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What I've Been Reading This Week: Inauguration Edition


For those readers who might not have noticed, today is Inauguration Day of the 45th President of the United States.  As much fun as it would be to get into an in depth discussion of the political issues of the day, we will instead stay on topic and take a closer look at President Trump's nomination for Labor Secretary, Andy Puzder.  I have written about Trump's nominee previously, but given that confirmation hearings are yet to occur (and today is Inauguration Day), I think it is appropriate to dedicate this topic to Puzder.

As always, below are a couple articles that caught my eye this week.


A Closer Look at Andy Puzder

Let us start at the beginning and take a closer look at Andy Puzder.  Many readers likely have not heard his name mentioned before (as he does not have a political background and instead comes to the table with sizeable experience in the private sector).  Jodi Kantor and Jennifer Medina at The New York Times have one of the more concise and clear cut articles that gives readers a feel for Puzder and how his background (CEO of CKE Restaurants, opponent of large scale minimum wage hikes such as the "Fight for $15" movement, and opposition to mandatory rest breaks, among other positions) could shape how he leads the Department of Labor, should he become the Labor Secretary.


Puzder's Fellow Fast Food Executives Come to His Aide

Earlier this month, the International Franchise Association called on its members to sign a letter of support that would be delivered to the Senate before Puzder's confirmation hearing.  At this point, as Leslie Patton and Shannon Pettypiece at The Durango Herald write, about 500 to 600 companies have signed the letter in support of Puzder.  While some Democrats have identified Puzder as a potential nominee that can be blocked, if Republicans vote along party lines and do not flip, Puzder will become the next Labor Secretary.  Whether this letter will have any impact on any Senators is probably unlikely, but for those wondering, Puzder certainly does have his supporters.


Coalition Forming to Oppose Puzder's Nomination

Noam Scheiber over at The New York Times recently noted that several prominent Democrats (including Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren) and labor union allies have been gathering in an attempt to plot how to block Puzder's nomination for Labor Secretary.  Although Republicans control the Senate 52 - 48 (and only a simple majority of votes are needed to approve Puzder), Democrats are hopeful that they can flip at least a few Republicans in order to block Puzder from becoming the next Labor Secretary.  Is this nothing short of wishful thinking?  Perhaps, but that leads us to our next article...


Reports Surface That Puzder May Be Rethinking Accepting Nomination

Earlier this week, a report surfaced that Puzder was apparently having second thoughts about becoming the next Labor Secretary.  CNN reported that an unnamed Republican source said that Puzder "may be bailing" because he was not up for the onslaught of criticism and paperwork that the nomination entailed.  At this point, the entire thing is likely nothing short of speculation (with this report from CNN and being credited to an unnamed Republican source).  In fact, after the CNN story broke, Puzder tweeted that he was looking forward to his upcoming confirmation hearing.  With that being said, this has caught the attention of several anti-Puzder advocates and will likely fuel their fight against his nomination. 


Puzder's Confirmation Hearing Set For February 2nd

Over at Politico, Marianne Levine writes that Puzder will finally get his confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on February 2nd, assuming Puzder does not back out, as noted above.  Readers might have heard that the hearing was tentatively set for this past Tuesday but was pushed back when Education Secretary nominee Betsy Devos' hearing was reset.  If anything, this will give Democrats additional time to coordinate on a strategy to defeat the nomination...and more time for supporters of Puzder to wonder if he will drop out.  This should make for an interesting next few weeks.

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