Biden’s Labor Secretary Nominee Su Faces Republican Opposition in Senate

DOL Julie Su

Image Credit: © Paul Brady | Dreamstime.com

Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee Thursday on her nomination as labor secretary, defending her previous track record under former DOL Secretary Marty Walsh.

During her testimony, Su referenced her work with Walsh as the deputy secretary of labor, positioning herself as a partner in Walsh’s reformations during his tenure and adding that she served alongside him on multiple labor negotiations and employer support. Walsh has since endorsed Su for the role as labor secretary.

Su stated that in his nomination, President Joe Biden asked her to “finish the job that Secretary Walsh and I started.” “If confirmed as secretary of labor, I would work to preserve and expand the American dream for all Americans,” Su added.

Republicans grill Su over qualifications and experience

Su faced support and opposition from both sides of the political aisle, but was especially pressed by Republican lawmakers who questioned her experience. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT), who chairs the committee, opened the testimony by backing Su’s nomination, adding that any disapproval behind the nomination has little to do with her qualifications.

“This debate, really, has everything to do with the fact that Julie Su is a champion of the working class of this country who will stand up against the forces of corporate greed,” he said.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), however, questioned Su’s nomination and her record of supporting California labor regulations, suggesting that a confirmation could threaten several industries. Specifically, he expressed concerns about her support for A.B.5, a California law that reclassifies workers as employees instead of independent contractors. When asked whether she would advance the law as DOL secretary, Su responded that she would try to not enforce the law as federal regulation.

Cassidy also accused Su of being biased against corporations and favoring unions instead, stating that, “We need a labor secretary who is fair and unbiased in enforcing the nation’s labor laws.”

Republican lawmakers also challenged Su on her ability with labor negotiations, claiming her experience has been little to none. “To work behind Marty Walsh is one thing, and to learn from him, but you haven’t had experience negotiating a major deal between unions and management …What am I missing?” pressed Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT).

Sen. Tina Smith (D-MT) later confronted Romney’s statement, adding that Su had an “important role in contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association…”

Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), along with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), all declined whether they would vote to confirm Su in a confirmation vote on April 26.  

Su was previously confirmed as deputy secretary of labor in July 2021. Prior to that, Su headed the labor department for the state of California and began her career in government services as California labor commissioner.

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