Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was one of three Senate Republicans who voted against President Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, citing concerns that her policies would pressure workers into union membership.
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman from Washington state, has now become the fourth major Trump nominee McConnell has opposed. His previous votes against Trump’s picks included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
In a statement explaining his decision, McConnell criticized what he described as a continuation of pro-union policies that he believes have harmed the economy in recent years. He argued that Chavez-DeRemer’s record suggests she would support measures that compel workers to join unions rather than allowing them to decide for themselves. He pointed to Kentucky’s “right-to-work” law as an example of policy that protects workers’ ability to choose union membership without coercion.
McConnell acknowledged that as Labor Secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would have the chance to shift the department’s focus and prioritize the interests of working families over labor union leadership. He expressed hope that she would use her position to empower workers to join unions voluntarily rather than through policy mandates.
Republican Senators Ted Budd of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined McConnell in opposing the nomination. Despite their votes, Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 67 to 32, receiving significant support from Democrats.