Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has expressed strong opposition to Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary, citing her support for the PRO Act as a key reason. Paul stated that if Chavez-DeRemer continues to back this legislation, he will not be able to support her nomination, arguing that the PRO Act would undermine the right-to-work laws currently in place in 28 states.
During a recent interview, Paul emphasized the economic advantages of right-to-work states, which he claims are outperforming others in terms of unemployment and economic growth. He noted that these laws allow workers the freedom to choose whether or not to pay union dues without facing workplace penalties, a principle he believes is crucial for employee autonomy.
The PRO Act, according to Paul, would not only eliminate the right-to-work laws at the national level but also override existing state laws that protect workers’ rights to opt out of union dues. He described this potential change as an "assault on freedom of choice" for employees, particularly affecting the 28 states that currently uphold right-to-work regulations.
Paul, who has historically supported Trump’s nominees, indicated that this situation is different due to his long-standing commitment to the right-to-work movement. He plans to question Chavez-DeRemer during her upcoming confirmation hearing, seeking clarity on her stance regarding the PRO Act. If she does not renounce her support for the legislation, Paul believes she may struggle to gain bipartisan support.
While Paul has characterized Chavez-DeRemer as a "pleasant" individual, he insists that her public disavowal of the PRO Act is a prerequisite for his vote. He criticized the administration for not selecting a nominee who is more aligned with pro-worker and pro-labor principles, suggesting that there were other candidates who could have better represented these values without compromising on right-to-work laws.
Despite his concerns, Paul praised Trump for his overall track record in selecting nominees, stating that he would likely choose many of the same individuals if he were in a position of authority. As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes will be on Chavez-DeRemer and her responses to the concerns raised by Paul and other lawmakers regarding the future of labor laws in the United States.