Labor Secretary Nominee Alex Acosta Clears Senate Committee

Employment Law

Although the Senate HELP Committee approved Alexander Acosta for Labor Secretary on a party-line vote, it is unclear whether the Senate will schedule a full floor vote before a two-week recess that starts April 10.  Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) said he expects Mr. Acosta to be confirmed and noted, "We are fortunate to have a presidential nominee for Labor Secretary who understands how a good-paying job is critical to helping workers realize the American dream for themselves and for their families."  At least one Democrat, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), has pledged to support the nominee when the full Senate holds a confirmation vote.  However, ranking committee member Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) said she voted against Mr. Acosta because he "deferred to the President and refused to take a strong stand on critical issues including expanding overtime pay to more workers, fighting for equal pay, and advocating for investments in job training and other key priorities of the Department of Labor."