. If confirmed, I will follow the Administrative Procedure3507Act and any directives from the White House when developing or3508rescinding regulations. I also commit to fostering a transparent3509environment within the Department, ensuring that our door is always3510open and that we hear from all stakeholders to ensure the development3511of well-rounded policies.35123513                             senator murray3514    Question 1. In his first week in office, President Trump rescinded3515an Executive Order from 1965 that sought to prevent taxpayer dollars3516from being awarded to Federal contractors and subcontractors that3517illegally discriminate based on race, sex, and other protected3518characteristics. The Trump administration ordered the Department of3519Labor (DOL), to stop all related discrimination investigations and3520enforcement actions. Do you believe that taxpayer dollars should go to3521companies that discriminate?35223523        (a). President Trump is reportedly planning to eliminate the3524        office focused on these important issues. That office, the3525        Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), is3526        currently responsible for enforcing laws that protect veterans3527        and those with disabilities from discrimination by Federal3528        contractors. Do you commit to preserving OFCCP?35293530    Answer 1--(a). No worker should be discriminated against in the3531workplace on the basis of race, sex, or other characteristics protected3532under Federal law. President Trump's Executive Order 14173, Ending3533Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, furthers3534that interest, including by prohibiting Federal contractors from3535engaging in illegal discrimination and making it the policy of the3536United States to ``protect the civil rights of all Americans and to3537promote individual initiative, excellence, and hard work.'' If3538confirmed, I anticipate reviewing the current organization of the3539Department of Labor and its sub-agencies to ensure the Department3540executes its mission efficiently and effectively in line with Federal3541law and the President's priorities and policies.35423543    Question 2. If confirmed as Secretary of Labor, will you commit to3544ensuring that OSHA continues to enforce our Country's core workplace3545health and safety standards?35463547    Answer 2. If confirmed, I commit to following OSHA's important3548mission of ensuring that employees work in safe and healthful3549environments by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing3550training, outreach, education, and assistance. I fully believe3551employers must comply with all applicable OSHA standards.35523553    Question 3. If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring that the3554Department of Labor completes the rulemaking process on the Heat Injury3555and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule?35563557    (a). If confirmed, will you fully implement the Heat Injury and3558Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rule?35593560    Answer 3--(a). I fully recognize the importance of ensuring workers3561are safe in high-heat environments and am deeply committed to OSHA's3562mission of ensuring that employees work in safe and healthful3563environments. No worker should have to worry about whether they will3564make it home safely after a day of work. As with many other pending3565regulations, this is subject to President Trump's regulatory freeze3566Executive Order. If confirmed, I will work with experts at the3567Department, stakeholders, and the public when reviewing any worker3568safety regulations. My goal will be to uphold the highest standards of3569occupational safety, ensuring that rules prioritize the well-being of3570workers while being clear, practical, and achievable for employers.3571This approach will also align with the President's America First3572Agenda, supporting both worker protection and a strong, resilient3573American workforce.35743575    Question 4. The last Trump administration instituted a program, the3576Payroll Audit Independent Determination Program, that essentially3577allowed employers to avoid the consequences for wage theft. If3578confirmed to be Secretary of Labor, how will you make sure workers3579receive the wages they have earned, and employers who fail to pay3580fairly are held accountable?35813582    Answer 4. If confirmed, I will use all available tools to fully and3583fairly enforce all the laws that the Department of Labor administers,3584including the Fair Labor Standards Act, which is at the heart of this3585question. Sometimes the Wage and Hour Division learns of a violation3586through an investigation. Other times, an employer discovers a3587violation on its own and brings that information to the agency's3588attention in order to show good faith and to obtain the agency's3589supervision of the payments to the affected workers. I look forward to3590learning more about the PAID program and exploring options to help3591employers come into compliance with the law. But, make no mistake: if3592there are bad actors, we will use the enforcement tools at our disposal3593to protect workers in America.35943595    Question 5. What does the Federal trust responsibility to Tribes3596mean to you?35973598        (a). What role do you believe the Department of Labor plays in3599        fulfilling the Federal trust responsibility?36003601        (b). How will you ensure that the Department of Labor's budget3602        requests, funding allocations, staffing levels, and3603        implementation of policies will uphold and advance the Federal3604        trust responsibility to Tribes?36053606        (c). What steps will you take to ensure that government-to-3607        government consultation between the Department of Labor and3608        Tribes is a meaningful and enforceable process, rather than a3609        box checking formality?36103611    Answer 5(a)--(c). I am generally aware that the Federal trust3612responsibility requires the Federal Government to respect tribal3613rights. I am not aware of the Department of Labor's responsibility in3614this space. If confirmed, I will work with agency experts to learn more3615about the Department's obligations under this responsibility.36163617    Question 6. Historically, Tribes have not been well served by3618Federal, state, and local workforce development programs--despite some3619of the greatest need. There have been efforts to rectify this,3620including passage of the Indian Employment, Training, and Related3621Services Demonstration Act, the Native American Programs Act, the3622Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the Native Hawaiian3623Education Act, but Tribes still struggle to access the resources they3624need. Will you commit to maintaining the Department of Labor's central3625role in workforce policy and ensure that programs reach Tribes in the3626first place?36273628    Answer 6. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the3629Department's workforce programs that help Tribes access resources. I3630will work with the experts at the Department to ensure the Department's3631Tribal workforce development programs are carried out according to3632statute. I would also be happy to work with you and your colleagues to3633learn more about where there may be gaps in resourcing.36343635    Question 7. What do you believe the Department of Labor's role to3636be in administration of P.L. 102-477, or the 477 Program?36373638        (a). Will you commit to working with Tribes and other3639        stakeholders to identify additional programs for integration3640        into the 477 Program?36413642        (b). Will you commit to ensuring that funding provided to3643        Tribes and Tribal organizations under the 477 Program is3644        distributed in a timely manner upon approval of a 477 plan?36453646        (c). Will you commit to ensuring that the biennial labor force3647        report required under P.L. 102-477--to be conducted by the3648        Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of the3649        Interior, Tribes, and the Director of the Bureau of the3650        Census--is published?36513652    Answer 7(a)--(c). I am not familiar with the 477 program, but3653should I have the honor of being confirmed, I commit to learning more3654about this program--including by working with your office and the3655experts at the Department--to ensure we fully follow its statutory3656requirements.36573658    Question 8. Our nuclear weapons program and ensuing cleanup3659programs left a heavy toll on the workers that powered these vital3660missions. In their service to our Nation, many of these workers were3661exposed to toxic and radioactive substances, causing horrific illnesses3662like cancer, chronic silicosis, and chronic beryllium disease. In3663response, Congress passed the Energy Employees Occupational Illness3664Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) to make sure those workers that were3665injured or became ill as a result of their service would receive3666compensation and medical benefits. What concrete steps will you take to3667ensure that claimants and potential claimants are able to access these3668benefits more easily?36693670    Answer 8. Workers covered by the EEOICPA program deserve excellent3671care. I understand the importance of the EEOICPA program and, if3672confirmed, I commit to working with the experts at the Department's3673Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to learn more about the3674program and administrative challenges that may exist, in addition to3675working with you and your colleagues to understand your specific3676concerns regarding access to these vital benefits.36773678    Question 9. If confirmed, will you advance the proposed rulemaking3679that would phase out the subminimum wage for individuals with3680disabilities?36813682    Answer 9. The 14(c) program was established by Congress and is part3683of the Fair Labor Standards Act. I have not reviewed the particular3684rule you reference, but I am aware it is subject to the President's3685regulatory freeze Executive Order. I understand this is a deeply3686personal and important issue for many Senators. I've heard from3687Senators from states where the program works well and whose3688constituents rely on 14(c) for employment. I have also heard from3689Senators whose states have passed laws to eliminate the subminimum3690wage. Ultimately, this program is statutory, and in the absence of3691congressional action, many states have decided what works best for3692them.36933694    If confirmed, I commit to working with all Senators to explore3695different opportunities for people with disabilities across the3696country. My goal will be to enhance, rather than hinder, programs that3697strengthen their employment opportunities. While I would need to fully3698review the regulatory history and consult with agency experts, I would3699not want to disrupt programs that are working well.37003701    Question 10. If confirmed, how will you ensure that registered3702apprenticeship programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of3703high-demand industries?37043705    Answer 10. I believe we have a unique opportunity to deliver on3706President Trump's America First Agenda by encouraging the expansion of3707high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so more Americans can choose3708this proven pathway into a career. If confirmed, I look forward to3709learning more about the ways the Department of Labor can encourage the3710expansion of apprenticeships, particularly in emerging industries and3711other occupations facing significant talent shortages. Engaging more3712employers will be essential to expanding apprenticeships, as3713apprenticeships are not simply a training program but are paid jobs3714with wage progression connected to the apprentice gaining skills. I3715also recognize the importance of the Department of Labor encouraging3716more state leadership and initiative in apprenticeship expansion, and3717promoting better coordination with the WIOA system to leverage existing3718resources to support American workers and businesses. As you know,3719Congress has annually provided funding to the Department of Labor for3720the apprenticeship expansion, and I will be focused on ensuring those3721taxpayer resources are directed as effectively as possible to grow3722apprenticeships and benefit the American worker.37233724    Question 11. If confirmed, what is your plan for increasing3725registered apprenticeships to meet workforce needs, in high-demand3726trades?37273728    Answer 11. I believe we have a unique opportunity to deliver on3729President Trump's America First Agenda by encouraging the expansion of3730high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so more Americans can choose3731this proven pathway into a career. Engaging more employers will be3732essential to expanding apprenticeships, as apprenticeships are not3733simply a training program but are paid jobs with wage progression3734connected to the apprentice gaining skills. I also recognize the3735importance of the Department of Labor encouraging more state leadership3736and initiative in apprenticeship expansion, and promoting better3737coordination with the WIOA system to leverage existing resources to3738support American workers and businesses.37393740    Question 12. How do you see workforce development, including3741registered apprenticeships, playing a role in ensuring the United3742States remains competitive in the global race for leadership in3743artificial intelligence?37443745    Answer 12. I believe the continued economic success and global3746leadership of the United States is dependent on the skill, effort, and3747initiative of the American worker. Providing America's workforce the3748best opportunities to gain skills and achieve their potential is a core3749element of President Trump's America First Agenda. Artificial3750intelligence depends on critical skills that are not easily replicated,3751and we will need to explore all workforce development options to ensure3752that the American worker is poised to benefit from AI and that the U.S.3753continues to be a global leader in AI. If confirmed, I will work to3754expand high-quality workforce development programs in emerging3755industries and occupations, including high-quality Registered3756Apprenticeships, so that more Americans can choose this proven pathway3757into a career. I look forward to learning more about the ways the3758Department of Labor can encourage the expansion of apprenticeships,3759particularly in emerging industries and other occupations facing3760significant talent shortages. Upskilling workers to succeed as American3761business evolves and adapts to the use of artificial intelligence is a3762national security, economic security, and workforce imperative.37633764    Question 13. How do you view the role of civil servants at DOL?37653766    Answer 13. Civil servants are an integral part of the Department of3767Labor and help the Department execute on its mission on a daily basis.3768If confirmed, the best interests of employees at the Department of3769Labor will always be top-of-mind.37703771    Question 14. