The nomination of Keith Sonderling, President Trump’s pick to head the Department of Labor (DOL), has been approved by the committee of jurisdiction and now awaits a confirmation vote by the full Senate. Sonderling is currently Acting DOL Secretary.

The Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted in favor of the Sonderling nomination on July 30, on a party-line 12 to 11 vote. The full Senate is expected to confirm Sonderling after its return to Washington after Labor Day.

Sonderling served as deputy secretary at DOL during the year when Lori Chavez DeRemer served as Secretary. He has been viewed both within government and by the private sector as “an influential and steadying force in the agency.” As Acting Secretary, he was in charge of implementing the Trump labor agenda, which has been described as largely pro-management. He is expected to continue that tilt towards the management side of issues.

Sonderling has a history of public service—during President Trump’s first term he was a key official in DOL’s Wage and Hour Division, and also served as a commissioner at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Prospects: Sonderling has the respect of labor interests as well as employer/management groups. HELP Committee Chair Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said of him, “I am confident he will protect workers, help businesses create more jobs, and help workers navigate AI (artificial intelligence) driven changes.” And as one progressive labor consultant said, “I’ve always known hm to be a straight shooter and accessible. We disagree, but it’s always in a respectful fashion.” Expect largely favorable regulatory and enforcement activity at DOL during Sonderling’s tenure.

NAIFA Staff Contact: Jayne Fitzgerald – Director – Government Relations, at jfitzgerald@naifa.org.