On March 10, 2025, the Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL) by a vote of 67-32. Nearly all Republicans and several Senate Democrats voted to confirm her nomination. Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican House member representing the 5th Congressional District of Oregon, served as a co-chair of the Congressional Printing Caucus. In her role as co-chair, she led the charge to educate her fellow members of Congress on how print is a vital and thriving part of our economy and contributes to nearly every aspect of our lives.
A year ago, on March 28, 2024, Chavez-DeRemer toured Premier Press, a PRINTING United Alliance member company located in her home district. Chavez-DeRemer spoke with employees and learned what it takes to produce award-winning print pieces. She also learned how Premier Press contributes to the community and the growth of the printing industry through programs that engage local students.
Additionally, Chavez-DeRemer attended the May 2024 Keep US Posted Mother’s Day Greeting Card event to highlight the importance of an affordable and reliable postal service. The Alliance is pleased to have an ally in Chavez-DeRemer.
Secretary DeRemer was a co-sponsor of the 2021 Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would have expanded labor protections related to employees’ rights to organize and collectively bargain in the workplace. In her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, however, the Secretary distanced herself from the bill, telling lawmakers that she co-sponsored in an effort to update labor laws. In the vetting process, she expressed her commitment to implementing President Trump’s policy vision aimed at creating a balanced environment for businesses, unions, and workers.
Nominated as Deputy Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling was advanced to the full Senate on March 6, 2025, from the Senate HELP Committee. If confirmed, Sonderling would serve as chief operating officer, overseeing 17,000 employees, and a $14 billion budget. Sonderling told the HELP Committee that he supports increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the federal workforce if that use complies with civil rights and health and safety laws.
Most recently, he served for 5 years as a commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and as acting administrator of the Wage & Hour Division in the DOL during the first Trump administration. Sonderling is already at work as a senior advisor at the DOL while awaiting confirmation.
The Alliance looks forward to working with DOL’s incoming leadership and collaborating on industry-friendly policies and workforce development. The Alliance provides expert assistance in labor and employment issues. Please reach out to Adriane Harrison, vice president of human relations consulting, at aharrison@printing.org for guidance.
In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the confirmation of Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor and the nomination of Keith Sonderling as Deputy Secretary of Labor advancing for a vote before the full Senate. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.