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has a critical role3772in ensuring health insurance plans comply with the requirements of the3773Affordable Care Act (ACA). How will you ensure that health plans under3774DOL jurisdiction are complying with all statutory health coverage3775requirements, including all ACA requirements?37763777    Answer 14. If confirmed, I will fully and fairly enforce the law3778under the Department's jurisdiction, including enforcement related to3779the laws governing employer-sponsored benefits. This includes ensuring3780that workers and their families receive the benefits they are owed and3781that problems related to health benefits are appropriately remedied. I3782will also work to ensure that these investigations are timely,3783targeted, time-limited, and that they preserve the due process rights3784of those subject to investigation.37853786    Question 15. Do you commit to prioritizing investigations of3787Employment Retirement Security Act (ERISA) health plans to ensure3788coverage requirements are being met?37893790        (a). If yes, how will use these investigations to ensure3791        compliance with health coverage requirements?37923793    Answer 15--(a). If confirmed, I will fully and fairly enforce the3794law under the Department's jurisdiction, including enforcement related3795to the laws governing employer-sponsored benefits. This includes3796ensuring that workers and their families receive the benefits they are3797owed and that problems related to health benefits are appropriately3798remedied. I will also work to ensure that these investigations are3799timely, targeted, time-limited, and that they preserve the due process3800rights of those subject to investigation.3801                            senator baldwin3802    Question 1. As a supporter of the House companion to ``the Employee3803Equity Investment Act,'' which I cosponsored last Congress, how do you3804plan to promote the growth and adoption of ESOPs if confirmed as3805Secretary of Labor?38063807    Answer 1. I understand Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are3808important to many Americans' retirement security and they often give3809American workers an enhanced sense of ownership in the organizations3810for which they work. For these employee-owners, it is more than just a3811job; they have personal interest in the success of where they work.3812It's important that the Department provide regulatory clarity and high-3813quality compliance assistance to ESOPs. If confirmed, I look forward to3814working with the experts at the Employee Benefits Security3815Administration and with ESOP stakeholders to determine how best to3816support participants in ESOPs.38173818    Question 2. Self-Employment and entrepreneurship can be a valuable3819employment option for people with disabilities.38203821    (a). How will you provide support to individuals with disabilities3822who choose to pursue entrepreneurship?38233824    (b). Will you commit to working with the Department of Commerce and3825the Small Business Administration on this issue?38263827    (c). Will you commit to including businesses owned by entrepreneurs3828with disabilities in competitions for government contracts?38293830    Answer 2(a)--(c). I agree that self-employment and entrepreneurship3831can be a valuable employment option for people with disabilities. I3832understand the Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy3833(ODEP) has resources to assist people with disabilities in self-3834employment and entrepreneurship. If confirmed, I commit to working with3835experts at the Department, stakeholders, and you and your colleagues,3836to learn more about what we can do to support these opportunities for3837people with disabilities. I also commit to working with my colleagues3838at the Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration,3839and other agencies, to identify ways to support entrepreneurs with3840disabilities and those who seek self-employment. I will also work with3841the Department's procurement team to learn more about opportunities for3842businesses owned by entrepreneurs with disabilities to compete for3843government contracts.38443845    Question 3. Workplace violence is unacceptable and preventable. It3846is also a significant factor contributing to nurse burnout. According3847to OSHA's own data, health care workers now face up to six times the3848risk of violence at work than workers in other industries. Seventy-five3849percent of the nearly 25,000 workplace assaults reported annually3850occurred in health care and social services settings. OSHA is the3851Federal agency charged with protecting health care professionals from3852workplace violence, yet there are no specific OSHA standards for3853workplace violence. I have introduced the Workplace Violence Prevention3854for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act during the past several3855sessions.38563857    This bill directs OSHA to issue a standard requiring health care3858and social service employers to write and implement a workplace3859violence prevention plan to prevent and protect employees from violent3860incidents. Unfortunately, while OSHA has taken steps toward issuing a3861workplace violence standard, we continue to see a lack of movement3862toward issuing a final standard. You committed to working on the issue3863during our conversation in your nomination hearing. What actions will3864you direct the agency to take to address this critical issue and ensure3865nurses and other health care professionals can finally be certain of a3866safe workplace?38673868    Answer 3. I am deeply committed to OSHA's mission of ensuring that3869employees work in safe and healthful environments. Workplace violence3870is unacceptable, and no worker should have to worry about whether they3871will make it home safely after a day of work. If confirmed, I look3872forward to learning more from you on this important issue and will work3873with experts at the Department, stakeholders, and the public when3874evaluating regulatory needs, including with respect to workplace3875violence. My goal will be to uphold the highest standards of3876occupational safety, ensuring that rules prioritize the well-being of3877workers while being clear, practical, and achievable for employers.3878This approach will also align with the President's America First3879Agenda, supporting both worker protection and a strong, resilient3880American workforce.38813882    Question 4. Ms. Chavez-DeRemer, the Department's Women in3883Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant program helps3884recruit, train and retain more women in quality pre-apprenticeship and3885Registered Apprenticeship programs and encourages women to pursue3886nontraditional occupations. The fiscal year 2024 appropriations for the3887Department requires it to spend no less than $6 million on this3888important grant program, which recently supported the Wisconsin3889Regional Training Partnership in my home state of Wisconsin. However, I3890am hearing concerning reports that these grants are being frozen3891because of the administration's Executive Orders on DEI. This is just3892one example of the absurdity of the implementation of these orders.3893First of all, this funding is required to be spent for these purposes3894by Congress. Second, I hope we can all agree that funding to expand3895apprenticeships opportunities for women is a good use of Federal3896funding. Do I have your commitment to look into this issue and ensure3897that grantees under this program can access their funds?38983899    Answer 4. I believe we have a unique opportunity to deliver on3900President Trump's America First Agenda by encouraging the expansion of3901high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so that more Americans can3902choose this proven pathway into a career. If confirmed, I commit to3903working with your office and the experts at the Department of Labor to3904learn more about the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional3905Occupations grant program. As a former lawmaker, I greatly respect the3906legislative process and Congress's role in appropriations. If3907confirmed, I will approach this responsibility with that in mind, while3908also ensuring resources are used effectively to support the3909administration's priorities and align with the America First policy3910agenda.39113912    Question 5. The Executive Order on DEI is also causing Federal3913agencies to take down Web sites with important resources for Americans.3914DOL provides information about issues facing women in the workplace3915such as equal pay and pay transparency, and working while pregnant and3916nursing. Do you agree this is important information for the DOL to3917provide, and to keep this information available on DOL's Web site?39183919    Answer 5. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department of Labor is3920following President Trump's Executive Order 14151 as directed.3921                             senator kaine3922    Question 1. Our Nation's coal miners have worked for decades to3923keep the country's lights on and manufacturing plants running, which3924has resulted in a black lung epidemic in our Country. A study was3925conducted between 2013 and 2017 in Southwest Virginia, where over 4003926miners were identified to have progressive massive fibrosis--which is a3927very complicated form of black. Many coalfields in Virginia have been3928coaled out, leaving miners to cut through stone and rock, resulting in3929silica dust inhaling. Researchers have found that exposure to silica3930dust, in particular, is causing severe and complicated forms of black3931lung disease that affect folks at a younger age. At my urging, the Mine3932Safety and Health Administration finalized a rule to reduce miner3933exposure to silica dust. Coal mines will have to come into compliance3934with the rule's requirements by April. I'm hopeful this will help3935reduce the risk of this debilitating disease.39363937    (a). As Secretary, will you agree to implement and enforce the new3938silica dust standard?39393940    (b). Will you work with Congress to ensure MSHA has the resources3941to properly and effectively implement the new silica dust standard?39423943    Answer 1(a)--(b). I fully support the Department's mission of3944protecting workers against workplace hazards, including in mining. No3945worker should ever have to worry that once they leave their home, they3946could be injured on the job. I understand that last year MSHA published3947a final rule lowering its crystalline silica permissible exposure limit3948and that rulemaking is currently in litigation. If confirmed, I commit3949to ensuring you and your colleagues have the data needed to make3950decisions regarding appropriations, and I will work closely with my3951colleagues in the Department of Labor and at the Department of Justice3952on the ongoing litigation.39533954    Question 2. Analysis from Appalachian Voices and Appalachian3955Citizens Law Center finds that the cost of living in many coal3956communities is significantly higher than black lung benefits payments.3957The report--Benefits for Coal Miners with Black Lung Falling Behind--3958finds that in some places, the average monthly cost of living for a3959miner and a dependent is $3,000 more than benefit payments. Benefit3960levels are currently tied to the Federal pay scale rather than the cost3961of living, which disconnects benefit levels from inflation. In 2023,3962inflation rates were 8 percent, but benefit levels increased by just 43963percent. We must ensure those who sacrificed their health in the mines3964do not have to choose between groceries and rent by aligning the3965payments to miners with the actual cost of living. As Secretary, how3966will you close the growing gap between the cost of living and the3967stipends paid to miners with black lung and their families?39683969    Answer 2. I understand and appreciate the critical role of our3970Nation's coal miners, and I fully support the Department's mission of3971protecting workers against workplace hazards, including in mining. No3972worker should ever have to worry that once they leave their home, they3973could be injured on the job. If I have the honor of being confirmed, I3974will work with the experts at the Department to better understand the3975program and our options to ensure the health and safety of our coal3976miners.39773978    Question 3. Federal black lung benefits provide a small monthly3979disability payment and health care. Coal mine operators are required to3980insure their black lung liabilities, but many fail to do so. If a3981responsible operator cannot be identified, the Federal Black Lung3982Disability Trust Fund pays the benefits. Operators have been allowed to3983self-insure for years, leaving the Trust Fund nearly $1 billion in3984debt, with the Department of Labor securing just 19 percent of the3985necessary funds. Last month, the Biden administration required self-3986insured operators to cover their current and future black lung3987liabilities fully. As Secretary, will you protect the Black Lung3988Disability Trust Fund and ensure coal mine operators who self-insure3989fully cover all current and future black lung liabilities?39903991    Answer 3: I understand and appreciate the critical role of our3992Nation's coal miners and I fully support the Department's mission of3993protecting workers against workplace hazards, including in mining. No3994worker should ever have to worry that once they leave their home, they3995could be injured on the job. If I have the honor of being confirmed, I3996will work with the experts at the Department to better understand the3997Black Lung Disability Trust Fund program and our options to ensure the3998health and safety of our coal miners.39994000    Question 4. Across Virginia, the issue I hear the most about is4001workforce--training, retention, recruiting, and more. Despite our4002widespread workforce shortages, 5 million young Americans are4003disconnected from the education and the workforce systems, known as4004opportunity youth. It is not viable for our government to ignore this4005issue, and we must remove the barriers that keep these young people4006from pursuing their education and starting their careers. That is why I4007reintroduced the Opening Doors for Youth Act last spring, which would4008help at-risk youth find summer or year-long jobs that can set them up4009for success in future careers. It complements the youth-focused4010Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs like YouthBuild and4011Job Corps. As Secretary, how will you continue to build on the progress4012made toward reconnecting opportunity youth into the labor market?40134014    Answer 4. Reengaging all Americans that have been disconnected from4015the dignity and security that comes from meaningful work is critical to4016the strength of our Nation, but it is particularly important for the4017millions of disconnected youth who have their whole adult lives ahead4018of them. As you mentioned, the Department of Labor administers several4019programs that are specifically targeted to low-income and out-of-school4020youth. If confirmed, I will look