President Joe Biden has once again put forward Julie Su as the nominee for labour secretary, restarting the process after her initial nomination faced delays in the Senate. Su has been serving as the acting labour secretary since March, taking over from former Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, who moved on to become the executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association. During Su’s tenure as the acting head, the Department of Labor has been actively involved in formulating rules related to independent contractors, overtime, and apprenticeships.
President Biden initially nominated Su in late February, praising her dedication to ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all workers. However, her nomination faced significant opposition from Republican lawmakers and business interest groups, resulting in a 10-month delay. In June, 33 Republican senators sent an open letter to the president, urging him to withdraw Su’s nomination.
Reacting to Su’s renomination, U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Ca., Chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, expressed disbelief, stating that Biden has nominated his “failed nominee” once again. Kiley emphasized that the Senate had previously rejected Su on a bipartisan basis due to what he described as her “gross mismanagement and anti-worker agenda.”
In contrast, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, voiced his support for Su’s renomination. Sanders highlighted Su’s strong pro-worker track record during her time as the Acting Secretary, asserting that it unequivocally demonstrates her suitability for the role. He urged his colleagues to support Su’s nomination.
As the nomination process resumes, it remains to be seen how Su’s candidacy will fare in the Senate, given the previous challenges and the differing opinions among lawmakers.
