DeLauro Statement on President-Elect Trump’s Plans to Nominate Andrew Puzder as Secretary of Labor

WASHINGTON, DC (December 8, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding news that President-elect Trump is expected to nominate Andrew Puzder, CEO of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s parent company CKE Restaurants, as Secretary of the Department of Labor.

“As a CEO, Mr. Puzder has an extensive record of engaging in marketing tactics that degrade women, fighting against paying workers their hard earned overtime, opposing expansion of the Affordable Care Act, and even allegedly failing to pay some of his workers. It should come as no surprise then that President-elect Trump has chosen Mr. Puzder as the nation’s top labor official.

“The Department of Labor has a long history as one of our nation’s most successful federal agencies, ensuring that every American who works hard and plays by the rules can enjoy dignified work and economic opportunity. From fighting against wage theft, to shielding employees from workplace hazards and discrimination, the Department of Labor is a lifeline for millions of Americans.

“Rather than work to roll back eight years of progress—including employer sponsored health insurance and overtime pay for federal contractors—President-elect Trump should look to strengthen workplace protections. Whether it is expanding overtime pay, raising the minimum wage, establishing schedules that work, or enacting 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, there are many steps he can take to make the U.S. a leader in labor.

“However, with Mr. Puzder, the fox is in the henhouse. His nomination represents the greatest assault on workers that we have seen in a generation and President-elect Trump should immediately withdraw his name. I strongly urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote against Mr. Puzder’s nomination and I will do all that I can to fight for every American worker to have economic opportunity and security.”

DeLauro is the Senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.