closely at the outcomes that are being4021achieved by these programs and identify opportunities for the4022Department to make improvements so they effectively reconnect youth4023with employment. I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about4024your legislative proposal or other ideas for opportunity youth, and4025look forward to ways in which the Department could be a collaborative4026partner.40274028    Question 5. Defined Contribution retirement plans are now the4029primary employer-based retirement savings vehicle available to American4030workers. However, millions still do not have access to such plans, and4031many who have access do not participate. I've introduced two bipartisan4032bills with Senator Cassidy to help address these gaps. The Auto4033Reenroll Act would encourage retirement plans to innovate with4034automatic reenrollment. Surveys show that many non participants4035mistakenly believe they are participating in their workplace plan--4036automatic reenrollment would help prod those non-participants to start4037participating on a periodic basis, while still allowing them to opt out4038if they so choose. The Helping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act4039would ensure that the millions of 18-, 19-and 20-year olds who work4040full-time hours have access to their workplace retirement plans, in a4041way similar to how the Secure Act and Secure Act 2.0 expanded coverage4042to long-time, part-time workers. What are your priorities when it comes4043to expanding access to and participation in workplace retirement plans?40444045    Answer 5. The Department of Labor plays an important role in every4046American worker's life--from their very first job all the way through4047retirement. If confirmed, I will commit to working with you and your4048colleagues, stakeholders, and experts at the Department to identify4049ways to strengthen opportunities for workers to save for their4050retirement--including how best to incentivize younger and part-time4051workers to begin investing through employer sponsored plans earlier in4052their career.40534054    Question 6. Last August, Senator Marshall, myself, and several of4055our colleagues wrote to the Department of Labor asking the agency to4056move forward on the long-awaited Adequate Consideration rule. Putting4057forward a rule that provides clarity to business owners on how to value4058their companies when converting to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan4059(ESOP) would encourage more businesses to take this route. In January,4060the Office of Management and Budget moved forward a draft rule from4061DOL. Will you commit to prioritizing and pushing this long-awaited rule4062through the process?40634064    Answer 6. I understand that Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)4065are important to many Americans' retirement security and that they4066often give American workers an enhanced sense of ownership in the4067organizations for which they work. For these employee-owners, it is4068more than just a job; they have personal interest in the success of4069where they work. It's important that the Department provide regulatory4070clarity and high-quality compliance assistance to ESOPs. If confirmed,4071I look forward to working with the experts at the Employee Benefits4072Security Administration and with ESOP stakeholders to determine how4073best to support participants in ESOPs.40744075    Question 7. The complex, multi-step, multi-agency (DOL, then DHS)4076process for H-2B seasonal workers begins when an employer files an4077application for a prevailing wage determination for the H-2B job to4078DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification National Prevailing Wage4079Center. Processing times for prevailing wage determinations--especially4080if they involve redeterminations or Center Director Reviews--can take4081several months. Such lengthy processing time is particularly4082problematic for industries such as seafood processors, which have4083clearly defined seasons dependent on the types of seafood to be caught4084and processed, as well as state law regulating the work that can be4085performed during such seasons. Yet even when Virginia seafood4086processors use the same wage surveys that they have used over the years4087without any problems--such as the wage survey conducted by the Virginia4088Marine Products Board, a part of the Virginia Department of Agriculture4089and Consumer Services, a state government agency--DOL will sometimes4090reject the survey. Even when the initial determination is clearly4091erroneous, legitimate seasonal employers such as Virginia seafood4092processors risk losing their H-2B workers for entire seasons because4093the redeterminations/reviews take several months, and they cannot move4094to the next step of the H-2B process until they get a prevailing wage4095determination. If confirmed, what will you do to bring down the lengthy4096processing times for H-2B prevailing wage determinations, especially4097involving redeterminations or Center Director reviews?40984099    Answer 7. I understand that the seafood industries in many parts of4100the country--not only the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Maryland, but4101also in Maine and Alaska and elsewhere--are reliant on H-2B visas to4102keep their seasonal processing operations running. The Department of4103Labor's role is to test the labor market and ensure employers applying4104are offering wages at least equal to the prevailing wage. If confirmed,4105I will work with experts at the Employment and Training Administration,4106and my colleagues at the Departments of Homeland Security and State, to4107do everything we can to streamline processing of these applications.41084109    Question 8. Since 2019, DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification4110Chicago National Processing Center (Chicago NPC) moved from first-in,4111first-out to a random selection process, where all H-2B labor4112certification applications filed within a 3-day filing window would be4113placed an ``Assignment Group,'' comprised of approximately 20,0004114worker positions per group. For example, in January 2023, DOL conducted4115the randomization process for the H-2B labor certifications filed for4116the start date of April 1, 2023. It received applications for 142,7964117worker positions. According to DOL, Group A included enough worker4118positions to reach the semi-annual H-2B cap of 33,000 and had to create4119six additional Assignment Groups for the remaining labor certification4120applications. Unless they are fortunate enough to be in Group A,4121employers will not have any certainty that they will be able to get the4122H-2B workers that they need by the time that they need them. Even4123though DOL and DHS will release supplemental H-2B visas later in the4124year, that will not necessarily help employers in Groups B and below,4125because DOL adjudicates the labor certification applications in order4126of the Group placement. Because DOL will not get to the latter groups4127until April or May, the employers in these groups may not have the4128approved labor certification applications that they need in order to4129file the H-2B visa petitions with USCIS in time for them to access the4130supplemental visas. As a small business owner yourself, I hope you can4131see how the current DOL H-2B processes make it very difficult for4132seasonal businesses such as Virginia seafood processors to plan for4133upcoming seasons. If confirmed, what will you do to improve timely4134adjudication of H-2B labor certification applications?41354136    Answer 8. While I am not yet fully versed on changes to the Chicago4137NPC's selection process for labor certification applications, I4138understand their importance of the H-2B labor certification process to4139Virginia's seafood and fishing industries. If confirmed, I will work4140with experts at the Employment and Training Administration, and my4141colleagues at the Departments of Homeland Security and State, to do4142everything we can to streamline processing of these applications.4143                             senator hassan4144    Question 1. I voted for a measure that President Trump signed into4145law during his first term guaranteeing paid leave for Federal4146employees. This was an important step forward in supporting working4147families. If confirmed, how will your Department work with Congress to4148ensure that more workers have access to guaranteed, job-protected4149leave?41504151    Answer 1. I believe it is important for workers to have access to4152paid leave, and I commend employers who provide it. If confirmed, it4153will be my pleasure to provide technical assistance to Congress as it4154considers various paid leave proposals.41554156    Question 2. Currently, victims of domestic violence, sexual4157assault, and stalking are not provided job-protected unpaid leave under4158the Family and Medical Leave Act. Expanding job-protected leave would4159allow victims to seek medical treatment, get legal protection, and take4160care of other emergency needs such as moving their children to safety.4161If confirmed, would you work with me to examine legislative options to4162close this gap in job-protected leave?41634164    Answer 2. Thank you for raising this serious question to me. It is4165important to me that we provide robust protections and assistance to4166survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. If confirmed, I4167would be happy to work with your office and provide technical4168assistance as you explore ways to fill in this gap in our laws.41694170    Question 3. Registered apprenticeships are an affordable pathway to4171good-paying jobs and are increasingly being developed to help address4172in-demand fields that are facing labor shortages, such as in the health4173care sector and in the teaching profession. How will you support the4174expansion of registered apprenticeships in in-demand fields that are4175facing worker shortages?41764177    Answer 3. I believe we have a unique opportunity to deliver on4178President Trump's America First Agenda by encouraging the expansion of4179high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so that more Americans can4180choose this proven pathway into a career. If confirmed, I look forward4181to learning more about the ways the Department of Labor can encourage4182the expansion of apprenticeships, particularly in emerging industries4183and other occupations facing significant talent shortages. Engaging4184more employers will be essential to expanding apprenticeships, as4185apprenticeships are not simply a training program but are paid jobs4186with wage progression connected to the apprentice gaining skills. I4187also recognize the importance of the Department of Labor encouraging4188more state leadership and initiative in apprenticeship expansion, and4189promoting better coordination with the WIOA system to leverage existing4190resources to support American workers and businesses. As you know,4191Congress provides funding to the Department of Labor for the4192apprenticeship expansion, and I will be focused on ensuring those4193taxpayer resources are directed as effectively as possible to enhance4194apprenticeships and benefit the American worker.4195                          senator hickenlooper4196    Question 1. The Department of Labor has been stagnant in advancing4197a requirement in the No Surprises Act which requires health plans to4198provide patients with an advance explanation of benefits and a good4199faith estimate of the cost of their care. This allows patients, like4200me, to better understand their out-of-pocket costs before a hospital4201provides the care. There has been no word on the status of implementing4202this requirement since last July when the Department indicated it would4203be published in 2025. If confirmed, will you prioritize moving forward4204on this long-delayed process so patients will have the health care4205price transparency they deserve?42064207    Answer 1. I understand the importance of ensuring American workers4208have price transparency when making healthcare decisions. If I have the4209honor of being confirmed, I will work with the experts at the Employee4210Benefits Security Administration to learn more about this rulemaking4211and determine the best path forward to meet the Department's statutory4212requirements under the No Surprises Act.42134214    Question 2. As Secretary, you will oversee processes to collect and4215investigate whistleblower complaints regarding workers' safety on the4216job, ensuring they are properly compensated, and that they are treated4217fairly according to Federal law. whistle blowers are important in any4218workforce. They give us a glimpse into workers' experiences and signal4219areas for improvement. And because of their sensitive nature, workers4220are offered confidentiality and protection from retaliation.42214222        (a). What assurances will you give workers--who I remind you4223        are private citizens--that the Trump administration will not4224        censure their voices in the workplace?42254226        (b). If President Trump proposed rolling back whistle blowers'4227        protections or clawing back resources from DOL's whistleblower4228        investigations, how would you advise him?42294230    Answer 2(a)--(b). I am deeply committed to OSHA's mission of4231ensuring that employees work in safe and healthful environments and4232this includes its Whistleblower Protection Program (WPP). WPP enforces4233more than 20 Federal laws to protect employees from retaliation for4234raising concerns about violations of law in the workplace. These4235whistleblower laws provide important protection for American workers4236and, if confirmed, I commit to fully and fairly enforcing these laws to4237protect workers from retaliation.42384239    Question 3. Representative Chavez-DeRemer, your testimony talks4240about the recent widespread layoffs workers have seen in the private4241sector, specifically in the auto-industry. Now, we're seeing President4242Trump's administration and his Department of Government Efficiency4243(DOGE) acting swiftly, and often unlawfully, to implement sweeping4244layoffs in the Federal workforce and reducing transparency. As4245Secretary of Labor, you will oversee programs like the joint Federal-4246state unemployment benefits program, and programs to protect workers'4247retirement benefits and pensions. These are funds that Americans rely4248on to live, so they must continue reaching our constituents. How do you4249intend to navigate these staff changes as losing long term, qualified4250civil servants jeopardizes DOL's ability to oversee these vital4251programs?42524253    Answer 3. I am deeply committed to the Department of Labor's4254mission to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage4255earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve4256working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment;4257and assure work-related benefits and rights. If confirmed, I look4258forward to partnering with agency experts to assess resources. The4259Department will leverage its resources and staffing levels to4260effectively fulfill its