Senator Murray expresses concern on new Labor nominee

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) said Thursday she has concerns about Alexander Acosta, President Trump’s new choice for the Secretary of Labor.

Murray, the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, will be involved in the Senate hearing on Acosta’s nomination.

Acosta, a former member of the National Labor Relations Board under President George W. Bush and currently the dean of the Florida International University College of Law, replaces Andrew Puzder, who withdrew his name from consideration for the post earlier this week.

Murray issued this statement on the new nominee:

“People across the country have sent a very clear message that they want a true champion for workers as Secretary of Labor, one who will work for them, not just those at the top – and I am committed to standing with them and fighting back against any attempts by President Trump to continue breaking his promises to workers and families.

“I look forward to carefully reviewing Mr. Acosta’s qualifications and background, and meeting with him to discuss his plans and vision for the Department.

“I have some initial concerns about his record, and especially based on what we’ve seen in past nominees from President Trump, I will continue to insist on a rigorous and thorough vetting process in which Senators get the information we need and have all reasonable questions answered.”

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