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Ahead of Tomorrow's Confirmation Hearing, Is Labor Secretary Nominee Andy Puzder Out?


Note, as of the time of this post, the below information is what is known in regard to Andy Puzder's nomination for Labor Secretary  This story will likely change within the next few hours.


Tomorrow is scheduled to be the day President Donald Trump's nominee for Labor Secretary, Andy Puzder, has his confirmation hearing before a Senate committee.  However, as of this writing, serious concern had arisen over the viability of the nomination after details emerged about a tape from the Oprah Winfrey show in which Puzder's ex-wife alleged domestic abuse occurred during their marriage.  Even though Puzder's ex-wife has recanted this prior allegation, it has drawn additional unwanted attention to the nomination.  

Word leaked earlier this morning that there are already several firm 'no' votes among Republican Senators in regard to Puzder's nomination.  In fact, there are apparently enough 'no' votes to sink the nomination entirely.  As a result, pressure has increased this afternoon to have the White House withdraw its nomination of Puzder rather than have Puzder's nomination fall in the Senate.  With no apparent movement from the White House at this point, there is now speculation that Puzder himself will formally withdraw as the nominee (presumably before his confirmation hearing).  It has been reported that Puzder has yet to submit his opening statement ahead of tomorrow's confirmation hearing, which is unusual for a cabinet nominee.  In fact, Fox News reported twenty minutes ago that Puzder is expected to withdraw while the Huffington Post had stated that the White House was expected to withdraw the nomination sometime later today.  Either way, for those hoping to see Puzder become the next Labor Secretary, today has been nothing short of tumultuous.  

This of course begs the question of who President Trump would nominate as the new nominee for Labor Secretary.  For the time being, I will emphasize that Puzder remains the nominee to fill the spot formerly held by Tom Perez (under President Obama) & tomorrow's confirmation hearing is still set.  With that being said, keep an eye posted.  This story will likely eveolve over the next 24 hours...or more likely within the next few hours as more details emerge and/or official announcements are released from the White House or Puzder.  

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