Biden Renominates Julie Su as Labor Secretary

Washington, D.C. – In a move reflecting confidence in her leadership, President Joe Biden has renominated Julie Su for the role of U.S. Secretary of Labor. This announcement comes after a considerable delay in the Senate, where her confirmation has been pending for over ten months. Su, who has been effectively leading the Department of Labor as the acting secretary since Marty Walsh’s departure, has made substantial strides in her role over the past year.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) has been vocal in her support for Su, applauding President Biden’s decision to renominate her. Duckworth highlighted Su’s accomplishments in her statement, particularly her efforts in enhancing apprenticeship programs and successfully negotiating critical labor agreements across various industries. These achievements, according to Duckworth, demonstrate Su’s capability and readiness to serve as the Department’s highest-ranking official.

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) also expressed strong support for Su, emphasizing her unique background as the daughter of immigrant small business owners and her extensive career dedicated to supporting workers’ rights. Chu’s endorsement is significant, as Su’s confirmation would mark her as the first AANHPI Cabinet Secretary in the Biden-Harris Administration, a milestone for representation in government.

In her tenure as acting secretary, Su has been at the forefront of several key initiatives. Notably, she played a crucial role in negotiating a labor deal for West Coast dockworkers and was instrumental in averting a potentially crippling strike in the freight rail sector in 2022. Her commitment to broadening employee training programs and tackling wage theft has also been a highlight of her tenure.

Reflecting on the Department’s achievements in 2023, Su pointed out the addition of 199,000 jobs in November, marking a continuation of the administration’s successful streak of low unemployment. This accomplishment is part of the broader economic growth under the Biden Administration, showcasing Su’s effective leadership in fostering a strong labor market.

Supporters of Julie Su have been advocating for her permanent appointment, emphasizing the need for a strong leader who champions the rights of workers and ensures fair labor practices. They view Su as a leader who can uphold the dignity and respect of the American working middle class while ensuring they are compensated with livable wages.

As 2024 begins, Julie Su’s renomination is not just a recognition of her past year’s achievements but also a signal of the administration’s commitment to continuing progress in labor rights and economic growth. Her leadership is seen as crucial in shaping policies that represent and benefit all American workers.

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