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Labor Secretary Nominee Andy Puzder's Confirmation Hearing 'Indefinitely' Delayed


For those who have not been following the developments in the Department of Labor as of late, let me take a few minutes to give you an overview of what is going on.

President Trump nominated CKE CEO Andy Puzder to the position of Labor Secretary.  (The Labor Secretary is a part of the President's cabinet and as head of the Department of Labor, is entrusted with exercising control over the department, enforces and advises on laws that impact unions, the workplace, and other matters that involve the employer-employee dynamic).  Puzder lacks the 'typical' prior experience in government that many former Labor Secretaries have had.  Instead, Puzder boasts a lengthy track record in the private sector (CKE is the owner of companies such as Carl's Jr. & Hardee's).  While the prior Labor Secretary, Tom Perez, had championed the new overtime regulations and pushed for higher minimum wage rates, Puzder has made prior comments against increased minimum wage rates and in favor of the benefits of automation. 

Even though Republicans have majority control of Congress and can confirm any of Trump's nominees (so long as Republicans vote along party lines), there has been fierce opposition to several nominees, including Puzder.  As I have noted in previous weeks, with increased pressure on members of Congress to vote against Puzder (because of those who do not think Puzder's background demonstrates that he would make decisions in the best interests of hourly workers), a requirement that Puzder divest himself from a lot of his investments/business relationships (if confirmed), among other issues, there has been speculation that Puzder would instead withdraw as the nominee.  In fact, a report had surfaced a few weeks ago that Puzder might be having second thoughts about the position.

The Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (which will hold Puzder's confirmation hearing), has set Puzder's hearing four separate times (January 12, January 17, February 2, and February 7)...only to keep pushing it back.  According to the Chairman of the committee, Republican Senator Lamar Alexander, the delays are a result of Puzder not submitting requested documents and responses to written questions, as is common before a confirmation hearing occurs.  As a result of Puzder's apparent continued delays, the Chairman has 'indefinitely' postponed Puzder's confirmation hearing, which had been set for today.

To make the situation even more uncertain, a report emerged late yesterday that Puzder and his wife had previously hired an undocumented housekeeper for several years. A statement was subsequently released in which Puzder stated he and his wife had not been aware of the housekeeper's immigration status and when it became known, they no longer employed the housekeeper.  They claim that they did, however, pay all back taxes as required by law.  Granted, this likely is not detrimental to Puzder's nomination (as Senator Alexander said it would not derail the nomination)...but this certainly is not welcomed news, especially given the hard line stance that President Trump has towards immigration issues.

In the meantime, acting Labor Secretary Edward Hugler remains in the position until Trump's nominee (Puzder or otherwise) is finally confirmed.  Stay tuned.


For additional information:  http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/labor-nominee-andy-puzder-hired-undocumented-household-employee-n717656

For additional information on the acting Labor Secretary:  http://www.natlawreview.com/article/edward-hugler-named-acting-secretary-labor

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