The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted 14-9 Thursday to approve the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer to be Labor secretary.
Her nomination now moves to the Senate floor for a final vote at a later date.
"With this administration, we have an opportunity to enact a new pro-America agenda that puts workers first," Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chairman of the committee, said in a statement. "Over the last several weeks, Representative Chavez-DeRemer demonstrated her commitment to this mission."
Chavez-DeRemer has "committed to preserving states’ Right-to-Work laws, ensuring Americans are not forced into unionization" if confirmed, he said.
Chavez-DeRemer, Cassidy added, also "committed to protecting independent workers and their flexibility to earn a living in the manner in which they choose. She understands the importance of the franchise model, which employs over nine million Americans and makes it easier to become a small business owner."
During her nomination hearing before the Committee on Feb. 19, Cassidy asked DeRemer if she'd work with the senators "on legislation to make sure that the independent worker and the small business are able to get the affordable benefits available to ordinary employees at larger companies."
Chavez-DeRemer responded that she'd "commit wholeheartedly on this issue."
Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Photo: Ike Hayman/Official House Photographer via Wikimedia Commons
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