mission. While the President proposes the4261budget, it is ultimately up to Congress to determine funding. I am4262committed to supporting the President in developing budget proposals4263that prioritize the protection of American workers, and I will ensure4264that any resources allocated are used efficiently and responsibly.42654266    Question 4. As part of President Trump's recent freeze on Federal4267regulations, dozens of pieces of Federal guidance from the Occupational4268Safety and Health Administration have been paused indefinitely subject4269to the Administration's review. Across the country, tragic workplace4270incidents have brought workers and employers to Congress and to our4271Executive Branch to ask what can be done to help make their industries4272safer. For example, Colorado's tree care industry has tirelessly4273advocated for a new safety standard for years. And now, the standard is4274being held up as part of this regulatory freeze.42754276        (a). Do you acknowledge the important role that OSHA, and its4277        guidance, plays in ensuring workers' safety?42784279        (b). Will you commit to getting this guidance out the door4280        quickly to protect these workers and these small businesses4281        that want regulatory clarity?42824283        (c). Will you also oppose any future efforts by the White House4284        or by Congress to undermine OSHA or its work?42854286    Answer 4(a)--(c). I am deeply committed to OSHA's mission of4287ensuring that employees work in safe and healthful environments. No4288worker should have to worry about whether they will make it home safely4289after a day of work. As with many other pending regulations, this is4290subject to President Trump's regulatory freeze Executive Order. If4291confirmed, I look forward to learning more from you on this important4292issue and will work with experts at the Department, stakeholders, and4293the public when reviewing any worker safety regulations, including with4294respect to a tree care standard. My goal will be to uphold the highest4295standards of occupational safety, ensuring that rules prioritize the4296well-being of workers while being clear, practical, and achievable for4297employers. This approach will also align with the President's America4298First Agenda, supporting both worker protection and a strong, resilient4299American workforce.43004301    Question 5. Representative Chavez-DeRemer, Over 50 million4302Americans go to work everyday but don't have a convenient way to save4303for retirement. This is particularly true of our independent workforce,4304which includes self-employed business owners, farmers, and our gig4305economy workers.43064307        (a). If confirmed, what specific actions will you take to help4308        make sure every American has the opportunity to plan and save4309        for a financially secure retirement?43104311        (b). Will you be able to help American families achieve these4312        goals if the department loses qualified staff?43134314    Answer 5(a)--(b). The Department of Labor plays an important role4315in every American worker's life-from their very first job all the way4316through retirement. If confirmed, I will commit to working with you and4317your colleagues, stakeholders, and experts at the Department to4318identify ways to strengthen opportunities for workers to save for their4319retirement and learn more about barriers and challenges that workers4320may face in accessing health insurance and retirement plans--including4321for app-based workers, independent contractors, and employees of small4322businesses.43234324    Question 6. In my home state of Colorado, we worked to make skills4325and education attainment more user friendly by creating a credential4326registry. This registry publishes information about the credentials and4327skills available through our state's WIOA providers and helps to inform4328tools for students and workers like My Colorado Journey.43294330        (a). Given the growing demand for skills-based hiring and4331        career navigation tools like these, how will DOL leverage4332        credential transparency to improve workforce outcomes?43334334        (b). What steps could the agency take to support and scale4335        these efforts in and across states and nationally?43364337    Answer 6(a)--(b). I'm glad to hear about Colorado's efforts on4338credential transparency and skills-based hiring. It is important to4339improve opportunities for the millions of Americans who choose not to4340pursue a 4-year degree. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more4341about the programs and initiatives at the Department that support4342workforce data tools and innovations. I also believe it's important for4343the Federal Government to learn best practices from states that have4344successfully launched workforce initiatives, like My Colorado Journey.43454346    Question 7. Jobs for the Future (JFF) has asked: ``Under your4347leadership, what steps would the Department take to ensure cross-agency4348collaboration around data-sharing, data quality, and transparency to4349ensure the Federal Government is accurately tracking the impact of4350taxpayer-funded training programs on long-term labor market outcomes,4351and sharing that information with the public?''43524353    Answer 7. Enhancing the quality and availability of data on4354taxpayer-funded workforce investments is critical for both jobseekers4355and policymakers. The American worker deserves accurate and actionable4356data to determine the best career pathways or upskilling opportunities4357for their future and policymakers need to be able to put public4358workforce funding to its best possible uses to ensure it can deliver4359when workers are underemployed, displaced, or out of the labor force.4360Good data on the performance of programs that receive taxpayer funding4361is also crucial for agencies to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.4362If confirmed, I look forward to working with my colleagues at the4363Department and collaboratively across government to identify4364opportunities to enhance transparency, usability, and application of4365workforce investment and outcomes data.43664367    Question 8. The datacenters that power American AI require an4368infrastructure ecosystem that is heavily reliant on skilled tradesmen4369and women. Data center construction companies are particularly reliant4370on large numbers of skilled electricians and pipe fitters, including4371members of organized labor unions. In the U.S., the growing demand for4372electricity and the critical need for skilled electricians is likely to4373require over 500,000 new registered apprentices by 2032. What is your4374vision for expanding apprenticeships to meet the workforce needs,4375including for high demand occupations like electricians and pipe4376fitters that will be needed for the United States to win the4377geopolitical race on AI?43784379    Answer 8. Hickenlooper Answer 8: I believe the continued economic4380success and global leadership of the United States is dependent on the4381skill, effort, and initiative of the American worker. Providing4382America's workforce the best opportunities to gain skills and achieve4383their potential is a core element of President Trump's America First4384Agenda. Artificial Intelligence depends on critical skills that are not4385easily replicated, and we will need to explore all workforce4386development options to ensure that the American worker is poised to4387benefit from AI and that the U.S. continues to be a global leader in4388AI. If confirmed, I will work to expand high-quality workforce4389development programs in emerging industries and occupations, including4390to expand high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so that more4391Americans can choose this proven pathway into a career. I look forward4392to learning more about the ways the Department of Labor can encourage4393the expansion of apprenticeships, particularly in emerging industries4394and other occupations facing significant talent shortages. Upskilling4395workers to succeed as American business evolves and adapts to the use4396of AI is a national security, economic security, and workforce4397imperative.43984399    Question 9. Students with disabilities graduate high school at4400rates significantly lower than the general population. How will you4401partner with other Departments and agencies, such as the Department of4402Education, to ensure that youth with disabilities are prepared to enter4403the workforce?44044405    Answer 9. I share your concern that students with disabilities4406graduate high school at lower rates and strongly believe in4407strengthening educational and employment opportunities for these4408individuals. I understand that the Department's Office of Disability4409Employment Policy (ODEP) works on policies related to youth4410transitioning from school to adulthood and the world of work and has4411various initiatives to help prepare youth with disabilities for the4412workforce. If confirmed, I will commit to working with experts at the4413Department, stakeholders, you and your Senate colleagues, as well as my4414counterparts at other agencies to learn more about what we can do to4415support employment opportunities for youth with disabilities. I want to4416make sure employers have the support they need to successfully recruit,4417hire, and retain youth employees with disabilities.44184419    Question 10. Our national workforce development systems are not4420reaching rural and Native communities, partially because our workforce4421system has been underfunded. During your time in Congress, you4422supported the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act reauthorization.4423Implementation of this landmark law requires Federal workers at DOL to4424issue payments for what WIOA funding we do have, review plans, and4425provide support to career training efforts on the ground in rural and4426Native communities.44274428        (a). If confirmed, will you protect DOL workers who help get4429        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act dollars out the door4430        to our communities?44314432        (b). Will you also uphold DOL's legal obligation to Tribes by4433        ensuring these workers get WIOA Sec. 166 program dollars out to4434        their communities?44354436    Answer 10(a)--(b). If confirmed, I will work to ensure Workforce4437Innovation and Opportunity Act funds are disbursed to states as4438efficiently as possible. I will also work with the Department's Office4439of the Solicitor to ensure we are meeting all legal obligations,4440including those required by WIOA.44414442    Question 11. My state of Colorado has a number of former4443Deptartment of Energy workers who have serious illnesses due to toxin4444exposure at the Rocky Flatts site. I am a strong supporter of the4445Department of Labor's program, the Energy Employees Occupational Injury4446Compensation Program. Today there is a shortage of doctors to treat4447these patients, especially in rural areas across the country. Senator4448Blackburn and I introduced a bill last Congress to update the law to4449allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to be able to4450recertify the patient's participation in the program and to allow them4451to order care for these patients. Do you agree that these workers4452deserve excellent care and that an update is needed to address this4453issue?44544455    Answer 11. Workers covered by the EEOICPA program deserve excellent4456care. I understand the importance of the EEOICPA program, and if4457confirmed, I will commit to working with the experts at the4458Department's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to learn more4459about the program and administrative challenges that may exist, in4460addition to working with you and your colleagues to understand your4461specific concerns regarding access to these vital benefits.44624463    Question 12. In Colorado, we have seen a lot of upheaval in the4464labor market over the past few years. Going forward, we must4465efficiently direct our workers and students to in-demand occupations4466and supplement our workforce with the best and brightest from outside4467the United States when it makes sense. We think that DOL's Schedule A4468list could be a useful tool for identifying which occupations are in4469the most need for workers, but it has not been meaningfully updated4470since 1991. In Congress, there is demonstrated bipartisan support for4471this solution from recommendations from the House China Committee and4472the Joint Economic Committee to bipartisan letters, such as the one I4473sent with my colleagues, Senators Rounds, Cramer, and former-Senator4474Manchin. As Labor Secretary, do you plan to modernize the Schedule A4475list? Will you commit to working with Congress to identify what the4476Department would need to do so?44774478    Answer 12. I agree that we must efficiently prepare the American4479worker and our students for in-demand occupations. While I am not fully4480versed on Schedule A, if confirmed I look forward to working with the4481Department of Labor's experts and you and your colleagues to learn more4482about Schedule A and its policy and programmatic options.44834484    Question 13. According to DOL's Web site, the average processing4485time for a permanent labor certification application is 489 days (as of4486February 1, 2025), up from 96 days in fiscal year 2019. The average4487processing time for a prevailing wage determination can be 6 months or4488more. This means that to complete the requirements for hiring an4489international worker on a green card can take more than 18 months. The4490wait can be especially impactful for Colorado, where our largest4491industries, manufacturing, aerospace, and bioscience, rely on being4492able to attract and retain the brightest workers from all over the4493world.44944495        (a). Would you commit to investigating why processing times are4496        so long for permanent labor certification applications and4497        identifying the challenges the Department faces to reduce these4498        processing times?44994500        (b). As Secretary, would you work with Congress to help the4501        Department develop a plan to reduce these processing times in4502        the next year?45034504    Answer 13(a)--(b). If confirmed, I will gladly commit to examining4505the efficiency of labor certification processes and to working with4506experts at the Department to find reforms that can improve the4507administration of related programs. Also, if I have the honor of being4508confirmed, I will seek insight from Congress and impacted stakeholders4509as I work to improve the Department's labor certification programs.45104511    Question 14. Individuals applying for adjustment of status must4512wait 180 days before being able to switch employers. Given that the4513180-day clock begins only after the PERM is certified, is it fair to4514say that cutting down on these PERM backlogs is necessary to ensure4515that foreign workers are not tied to their employers and is important4516to maintain a competitive labor market?45174518    Answer 14. I'm not familiar with the PERM