Lori Chavez DeRemer is the nominee of President Donald Trump for Secretary Labor. She faces a difficult path to confirmation in the Senate, and requires Democratic support from the committee because there are bipartisan concerns about her changing position regarding the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO).
What is the intersection of labor, politics, and business?
Labor unions were historically aligned with Democrats, but in recent years a portion of them has gravitated to the Republican Party. This has had a significant impact on Trump’s wins in key states, such as Michigan. Chavez-DeRemer is in an interesting position, as her co-sponsorship on the PRO Act has led to her being backed by some unions. The support of unions contrasts sharply with that of traditional Republican supporters, the business community, who have expressed concerns about Chavez-DeRemer’s potential as a leader.
Understanding the Pro Act
The PRO Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that aims to boost labor unions’ power. Some of the key provisions are strengthening unions’ ability to organise, penalizing companies who hinder unionization efforts and weakening “right-to-work” laws which give workers an option not to join unions. This debate over the PRO Act highlights a conflict between companies and labor unions.
Chavez-DeRemer is a Republican, who represented Oregon’s 5th district congressional district between 2023 and 2025. She previously held a Democratic district. Her moderate track record has alleviated concerns from some Democrats. Her relatively moderate performance in the House, and nuanced views on labor issues have led to this perception.
Chavez DeRemer’s position is precarious because the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has a Republican majority of 11-10. It is essential that her nomination be approved by the full Senate. This will set up a showdown between Democrats and Republicans over an important agency.
The reservations that Senator Paul expressed to NBC News back in January stem from Chavez DeRemer’s prior co-sponsorship for the PRO Act. Paul is a strong advocate of right to work legislation and views her support for the PRO Act, which she co-sponsored in 2007, as being contrary to his principles.
Paul asked Chavez-DeRemer directly about the co-sponsorship during her confirmation hearing. She seemed to be distancing herself from some aspects of the legislation.
Bernie Sanders (an independent Vermont senator who has aligned himself with Democrats) criticized Sanders’s evolving position, stressing that the PRO Act aims to curtail illegal conduct by corporations. Sanders challenged her commitment to the PRO Act, by highlighting the illegal conduct of corporations in the past.
Sanders has not decided on Sanders’ nomination. If Paul remains opposed, his vote may be critical. Sanders acknowledged positives in her career, but expressed concerns that she could act as a rubber-stamp for Elon Musk who heads the Department of Government Efficiency Task Force.
Another Democrat, Senator Patty Murray of Washington State is also open to Trump’s nomination.
Murray said previously, “As the original author of PRO Act I am glad to see that Representative Chavez DeRemer is co-sponsoring the bill we wrote together,” Murray. I look forward to carefully reviewing Representative Chavez DeRemer’s credentials leading up to hearing her and to a thorough screening process.
Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin senator, has promised Chavez-DeRemer a fair shake. Tim Kaine of Virginia also expressed an openness towards her support, but also voiced concerns over potential influence of President Trump and Elon Musk on the Department of Labor. Consider each candidate separately and keep an eye on the big picture.
Some Senators seem to be more hostile towards her nomination.
Chris Murphy from Connecticut, who has expressed concerns regarding Chavez DeRemer’s commitment to constitutional principles and her ability to understand unions, declared an absolute “no”. He did so despite acknowledging Chavez DeRemer’s knowledge of the subject. His decision was based on the belief that she would have been better off withdrawing from consideration if President Trump had intended that she act illegally.
Chavez-DeRemer on the Pro Act
Chavez DeRemer did not respond positively to a question about her position on the provisions of the PRO Act, which weakens “right-to work” laws.
“I signed the PRO Act as I represent Oregon’s Fifth District. But I also signed the PRO Act to have these discussions and be there at this table. “I fully support those states that want to defend their right to employment,” explained she. Listening to constituents is important for any representative of a particular district.
Her opposition to the elimination of “secret ballots” at union elections was also stated.
The Voices of the Debate
Lori Chavez DeRemer during her introduction statement My journey, like many Americans’ is deeply rooted in the values that my mother and father instilled. The fair compensation and benefits received by my father, an ardent Teamster who has worked for more than 30 years to ensure our family’s security and stability. His example taught me the importance of hard work, determination and perseverance.
Sean O’Brien, General President of Teamsters: The working class needs someone who has her level of experience to lead the agency that’s tasked with creating union jobs and building our middle class. Teamsters express their gratitude to President Trump who put American workers before himself by nominating Rep. Chavez DeRemer for this crucial role.
Marc Short is the former Chief of Staff for Vice President Mike Pence. He appears on X. If Bernie Sanders and Randi Winegarten endorse your candidate, then it is clear that she will not stand up for conservative economic policies. Lori Chavez DeRemer is not going to fight for the conservative agenda.”
What lies ahead?
Next, a committee will vote on Chavez DeRemer’s nominee. Upon approval, Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination is put to the vote of the Senate. Republicans currently hold a 54-47 majority. Up to now, all the President Trump nominees have been supported by the Senate, except for Pete Hegseth’s vote as Secretary of Defense.