Lori Chavez-Dederemer, the Pro-Union Republican tapped by President Donald Trump For Labor Secretary, witnessed for the Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (Help) on Wednesday, asking Senators’ questions about her support for protecting the right to organize (pro) Act.
Chavez Dederemer supported the Pro Act as a representative for the 5th congress district of Oregon. She told Senators on Wednesday that she no longer supports the aspect of the Pro Act that would have destroyed the right -wing laws supported by the Republicans who could give her the favor of some Republican senators who were reluctant to confirm her nomination.
The Pro ACT would effectively kill laws at state level that prevent employers and trade unions to oblige employees to pay trade union rights as a condition for their employment. Republicans, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.Against the Pro Act for destroying the right to work laws. Paul said he would not support her if she would continue to support the pro act.
“If she wanted to make a public statement stating that her support for the Pro Act was incorrect and that no longer, I would think of her nomination,” Paul told Fox News Digital in a statement prior to the hearing of Chavez-Denemer .
Lori Chavez-Dederemer, the choice of President Donald Trump to lead the labor department, testifies during her confirmation hearing for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on February 19, 2025 in Washington, DC (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty images)
As a member of the Help Committee, Paul had the opportunity to ask Chavez Dederemer about the Pro Act on Wednesday.
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“So you no longer support the aspect of the Pro Act that would have destroyed the Rights of the State?” Paul asked during the hearing.
Chavez Dederemer agreed that she no longer supports the aspect of the Pro Act that would have destroyed the rights at the work of the State and replied: “Yes, sir.”
“Just like President Trump, I believe that our labor laws must be updated and modernized to reflect the current workforce and the business environment,” said Chavez Dederemer on Wednesday. “As a member of the congress, the Pro Act was the bill to conduct the conversations that were deeply important for the population of the 5th congress district of Oregon. I acknowledge that that bill was imperfect, and I also acknowledge that I no longer represent Oregon as a legislator. “
Senator Rand Paul has already said that he intends to vote against the Labor Secretary Pick by President Donald Trump. (Reuters)
Senator Tommy TubervilleR-Ala, also asked Chavez Dederemer about the Pro Act and wondered if she would change the right to work of Alabama.
“My voters at home want to know that. Are you going to try to change our status as a right-to-work?” Early Tuberville during the hearing.
“I respect the fact that you come from a right to work, and I respect the fact that you can stay a right to work,” said Chavez Dederemer.
Chavez Dederemer emphasized the distinction between representing Oregon as a congressman and representing the agenda of Trump as a labor secretary.
“I signed up with the Pro Act because I represented the 5th district of Oregon, but I also registered with the Pro Act because I wanted to be at that table and had those conversations. I have fully support states that their right Wanting to protect, full-to-work, “said Chavez Dederemer.
Lori Chavez-Dederemer, the choice of President Donald Trump to lead the labor department, greeted a member of the Senator Bernie Sanders (i-VT) ranking while she arrives for her confirmation hearing for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in the Dirkssen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on February 19, 2025 in Washington, DC (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty images)
Senator Bernie Sanders (IV.T.) The hearing began by wondering if Chavez Dederemer would remain her pro-union values ​​or bow the knee for the “authoritarian” rule of Trump.
‘You will have to make a choice. Do you want to be a rubber stamp for the anti-worker agenda of Elon MuskJeff Bezos and other multi-billionaires who are obviously anti-trade union? “Sanders asked.
‘Or are you going to stand with working families throughout the country? So that is really the most important problem. It’s not just your record. This is a very unusual administration. In my opinion we go to an authoritarian society where one person is huge power, “Sanders added.
Chavez Dederemer was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Shawn Deremer, father Richard Chavez, mother Patricia Chavez, daughter Annie Deremer and other extensive family members.
Former Rep. Lori Chavez-Dederemer, the Labor Secretary-nominated for President Donald Trump, Center, watches during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, Labor and Pensions Committee on the Fasteling Heat in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. (Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty images)
In her opening statement, Chavez Dederemer thanked Trump and has credited him the “single greatest political performance of our time”.
“President Trump has united a new coalition of working class Americans as never before. With 59.6% of teamsters who supported him, historical support of Afro-American and Latino voters and record-breaking rise in once solid blue cities and states-Americans are Those are loud and clear speaking.
Chavez -Dederemer argued for trading school investments to expand “educational paths outside the traditional four -year course” programs that will strengthen the American workforce. She was committed to leveling the playing field for American companies, employees and trade unions.
The then Vormer-President Donald Trump is holding a fist during a campaign field in the Santander Arena on November 4, 2024 in Reading, Pennsylvania. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty images)
“My report of cooperation shows a shared conviction that under the leadership of President Trump we can deliver real solutions. Putting American employees in the first place is not only a vision, but a promise to fight for every working mother, single father, small Business owner and every American strives for their honest shot at the American Dream, “said Chavez-Dederemer.
Less than three weeks after he was chosen as president, Trump Chavez Dederemer nominated for the American Labor Minister.
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“Lori has tirelessly worked with both things and work to build the workforce of America and to support the hard -working men and women of America,” Trump said. “I look forward to working with her to create a huge opportunity for American employees, to expand training and students, increase wages and improve working conditions, bring back our production paths. Together we will be historical Collaboration between companies and labor that will recover the American dream for working families. “
Julia Johnson from Fox News has contributed to this report.