backlog and cannot at4519this time make a determination as to the best path forward. However, if4520confirmed, I will gladly commit to examining the efficiency of labor4521certification processes and to working with experts at the Department4522to find reforms that can improve the administration of related4523programs. Also, if I have the honor of being confirmed, I will seek4524insight from Congress and impacted stakeholders as I work to improve4525the Department's labor certification programs.4526                             senator markey4527    Question 1. If confirmed, do you commit to abiding by all terms and4528conditions of collective bargaining agreements between the Department4529of Labor and agency staff?45304531    Answer 1. My focus, if confirmed, will be ensuring that the4532Department of Labor carries out its responsibilities to protect4533American workers and strengthen our economy. If confirmed, I will4534follow the law and work with the experts at the Department to4535understand the collective bargaining process at the Department as well4536as the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreements in4537place.45384539    Question 2. If confirmed, how do you plan to respond to requests4540made by Trump administration officials, DOGE personnel, or White House4541staff to unlawfully fire career personnel within the Department of4542Labor?45434544    Answer 2. If confirmed, I will follow the law and the advice of the4545Department's Solicitor's Office and human resources experts, along with4546any directives from the White House, when making employment-related4547decisions.45484549    Question 3. If confirmed, do you commit to reinstating any4550Department of Labor employees fired in violation of law or in violation4551of collective bargaining agreements?45524553    Answer 3. If confirmed, I will of course comply with any court4554orders related to Department of Labor employment decisions.45554556    Question 4. If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure that4557career personnel within the Department of Labor are protected from4558politically motivated dismissals and reassignments?45594560    Answer 4. If confirmed, I will follow the law and the advice of the4561Department's Solicitor's Office and human resources experts, along with4562any directives from the White House, when making employment-related4563decisions.45644565    Question 5. What will you do to protect employer and worker data4566and confidentiality from DOGE personnel?45674568    Answer 5. If confirmed, I will ensure that all personnel are4569executing their roles in full compliance with Federal law. I will also4570work with career ethics officials and others in the Solicitor's Office4571to ensure that Federal privacy laws are being followed.45724573    Question 6. President Trump's actions related to the disbursement4574of Federal funding, funding freezes, and funding cuts has created4575widespread confusion and halted critical government programs. What will4576you do to work with President Trump to ensure DOL funding is maintained4577so the agency can continue to function effectively and fulfill its4578mission and designated duties?45794580    Answer 6. I am deeply committed to the Department of Labor's4581mission to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage4582earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve4583working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment;4584and assure work-related benefits and rights. If confirmed, I look4585forward to partnering with agency experts to assess available resources4586and identify any additional needs. The Department will leverage its4587resources and staffing levels to effectively fulfill its mission. While4588the President proposes the budget, it is ultimately up to Congress to4589determine funding. I am committed to supporting the President in4590developing budget proposals that prioritize the protection of American4591workers, and I will ensure that any resources allocated are used4592efficiently and responsibly.45934594    Question 7. Amazon is the second largest private sector employer in4595the country, with over one million workers. Amazon uses a punishing4596quota system powered by invasive surveillance technology to enforce4597speed standards. In 2023, one in 15 Amazon workers were injured on the4598job. If confirmed, do you commit to dedicating resources toward4599enforcing warehouse worker safety?46004601    Answer 7. I am deeply committed to OSHA's mission of ensuring that4602employees work in safe and healthful environments. No worker should4603have to worry about whether they will make it home safely after a day4604of work. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more from you about4605this important issue and will work with experts at the Department,4606stakeholders, and the public when evaluating regulatory needs,4607including with respect to warehouse worker safety. My goal will be to4608uphold the highest standards of occupational safety, ensuring that4609rules prioritize the well-being of workers while being clear,4610practical, and achievable for employers. This approach will also align4611with the President's America First Agenda, supporting both worker4612protection and a strong, resilient American workforce.46134614    Question 8. In your ethics letter, you said that you would not4615``participate personally and substantially in any particular matter . .4616. in which I know that a person whose interests are imputed to me has a4617financial interest directly and predictably affected by the particular4618matter'' unless you obtain a written waiver. You also wrote that you4619understand that the interests of your spouse are imputed to you. The4620Department of Labor has significant sway over a number of regulations4621and programs that are implicated by the takeover of the healthcare4622industry by private equity companies. Your husband, Shawn DeRemer,4623testified last year in opposition to an Oregon State Senate bill that4624would have limited the ability of private equity companies to take over4625healthcare companies in the state of Oregon.46264627        (a). Has Anesthesia Associates Northwest received any4628        investment from private equity?46294630                i. Has Anesthesia Associates Northwest received any4631                other private investment, and if so, when and from who?46324633                ii. Will Anesthesia Associates Northwest ever receive4634                private equity investment?46354636        (b). If confirmed, do you commit to recusing yourself from4637        decisions related to private equity companies' involvement in4638        health care during your time as Secretary?46394640        (c). If confirmed, do you commit to recusing yourself from4641        decisions that would impact the allowance of private equity4642        investments in retirement plans?46434644        (d). If confirmed, do you commit to recusing yourself from4645        decisions that would impact private equity-owned companies'4646        obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act4647        of 1974 (ERISA)?46484649        (e). If confirmed, do you commit to recusing yourself from4650        decisions that would impact private equity-owned companies' use4651        of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)4652        continuation benefits?46534654    Answer 8(a)i--ii--(e). I kindly ask that you please correct the4655record regarding the spelling of my husband's name. It is Dr. Shawn4656DeRemer. Thank you. Anesthesia Associates Northwest has not received4657any investments from private equity firms, nor has it received any4658other private investment. If confirmed, I will consult with the ethics4659officials at the Department of Labor to ensure there are no conflicts4660of interest.46614662    Question 9. Shawn DeRemer also testified that including ``non-4663competitive covenants, and non-disclosure covenants within healthcare4664provider contracts'' would ``negatively impact Oregon medical4665businesses.''46664667        (a). If confirmed, do you commit to recusing yourself from any4668        decisions relating to non-compete clauses during your time as4669        Secretary?46704671        (b). If confirmed, do you commit to recusing yourself from any4672        decisions relating to non-disclosure agreements during your4673        time as Secretary?46744675    Answer 9(a)--(b). I kindly ask that you please correct the record4676regarding the spelling of my husband's name. It is Dr. Shawn DeRemer.4677Thank you. If confirmed, I will consult with the ethics officials at4678the Department of Labor to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.46794680    Question 10. In addition to worse patient care and higher death4681rates for patients, private equity ownership of health care is tied to4682lower staffing ratios, increased worker safety risks, and high rates of4683bankruptcy and closure, which threatens health care workers' wages and4684pensions. Do you believe that private equity ownership of health care4685is a threat to workers?46864687    Answer 10. The decision as to whether private equity can own health4688care companies is not within the jurisdiction of the Department of4689Labor. To the extent that a health care company is subject to the4690jurisdiction of the Department of Labor's laws and violates the law, I4691will commit to fully and fairly enforcing the law if confirmed.46924693    Question 11. How does the Department plan to engage to support4694workers in response to hospital and other health care bankruptcies4695driven by private equity?46964697    Answer 11. It's difficult to speak to hypotheticals, but where4698workers are displaced due to health care bankruptcies--driven by4699private equity or otherwise--I would expect the Department to treat4700these workers the same as all other displaced workers. I understand the4701Department has jurisdiction over the WARN Act and other programs under4702the Employment and Training Administration. If confirmed, I look4703forward to learning more about these programs and commit to working4704with you and your colleagues when workers are displaced.47054706    Question 12. The Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health4707Administration (OSHA), when combined with state partners, has about47081,850 workplace health and safety investigators for over 130 million4709workers at 8 million worksites. That's one inspector for every 70,0004710workers.47114712        (a). What additional resources does OSHA need to effectively4713        enforce health and safety laws at workplaces within its4714        jurisdiction?47154716        (b). If confirmed, do you commit to submitting a budget request4717        that increases funding for OSHA over the previous fiscal year,4718        for each year you serve as Secretary of Labor?47194720        (c). Do you believe that the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has4721        sufficient resources to effectively enforce health and safety4722        laws at workplaces within its jurisdiction?47234724        (d). If confirmed, do you commit to submitting a budget request4725        that increases funding for WHD over the previous fiscal year,4726        for each year you serve as Secretary of Labor?47274728        (e). If President Trump and Elon Musk achieve their goal of4729        cutting 10 percent of the Federal workforce, how, in your4730        opinion, could the Department of Labor adequately enforce the4731        laws it is tasked to enforce?47324733    Answer 12(a)--(e). The Department of Labor enforces more than 1804734Federal workplace laws. I strongly believe in the missions of the4735Department's sub-agencies--including the Occupational Safety and Health4736Administration and the Wage and Hour Division. If confirmed, I look4737forward to partnering with leadership at the Department to assess4738resources . The Department will leverage its resources to effectively4739fulfill its mission. While the President proposes the budget, it is4740ultimately up to Congress to determine funding. I am committed to4741supporting the President in developing budget proposals that prioritize4742the protection of American workers, and I will ensure that any4743resources allocated are used efficiently and responsibly.47444745    Question 13. In 2024, the Department of Labor finalized the4746Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor4747Standards Act regulation which revised the Department's criteria for4748classifying workers as independent contractors.47494750        (a). If confirmed, do you commit to enforcing the regulation as4751        written?47524753        (b). If confirmed, will you seek to change this regulation?47544755    Answer 13(a)--(b). If confirmed as Labor Secretary, I understand4756that I will have the ability to enforce President Trump's rules and4757parameters around who is an employee and who is an independent4758contractor. However, I cannot comment on the Fair Labor Standards Act4759independent contractor regulation specifically, as it is in litigation.4760If confirmed, I will consult with the Solicitor of Labor as well as the4761Department of Justice with respect to that matter. Apart from the4762litigation, if confirmed, I will consult with my advisors at the4763Department, including the Solicitor of Labor as well as the4764Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, to determine the4765Department's course of action with respect to this regulation.47664767    Generally speaking, I believe it's important to allow workers to4768have the flexibility to be in business for themselves--including4769through the independent contractor model. I also believe it's important4770to ensure no one is circumventing the laws by intentionally4771misclassifying their employees. I understand that President Trump4772previously issued guidance and rulemaking on the issue of independent4773contractors, and if confirmed, I will deliver on President Trump's4774America First Agenda.47754776    Question 14. In 2021, the Department of Labor finalized the4777Rescission of Joint Employer Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act4778rule to rescind the regulations established in the 2020 Joint Employer4779Rule.47804781        (a). If confirmed, do you commit to enforcing the regulation as4782        written?47834784        (b). If confirmed, will you seek to change this regulation?47854786    Answer 14(a)--(b). The Department of Labor has an important role in4787ensuring that employers receive clear guidance on their obligations and4788potential liability. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on4789this matter by experts at the Department. As a small business owner4790myself, I fully support policies that help create and protect small4791businesses, including the franchise business model. As Labor Secretary,4792I understand that I will have the authority to regulate in this space,4793and I will be determined in my commitment to enforce President Trump's4794America First agenda.47954796    Question 15. In 2024, the Department of Labor finalized the4797Retirement Security Rule and Amendments to Class Prohibited Transaction4798Exemptions for Investment Advice Fiduciaries regulation to define4799investment advice fiduciaries under the Employment Retirement Income4800Security Act (ERISA).48014802        (a). If confirmed, do you commit to enforcing the regulation as4803        written?48044805        (b). If confirmed, will you seek to change this regulation?48064807    Answer 15. I understand that this rule is currently the subject of4808ongoing litigation. