Trump’s Labor Secretary Nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer Faces GOP Opposition Over Pro-Union Stance

Former GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary, is set to face a contentious Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, with Republican Sen. Rand Paul vowing to oppose her due to her past support for pro-union policies.

Chavez-DeRemer’s Labor Record Sparks GOP Division

Chavez-DeRemer was one of only three Republicans in the last Congress to support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a bill that aimed to expand workers’ rights to unionize and increase penalties for employers violating labor laws.

In her opening statement, she addressed concerns about her stance, stating:
“If confirmed, my job will be to implement President Trump’s policy vision… ensuring a level playing field for businesses, unions, and, most importantly, the American worker.”

Despite her reassurances, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has remained firm in his opposition, citing his strong support for right-to-work policies that the PRO Act would have weakened. Paul told NBC News:
“Her support for the PRO Act, which would not only oppose national right-to-work but would preempt state law on right-to-work — I think it’s not a good thing. And it’d be sort of hard for me to support her.”

Senate Vote Hangs in the Balance

With Republicans holding a 12-11 majority on the Senate HELP Committee, Chavez-DeRemer will need at least one Democrat to vote in favor of advancing her nomination if Paul votes against her. While her pro-union record could appeal to some Democrats, tensions remain high over Trump’s sweeping government overhaul and his administration’s federal worker firings.

Trump’s Cabinet Picks Face Minimal GOP Defections

So far, Trump’s Cabinet nominees have largely passed with Republican support. The most notable exception was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose confirmation required a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance after three GOP senators opposed him. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has also voted against three of Trump’s nominees.

Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican who lost her reelection bid in November, was the first GOP woman elected to Congress in Oregon. Now, she faces one of the toughest confirmation battles in Trump’s second term, with the final outcome hinging on bipartisan support.