The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions recently voted 14-9 to recommend Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation as the head of the Department of Labor, a department entangled in legal disputes over Elon Musk’s team accessing federal data systems. Despite Chavez-DeRemer being perceived as relatively pro-labor, some senators plan to oppose all remaining Trump Cabinet picks in protest of the administration’s extensive government restructuring efforts.

During her confirmation hearing, Chavez-DeRemer faced scrutiny from Republican senators regarding her past support for pro-union legislation, particularly the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Notably, she declined to express explicit support for the PRO Act, which aimed to facilitate unionization and penalize employer interference.

Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination garnered bipartisan support, with Sen. Cassidy highlighting her potential to unite unions and businesses for a better future. If confirmed, she would oversee the Department of Labor’s significant workforce and budget, dictating policies on wages, workplace safety, employee rights, and employer prerogatives.

Chavez-DeRemer’s hearing also raised questions about her stance on key issues like worker advocacy and oversight of Musk’s companies, currently under investigation by OSHA. Her response, emphasizing her role as a servant of the President, left some Democrats concerned about her commitment to protecting workers’ interests in the face of potential conflicts.

Overall, Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation represents a pivotal moment for the Department of Labor, with stakeholders closely monitoring her approach to labor issues and potential interactions with Musk’s ventures amid ongoing legal battles.