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on4809this matter and will commit to work closely with my colleagues at the4810Department of Labor and at the Department of Justice. More generally,4811the Department of Labor plays a critical role in protecting the4812retirement benefits that Americans have earned. Workers should have4813access to sound financial advice, and the law requires retirement plan4814fiduciaries to act in the best interest of plan participants and4815beneficiaries. The retirement system needs to work for workers,4816retirees, retirement plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries, and service-4817providers. If confirmed, I look forward to consulting--in a transparent4818manner--with all stakeholders and receiving feedback in determining4819whether and how the system can be improved.48204821    Question 16. In 2024, the Department of Labor announced a proposed4822rule to protect indoor and outdoor workers from extreme heat. If4823confirmed, do you commit to finalizing the regulation as written?48244825    Answer 16. I fully recognize the importance of ensuring workers are4826safe in high-heat environments and am deeply committed to OSHA's4827mission of ensuring that employees work in safe and healthful4828environments. No worker should have to worry about whether they will4829make it home safely after a day of work. As with many other pending4830regulations, this is subject to President Trump's regulatory freeze4831Executive Order. If confirmed, I will work with experts at the4832Department, stakeholders, and the public when reviewing any worker4833safety regulations. My goal will be to uphold the highest standards of4834occupational safety, ensuring that rules prioritize the well-being of4835workers while being clear, practical, and achievable for employers.4836This approach will also align with the President's America First4837Agenda, supporting both worker protection and a strong, resilient4838American workforce.48394840    Question 17. In 2024, the Department of Labor finalized the4841Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative,4842Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees regulation to raise4843the salary eligible for overtime benefits of employees in certain4844sectors.48454846        (a). If confirmed, do you commit to continuing to pursue the4847        appeal of the November 15, 2024 Eastern District of Texas?48484849        (b). If confirmed, will you seek to change this regulation?48504851    Answer 17. I understand that this rule is still in litigation. If4852confirmed, I will commit to carefully reviewing all regulations under4853the Department's jurisdiction and working with my colleagues in the4854Solicitor's Office and at the Department of Justice as appropriate on4855regulatory litigation. Overtime rulemaking authority is an important4856part of the Department of Labor's scope, and I believe that threshold4857should be periodically reviewed to reflect the changing economy and4858current economic conditions without shocking the economy.48594860    Question 18. If confirmed, you will serve as the Chairman of the4861Board of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).48624863        (a). What will you do to protect the pensions of workers across4864        the country?48654866        (b). What safeguards will you implement to ensure that DOGE4867        does not have influence over Pension Benefit Guaranty4868        Corporation (PBGC) single-employer plan surplus that ensures4869        PBGC has sufficient resources to pay benefits?48704871        (c). What will you do to ensure that DOGE does not interfere4872        with PBGC payment plans or payment disbursement mechanisms?48734874    Answer 18(a)--(c). The Department of Labor plays an important role4875in every American worker's life--from their very first job all the way4876through retirement. If confirmed, I will take my responsibility to4877ensure the welfare of retirees seriously. In my capacity as Chairman of4878the Board of the PBGC, I will work with fellow Board members, the4879PBGC's Advisory Committee, and PBGC staff to ensure that PBGC is4880effectively executing on its responsibilities under ERISA to backstop4881defined benefit pension plans subject to PBGC's jurisdiction.48824883    Question 19. The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security4884Administration (EBSA) devotes substantial resources to protecting the4885contributions made by employees and the matching contributions promised4886by their employers to employer-sponsored benefit plans, including4887401(k)'s and health plans. Workers have had their contributions to4888their pension or health plans withheld from their paychecks without4889their employers depositing the money in the plans in a timely manner--4890or even at all in some cases. Instead, these employers kept the4891workers' contributions and used them for their own purposes or for4892other unrelated purposes. What should the Department do to more4893effectively protect working people against employers' misuse of their4894retirement and health money?48954896    Answer 19. The Department of Labor plays an important role in every4897American worker's life--from their very first job all the way through4898retirement. If confirmed, I will take my responsibility to ensure the4899welfare of retirees seriously. I will commit to working with you and4900your colleagues, stakeholders, and experts at the Department to ensure4901workers' retirement benefits are safe and secure. I will also fully and4902fairly enforce the law against bad actors who misuse workers'4903retirement benefits.49044905    Question 20. Employers are increasingly relying on artificial4906intelligence (AI) in the selection and management of employees.4907However, AI systems have been proven to unlawfully discriminate against4908employees and prospective employees, including on the basis of race,4909gender, age, and disability status. Do you support ensuring that4910artificial intelligence products utilized by employers are not4911discriminatory or biased?49124913    Answer 20. No worker should be discriminated against in the4914workplace, and discrimination in the workplace is unlawful--whether it4915occurs through a human or artificial intelligence. If confirmed, I4916commit to ensuring the Department of Labor provides all the tools4917necessary under the Department's jurisdiction to ensure workers are4918protected against potential bias by artificial intelligence, based upon4919longstanding civil rights laws. The Equal Employment Opportunity4920Commission, a Federal agency independent of the Department of Labor,4921has the responsibility to enforce civil rights laws as they relate to4922discrimination in hiring and the workplace.49234924    Question 21. What steps would you take to protect workers from the4925discriminatory impacts of AI related to the hiring and management or4926workers?49274928    Answer 21. No worker should be discriminated against in the4929workplace and discrimination in the workplace is unlawful--whether it4930occurs through a human or artificial intelligence. If confirmed, I4931commit to ensuring the Department of Labor provides all the tools4932necessary under the Department's jurisdiction to ensure workers are4933protected against potential bias by artificial intelligence, based upon4934longstanding civil rights laws. It is important that the Department4935proactively work with AI technology vendors to provide them with a4936clear understanding of any civil rights laws under the Department's4937jurisdiction that apply to the products they are developing. The Equal4938Employment Opportunity Commission, a Federal agency independent of the4939Department of Labor, has the responsibility to enforce civil rights4940laws as they relate to discrimination in hiring and the workplace.49414942    Question 22. If confirmed, how do you plan to address the increase4943of AI-enabled worker surveillance?49444945    Answer 22. If confirmed, I will ensure that existing workplace4946privacy laws under the Department's remit are enforced when appropriate4947to AI-enabled workplace software.49484949    Question 23. Should employers be required to notify employees, or4950potential employees, about the use of AI in the workplace related to4951the management and evaluation of workers?49524953    Answer 23. Under existing Federal law, workers generally have4954limited rights to privacy when using workplace technologies. I am aware4955that many states, like Massachusetts, have passed laws restricting4956certain workplace monitoring and requiring employee consent. If4957confirmed, I look forward to working with your office to learn more4958about this issue and providing technical assistance if Federal4959legislation is necessary.49604961    Question 24. You have spoken about your support of apprenticeship4962programs, which provide high-quality training and wages.49634964        (a). What will you do to support registered apprenticeship4965        programs?49664967        (b). Do you believe the Department of Labor should recognize4968        apprenticeships that are not federally registered, such as the4969        Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) created under4970        the previous Trump administration?49714972    Answer 24(a)--(b). I believe that we have a unique opportunity to4973deliver on President Trump's America First Agenda by encouraging the4974expansion of high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so that more4975Americans can choose this proven pathway into a career. If confirmed, I4976look forward to learning more about the ways the Department of Labor4977can encourage the expansion of apprenticeships, particularly in4978emerging industries and other occupations facing significant talent4979shortages. Engaging more employers will be essential to expanding4980apprenticeships, as apprenticeships are not simply a training program,4981but paid jobs with wage progression connected to the apprentice gaining4982skills. I also recognize the importance of the Department of Labor4983encouraging more state leadership and initiative in apprenticeship4984expansion, and promoting better coordination with the WIOA system to4985leverage existing resources to support American workers and businesses.4986As you know, Congress has annually provided funding to the Department4987of Labor for apprenticeship expansion, and I will be focused on4988ensuring those taxpayer resources are directed as effectively as4989possible to grow apprenticeships and benefit the American worker.49904991    Question 25. President Trump has issued executive orders related to4992diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some agencies have begun purging4993funding for projects include the words ``female,'' ``historically'' and4994``male-dominated.'' If confirmed, would you revoke funding for programs4995such as the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations4996grant program that seeks to help females enter and advance in4997historically male-dominated industries such as construction?49984999    Answer 25. I believe we have a unique opportunity to deliver on5000President Trump's America First Agenda by encouraging the expansion of5001high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so that more Americans can5002choose this proven pathway into a career. If confirmed, I commit to5003working with your office and the experts at the Department of Labor to5004learn more about the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional5005Occupations grant program.50065007    Question 26. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure all federally5008funded projects comply with Davis-Bacon standards?50095010    Answer 26: Federal agencies that contract for construction work are5011responsible for incorporating the Davis-Bacon Act into their contracts.5012The Department of Labor is responsible for determining prevailing wage5013rates under the act, as well as enforcing the law's substantive terms.5014Should I have the honor of being confirmed, I will work with experts at5015the Wage and Hour Division to ensure, as appropriate, that the act is5016enforced, wages are properly calculated, and contractors are5017appropriately guided on compliance. Also, if confirmed, I hope to build5018strong interagency relationships to advise my counterparts on this and5019other elements of the law within the Department's remit.50205021    Question 27. Do you support project labor agreements (PLAs)? What5022will you do to ensure PLAs continue to be used on Federal construction5023projects over $35 million?50245025    Answer 27. If I have the honor of being confirmed, I will work to5026implement President Trump's America First labor agenda. It is important5027to me that bidding on Federal contracts is competitive, results in5028awards that represent a good value to the public, and that employees of5029Federal contractors have good working conditions.50305031    Question 28. President Trump recently illegally fired NLRB Board5032Member Gwynne Wilcox in violation of the National Labor Relations Act.50335034        (a). Do you believe that this firing was illegal?50355036        (b). What will you do to work with President Trump to reverse5037        this action?50385039    Answer 28(a)--(b). The National Labor Relations Board serves an5040important function in the labor policy process independent from the5041Department of Labor. I respect the authority the President has to5042oversee the executive branch, including with respect to personnel5043decisions. The legality of Ms. Wilcox's termination is currently being5044considered by the court. My focus, if confirmed, will be ensuring the5045Department of Labor carries out its responsibilities to protect5046American workers and strengthen our economy.50475048    Question 29. In your confirmation hearing, you stated that the NLRB5049is an independent agency separate from the DOL. On February 18, the5050Trump administration issued an executive order stating that ``all5051executive branch officials and employees are subject to [the5052President's] supervision.'' Do you believe the NLRB should exist as an5053independent agency?50545055    Answer 29. The National Labor Relations Board serves an important5056function in the labor policy process independent from the Department of5057Labor. I respect the authority of the President to oversee the5058executive branch, including with respect to personnel decisions. My5059focus, if confirmed, is ensuring the Department of Labor carries out5060its responsibilities to protect American workers and strengthen our5061economy.50625063    Question 30. The Good Jobs Initiative facilitated partnerships5064between DOL and other Federal agencies to ensure Federal infrastructure5065investments created good jobs. Do you support the Good Jobs Initiative?50665067    Answer 30. