Washington, D.C. — Today, less than a day after embattled Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder withdrew his name from consideration, President Donald Trump announced that Alexander Acosta is his new pick to run the department. Acosta is currently the dean of Florida International University College of Law and previously served as assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division under President George W. Bush. Karla Walter, Director of Employment Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
The gap between Donald Trump’s campaign trail promises to American families and his actions grows greater by the day. Following the incredibly sordid and anti-worker revelations behind Trump’s last labor secretary nominee, Andrew Puzder—whose withdrawal was a win for working Americans—Alexander Acosta’s record and actions must be scrutinized very closely. Senate Republicans must stand down from any attempt to rush the vetting and confirmation process.
The leader of the U.S. Department of Labor should not look out for the needs of the wealthy elite while leaving workers behind. It is key for the labor secretary nominee to have a proven record of standing up for the many issues—fair and equal wages, civil rights, safe workplaces, and more—that are essential to working people. Policymakers must again fully vet Acosta’s record to ensure that he will fight to raise wages, keep workers safe on the job, and remove discrimination from the workplace.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Allison Preiss at [email protected] or 202.478.6331.