Chavez-DeRemer Tapped for Labor Secretary

Incoming President Donald Trump has selected Lori Chavez-DeRemer as his nominee for Labor Secretary.

The former congresswoman’s selection was announced Nov. 22. She served two years in the house as a representative of Oregon, but failed to maintain the seat in this year’s election.

“Lori has worked tirelessly with both business and labor to build America’s workforce, and support the hardworking men and women of America,” Trump wrote.

Her nomination, which requires Senate approval, has already elicited a response from one trucking organization. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) issued a statement seeking “a thorough vetting and confirmation process,” specifically citing her “past positions in Congress” on labor relations and independent contractors. The release specifically mentioned her support of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, a measure stalled in Congress that empowers labor unions.

ATA President Chris Spear stated that the group will “reserve our support for Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination until we receive greater clarity from her on these issues that are so vital to our workforce.”

Chavez-DeRemer is the most recent cabinet pick in key areas that influence the trucking industry, following the nominations of Sean Duffy as Transportation Secretary and Lee Zeldin’s selection to head the Environmental Protection Agency.