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the experts5068at the Department of Labor and learning more about all programs at the5069Department before making any determinations regarding which programs to5070continue or which to create in line with the America First policy5071agenda.50725073    Question 31. Will you ensure DOL is working with other Federal5074agencies to ensure they prioritize the creation of safe, high-quality5075jobs in grant making and procurement processes?50765077    Answer 31. We know what a good paying job can mean for a family. My5078father's union job was critical to our family's stability. If5079confirmed, my focus will be to expand rapid reskilling programs,5080apprenticeships, and partnering with industries to anticipate labor5081market needs. I would be happy to work with my colleagues at other5082agencies to provide guidance and technical assistance on the creation5083of safe, high-quality jobs, where appropriate, so all Americans can5084achieve the American dream.50855086    Question 32. DOL has served as an advisor to the Commerce5087Department, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, EPA and5088other Federal agencies to ensure projects funded through the CHIPS and5089Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law5090uphold strong labor standards and create good-paying jobs. However,5091some projects funding has been halted.50925093        (a). How will you approach already funded projects to ensure5094        they continue?50955096        (b). Will you work with the Trump administration to advocate5097        for these projects to be funded?50985099    Answer 32(a)--(b). I am not familiar with the Department of Labor's5100role in these programs. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing all5101projects at the Department in conjunction with the Department's5102experts, and I will advise the President regarding the programs that5103will help bring America First policies to every American.51045105    Question 33. Do you believe Tribal, Indian, and Native career5106training and workforce placement is DEI?51075108    Markey Answer 33: Discrimination against any person is wrong.5109American workers should be measured by the work they do--not by what5110they look like. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the5111many workforce development programs at the Department of Labor and how5112we can best expand opportunity for all American workers.51135114    Question 34. Do you believe that the Department of Labor shares in5115the Federal trust responsibility?51165117    Answer 34. I am generally aware that the Federal trust5118responsibility requires the Federal Government to respect tribal5119rights. I am not aware of the Department of Labor's responsibility in5120this space. If confirmed, I will work with agency experts to learn more5121about the Department's obligations under this responsibility.5122                        senator blunt rochester5123    Question 1. In the House, you cosponsored the PRO Act. Your support5124for various components of this legislation came up during the hearing.5125What portions of this bill do you continue to support, and what5126portions of this bill would you not support moving forward?51275128    Answer 1. As a Representative from Oregon, I listened to my5129constituents who asked me to cosponsor the PRO Act and explained to me5130that they faced obstacles in organizing. I support a worker's right to5131organize and bargain collectively. But I believe our labor laws need to5132be updated and modernized, and, the PRO Act was the legislative vehicle5133to have those conversations as a Member of Congress. The PRO Act is5134imperfect, and I'm no longer a lawmaker. I believe in an even playing5135field--for businesses and unions--but above all that the American5136worker's interest should always come first. It's time for us to stop5137working against each other and start working together for the American5138worker.51395140    President Trump is a pro-worker president--as evidenced by his5141strong support from union members. The president nominated me for5142Secretary of Labor because I have personal experience as both a5143business owner and someone who has garnered union support. President5144Trump is confident that I can bring both sides to the table--and I5145intend to do just that, like I have throughout my career.51465147    I know both sides of the aisle may disagree with me at times, but5148we have to keep having conversations--we must move forward. I commit to5149you that there will never be surprises. I will always have an open door5150and will never put my thumb on the scale.51515152    Question 2. Research has shown that work experiences for people5153with disabilities while still in high school lead to successful5154transitions to employment. However, cuts to Vocational Rehabilitation5155funding, lack of partnerships between schools and employers, and a5156dearth of information and communication with students and families have5157led to students with disabilities experiencing difficulties in5158transitioning to employment. Youth with disabilities encounter many5159barriers to career readiness and work-based learning activities that5160ultimately impact their long-term employment. If confirmed as Secretary5161of Labor, what action would you take to increase pre-employment and5162employment opportunities for youth with disabilities?51635164    Answer 2. All individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity5165to contribute their talents to the economy and enjoy the benefits of5166meaningful work. I understand the Department's Office of Disability5167Employment Policy (ODEP) works on policies related to youth5168transitioning from school to adulthood and the world of work and has5169various initiatives to help prepare youth with disabilities for the5170workforce. If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the5171programs and working to improve programs and outcomes for youth with5172disabilities, and if confirmed I commit to working with Congress as it5173considers further solutions to pre-employment barriers youth living5174with disabilities face.51755176    Question 3. If confirmed, how will you lead the Department to5177protect workers from potential abuses of technologies like AI,5178including hiring bias, wage suppression, and workplace surveillance?51795180    Answer 3. No worker should be discriminated against in the5181workplace, and discrimination in the workplace is unlawful--whether it5182occurs through a human or artificial intelligence. If confirmed, I5183commit to ensuring the Department of Labor provides all the tools5184necessary under the Department's jurisdiction to ensure workers are5185protected against potential bias by artificial intelligence, based upon5186longstanding civil rights laws. It is important that the Department5187proactively work with AI technology vendors to provide them with a5188clear understanding of any civil rights laws under the Department's5189jurisdiction that apply to the products they are developing. The Equal5190Employment Opportunity Commission, a Federal agency independent of the5191Department of Labor, has the responsibility to enforce civil rights5192laws as they relate to discrimination in hiring and the workplace.51935194    Question 4. The World Bank's Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts5195significant job market changes, with 170 million new jobs created and519692 million displaced by 2030. Research from several sources, including5197the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the McKinsey5198Institute, and others, shows that this job displacement will have the5199most impact on Black workers and other workers of color. How will you5200address the disproportionate impact, particularly in displaced roles?52015202    Answer 4. All American workers deserve real, tangible support5203during economic shifts. We know what a good paying job can mean for a5204family. My father's union job was critical to our family's stability,5205so I understand how layoffs can impact communities. My focus will be to5206expand rapid reskilling programs, apprenticeships, and partnering with5207industries to anticipate labor market changes, so that we can prevent5208future displacements for all Americans.52095210    Question 5. Do you think it is important that more workers have5211access to paid leave? Would you be supportive of national paid leave?52125213    Answer 5. I believe it is important for workers to have access to5214paid leave, and I commend employers who provide it. If confirmed, it5215will be my pleasure to provide technical assistance to Congress as it5216considers various paid leave proposals.52175218    Question 6. As the head of the department in charge of implementing5219WIOA, how will you promote workforce development? Do you think WIOA is5220working well? Would you advocate for changes?52215222    Answer 6. If confirmed, I will work with stakeholders and experts5223at the Employment and Training Administration to see where Workforce5224Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs work and where the5225metrics show they may be falling short. I also look forward to working5226with Congress as it moves forward with its reauthorization of WIOA and5227would be happy to provide any needed data or technical assistance to5228make the reauthorization a success.52295230    Question 7. Do you support expanding registered apprenticeships?52315232    Answer 7. I believe we have a unique opportunity to deliver on5233President Trump's America First Agenda by encouraging the expansion of5234high-quality Registered Apprenticeships, so that more Americans can5235choose this proven pathway into a career. If confirmed, I look forward5236to learning more about the ways the Department of Labor can encourage5237the expansion of apprenticeships, particularly in emerging industries5238and other occupations facing significant talent shortages. Engaging5239more employers will be essential to expanding apprenticeships, as5240apprenticeships are not simply a training program but are paid jobs5241with wage progression connected to the apprentice gaining skills. I5242also recognize the importance of the Department of Labor encouraging5243more state leadership and initiative in apprenticeship expansion and5244promoting better coordination with the WIOA system to leverage existing5245resources to support American workers and businesses. As you know,5246Congress has annually provided funding to the Department of Labor for5247the apprenticeship expansion, and I will be focused on ensuring those5248taxpayer resources are directed as effectively as possible to grow5249apprenticeships and benefit the American worker.52505251    Question 8. The Black unemployment rate was 1.7 times the white5252unemployment rate in December 2024. How do you plan to address racial5253economic disparities within the labor market?52545255    Answer 8. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that all unemployed5256Americans have access to the services and support needed to reconnect5257to the labor market. Unemployed workers often need to access pathways5258to gain skills, credentials, and get help to reenter the labor market.5259The workforce services provided by the American Jobs Center network5260under WIOA are an excellent place to start for any population with5261higher unemployment rates. Unemployment, particularly extended5262unemployment, can have lasting negative impact on future opportunities,5263so it is critical to help newly jobless workers connect quickly to5264available services for smoother transitions between jobs.52655266    Question 9. The Office of Federal Contract and Compliance Programs5267(OFCCP) is an important civil rights enforcer. Under your leadership,5268will OFCCP continue to implement and enforce protections for Federal5269contractors?52705271    Answer 9. No worker should be discriminated against in the5272workplace on the basis of race, sex, or other characteristics protected5273under Federal law. President Trump's Executive Order 14173, Ending5274Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, furthers5275that interest, including by prohibiting Federal contractors from5276engaging in illegal discrimination and making it the policy of the5277United States to ``protect the civil rights of all Americans and to5278promote individual initiative, excellence, and hard work.'' If5279confirmed, I anticipate reviewing the current organization of the5280Department of Labor and its sub-agencies to ensure the Department5281executes its mission efficiently and effectively in line with Federal5282law and the President's priorities and policies.52835284    Question 10. Will you commit to keeping the best interests of5285workers at the center of Department modernization?52865287    Answer 10. If confirmed, the best interests of employees at the5288Department of Labor will always be top-of-mind. To the extent5289modernization occurs, I will follow the law and the advice of the5290Department's Solicitor's Office and human resources experts, along with5291any directives from the White House, when making employment-related5292decisions.52935294    Question 11. Do you plan to work with DOGE? If so, in what ways?52955296    Answer 11. If confirmed, I look forward to being briefed on the5297status of the DOGE efforts at the Department of Labor .52985299    Question 12. What salary threshold would you consider appropriate5300for overtime exemption, and how would you phase in any changes?53015302    Answer 12. I understand this rule is still in litigation. If5303confirmed, I commit to carefully reviewing all regulations under the5304Department's jurisdiction and work with my colleagues in the5305Solicitor's Office and at the Department of Justice as appropriate on5306regulatory litigation. Overtime rulemaking authority is an important5307part of the Department of Labor's scope, and I believe that threshold5308should be periodically reviewed to reflect the changing economy and5309current economic conditions without shocking the economy.5310                           senator alsobrooks5311    Question 1. The President gutted the Merit Systems Protection Board5312(MSPB) by firing one of its three members last week. The MSPB provides5313Federal employees their due process and protects against partisan5314political personnel practices. If a Federal employee is wrongfully5315terminated, they can appeal to the MSPB for relief. The President fired5316the one Democrat on the Board, in the middle of her 7-year term. Board5317Members can only legally be removed for ``inefficiency, neglect of duty5318or malfeasance in office.'' This follows the President's move to gut5319the National Labor Relations Board.53205321        (a). Civil servants need to exhaust their options through the5322        MSPB before they have standing to sue for wrongful termination.5323        How will the thousands of recently terminated government5324        employees seek recourse with a crippled Merit Systems5325        Protection Board?53265327        (b). Can you provide evidence of the Board Member's5328        ``inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance?53295330    