Staff Reports
The nomination of Julie Su for Labor Secretary has faced strong opposition from Senate Republicans, who are urging President Biden to withdraw her nomination due to her controversial background. Despite being cleared by the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Su's nomination has been stalled for nearly two months, with Democrats failing to bring it up for a full vote. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) has expressed frustration over the delay. However, Su declined to be interviewed by the HELP Committee minority staff or the staff representing Republican senators on the committee, which has further fueled the concerns of the senators.
33 Republican Senators Call on Biden to Withdraw Su's Stalled Nom for Labor Secretary https://t.co/t4zWnz6Lx8
— RedState (@RedState) June 21, 2023
Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) criticized Su's testimony before Congress and called on President Biden to withdraw her nomination. In a letter organized by Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.), signed by 33 Republican senators, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the demand for Su's withdrawal was reiterated. The letter highlighted concerns about Su's past positions and actions, which have raised doubts about her suitability for the role of Labor Secretary.
US Labor Secretary nominee Julie Su was evasive, non-responsive, and outright dishonest at times in her testimony to Congress.
I urge the President to withdraw Su and choose a nominee who is on the side of American workers. pic.twitter.com/WVFSJMjfit
— Rep. Kevin Kiley (@RepKiley) June 14, 2023
Julie Su would harm small businesses and independent contractors as Labor Secretary.
Today I led a letter with @LeaderMcConnell and 31 of our Republican colleagues calling on President Biden to withdraw her nomination. https://t.co/I0KWrXYDTf
— Senator Mike Braun (@SenatorBraun) June 21, 2023
Several business groups, including the National Retail Federation, National Restaurant Association, and International Franchise Association, voiced their opposition to Su's nomination through a letter signed by over 30 organizations. They expressed concerns that confirming a labor secretary with a history of creating obstacles would have negative repercussions on the economy. Her involvement in California's AB 5 law, which had a severe impact on small businesses, was also mentioned. Additionally, Su's oversight was questioned in relation to fraudulent pandemic payments amounting to billions of dollars, which has led to California experiencing significant fraud with taxpayer funds.
Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has privately expressed his opposition to Su's nomination, making it crucial for President Biden to secure every Democratic vote in support. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) have yet to disclose their voting intentions, with Senator Sinema being approached by both sides of the Su nomination debate. Republican senators are urging swift action to withdraw Su's nomination, as the concerns surrounding her background and past actions raise substantial questions that require careful consideration by President Biden.