Answer 1(a)--(b). The Merit Systems Protection Board is a Federal5331agency independent from the Department of Labor. I respect the5332authority the President has to oversee the executive branch, including5333with respect to personnel decisions. My focus, if confirmed, will be5334ensuring the Department of Labor carries out its responsibilities to5335protect American workers and strengthen our economy.53365337    Question 2. President Trump has undermined workers' rights and5338collective bargaining since taking office in 2025. One of his first5339executive orders nullified collective bargaining agreements finalized5340in the last month of the Biden administration, throwing Federal labor5341contracts into chaos. His administration has also pushed mass5342terminations of Federal employees, targeting those with less than 25343years of service. On top of that, President Trump is challenging a5344nearly century-old Supreme Court precedent that protects independent5345Federal agencies, threatening worker protections nationwide.53465347        (a). Do you believe that Federal employees, including those at5348        the Department of Labor (DOL), have the right to organize and5349        collectively bargain without fear of retaliation?53505351        (b). Will you commit to ensuring that no Federal worker loses5352        their union membership or dues deductions due to administrative5353        actions under your leadership?53545355        (c). Will you commit to honoring all legally binding collective5356        bargaining agreements (CBAs) signed by Federal agencies and5357        labor unions?53585359        (d). Will you commit to following the collective bargaining5360        agreement with employees at DOL?53615362        (e). Several Republican-led states have passed laws restricting5363        public-sector unions' ability to bargain collectively. Do you5364        support the Federal Government's role in protecting public5365        employees' right to organize?53665367        (f). Many workers rely on pension plans negotiated through5368        collective bargaining. Will you commit to protecting pension5369        benefits and opposing any attempts to cut Federal support for5370        multiemployer pension plans?53715372        (g). How will you work to collaborate in good faith with the5373        unions at DOL?53745375        (h). DOL workers are essential to carrying out the mission of5376        the agency. Will you honor collective bargaining agreements5377        currently in place with DOL Unions?53785379        (i). Will you ensure merit-based hiring and promotions?53805381        (j). Do you agree to continue a robust Labor Management Forum?53825383    Answer 2(a)--(j). My focus, if confirmed, will be ensuring the5384Department of Labor carries out its responsibilities to protect5385American workers and strengthen our economy. I believe in an even5386playing field--for business and unions--but above all that the American5387worker's interest should always come first. If confirmed, I will follow5388the law and work with the experts at the Department to understand the5389collective bargaining process at the Department and the terms and5390conditions of the collective bargaining agreements in place. If5391confirmed, I will follow the advice of the Department's Solicitor's5392Office and human resources experts, along with any directives from the5393White House, when making employment-related decisions. As I stated at5394my confirmation hearing, I support the Butch Lewis Act and protecting5395the retirement of all workers in America.53965397    President Trump is a pro-worker president--as evidenced by his5398strong support from union members. The President nominated me for5399Secretary of Labor because I have personal experience as both a5400business owner and as someone who has garnered union support. President5401Trump is confident that I can bring both sides to the table, and I5402intend to do just that, as I have throughout my career.54035404    Question 3. Thousands of Federal employees have been fired across5405the government over the past few weeks--supposedly because of their5406probationary status. Yet many were wrongfully cited for poor5407performance as part of their termination notices, despite documented5408records of strong performance--raising questions about what benefits5409they will be eligible to receive.54105411        (a). Recent Federal labor actions have resulted in mass layoffs5412        of workers, often with little notice. Will you commit to5413        ensuring that all layoffs follow proper legal procedures and5414        that affected employees receive due process?54155416        (b). Do you believe that civil servants pushed out of DOL by5417        DOGE should be eligible for unemployment insurance?54185419    Answer 3(a)--(b). If confirmed, I will follow the law and the5420advice of the Department's Solicitor's Office and human resources5421experts, along with any directives from the White House, when making5422employment-related decisions. Eligibility for unemployment insurance is5423determined by state law. The Unemployment Compensation for Federal5424Employees (UCFE) program provides coverage for eligible Federal5425employees who lose employment for no fault of their own.54265427    Question 4. Maryland has one of the highest concentrations of5428Federal workers in the country, many of whom are members of labor5429unions. The Baltimore-Washington region is a hub for Federal5430infrastructure projects.54315432        (a). Will you commit to maintaining or increasing OSHA5433        enforcement funding to protect workers from unsafe working5434        conditions?54355436        (b). Studies show that low-wage workers, particularly immigrant5437        and service industry workers, are disproportionately affected5438        by wage theft. Will you strengthen Federal enforcement against5439        wage theft and increase penalties for employers who steal5440        workers' wages?54415442        (c). How will you ensure that Federal infrastructure funding5443        prioritizes union labor and creates good-paying jobs in5444        Maryland?54455446        (d). Maryland has invested in apprenticeship programs to help5447        workers enter high-demand industries. Will you support5448        increasing Federal funding for apprenticeship programs to5449        expand opportunities in Maryland and nationwide?54505451        (e). Do you support expanding Social Security benefits to5452        ensure that retirees--including low-wage workers--receive5453        enough income to retire with dignity?54545455    Answer 4(a)--(e). The Department of Labor enforces more than 1805456Federal workplace laws. I strongly believe in the missions of the5457Department's sub-agencies--including the Occupational Safety and Health5458Administration, the Wage and Hour Division, and the Registered5459Apprenticeship Program administered by the Employment and Training5460Administration.54615462    If confirmed, I look forward to partnering with the experienced5463professionals at the Department's agencies to assess resources. The5464Department will leverage its resources to effectively fulfill its5465mission. While the President proposes the budget, it is ultimately up5466to Congress to determine funding. I am committed to supporting the5467President in developing budget proposals that prioritize the protection5468of American workers, and I will ensure that any resources allocated are5469used efficiently and responsibly.54705471    With respect to Federal infrastructure funding priorities and the5472Social Security program, I do not believe these programs fall within5473the Department's jurisdiction, but to the extent that they do, I would5474be happy to work with you to understand your priorities and concerns.54755476    Question 5. Women and people of color still face significant wage5477gaps.54785479        (a). Do you support robust enforcement of workplace anti-5480        discrimination laws?54815482        (b). Will you push for stronger pay equity measures, including5483        transparency requirements for large employers?54845485    Answer 5(a)--(b). No worker should be discriminated against in the5486workplace on the basis of race, sex, or other characteristics protected5487under Federal law. If confirmed, I am committed to ensuring the5488Department is a discrimination-free work environment. The Equal5489Employment Opportunity Commission, a Federal agency independent of the5490Department of Labor, has the responsibility to enforce civil rights5491laws as they relate to discrimination in hiring and the workplace. If5492confirmed I will be glad to provide technical assistance on any pay5493equity measures proposed by Senators that fall within the Department's5494remit.54955496    Question 6. Staff across the government who have worked on programs5497or published work related to communities of color have appeared on5498online ``target lists'' being compiled by conservative advocates.54995500        (a). Do you know of any ``target lists'' of DOL employees5501        compiled by the Administration or conservative activists?55025503        (b). Is it appropriate for Federal workers to be targeted? In5504        your capacity as Secretary, how will you protect all DOL5505        workers and their families from attacks such as these?55065507    Answer 6(a)--(b). I do not know of any ``target lists'' of5508employees and do not believe it's appropriate for Federal workers--5509career or political--to be targeted. If confirmed, I will work with the5510appropriate Department experts to understand any safety and security5511needs of Department employees.55125513    Question 7. Last month, the Department of Labor announced that its5514Wage and Hour Division is holding $6.8 million for more than 5,2005515workers in Maryland in back wages--which were secured after DOL wage5516theft investigations.55175518        (a). How are my constituents going to get the wages they are5519        owed with this Administration slashing the civil servants5520        responsible for investigating wage theft?55215522        (b). Any cuts to the Wage and Hour Division would prevent5523        investigators--who are already under funded and short-staffed--5524        from doing their jobs. Will the Administration commit to5525        exempting these investigators so they can continue to claw back5526        pay denied to employees by their employers?55275528    Answer 7(a)--(b). It is my understanding that the Wage and Hour5529Division maintains a data base of back wages collected but not yet5530distributed as a result of investigations under the agency's statutes,5531mainly under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The staffing levels at the5532Department do not affect the availability of that data base or the5533process by which workers can access the data base and obtain their5534funds.55355536    I am deeply committed to the Department of Labor's mission to5537foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job5538seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions;5539advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-5540related benefits and rights. If confirmed, I look forward to partnering5541with agency experts to assess resources. The Department will leverage5542its resources and staffing levels to effectively fulfill its mission.5543While the President proposes the budget, it is ultimately up to5544Congress to determine funding. I am committed to supporting the5545President in developing budget proposals that prioritize the protection5546of American workers, and I will ensure that any resources allocated are5547used efficiently and responsibly.55485549    Question 8. The Biden administration strengthened overtime5550protections for workers, ensuring that employees are fairly compensated5551for extra hours worked. Maryland has already passed legislation to5552increase its minimum wage. Many employers still misclassify workers as5553independent contractors to avoid providing benefits and fair wages.55545555        (a). Will you uphold these protections?55565557        (b). Do you support increasing the Federal minimum wage to $155558        per hour to help workers keep pace with the rising cost of5559        living?55605561        (c). Will you commit to ensuring that the Department of Labor5562        works with states to expand wage protections rather than5563        undermine them?55645565        (d). What steps will you take to crack down on worker5566        misclassification, particularly in industries like construction5567        and gig work?55685569    Answer 8(a)--(d). I cannot comment on the Fair Labor Standards Act5570overtime or independent contractor regulations specifically, as they5571are in litigation. If confirmed, I will consult with the Solicitor of5572Labor as well as the Department of Justice with respect to those5573matters. Apart from the litigation, if confirmed, I will consult with5574my advisors at the Department, including the Solicitor of Labor as well5575as the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, to determine the5576Department's course of action with respect to these regulations. The5577Federal minimum wage was last increased in 2009--over 15 years age.5578Certainly, the cost of living has increased since then, but it is not5579for the Secretary of Labor to decide whether to increase the Federal5580minimum wage or to what level. I understand state and local governments5581have implemented their own minimum wage statutes--based on the specific5582economic factors unique in those states and localities. For example, in5583Portland, Oregon, the minimum wage is nearly $16/hour. But what works5584for Portland may not work for Grant's Pass or other more rural areas in5585Oregon, so they have a different minimum wage. And of course this is5586even more diverse across the Nation.55875588    This is a very important and passionate issue for many people. I do5589commit--if confirmed--to working with you to provide the best data5590possible to help you and your colleagues make an informed decision when5591considering a legislative change.55925593    Question 9. Federal unions fought this week to prevent Elon Musk5594from accessing sensitive investigations data at the Department of5595Labor--some of which may be about his own companies.55965597        (a). Do you think it is a conflict of interest for an5598        individual who may be the subject of Department of Labor5599        investigations to access this sensitive data?56005601        (b). Can you guarantee that worker and investigations data was5602        not accessed by individuals without appropriate security5603        clearances?56045605    Answer 9(a)--(b). President Trump has stated that he will not allow5606conflicts of interest from Elon Musk, and Mr. Musk has committed to5607recusing himself from potential conflicts. If confirmed, I look forward5608to being briefed on the status of the DOGE efforts at the Department of5609Labor.5610                                 ______56115612    [Whereupon, at 12:15 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]56135614                                  [all]