On the last legislative day before a long congressional recess, the Senate on Tuesday confirmed Keith Sonderling as Secretary of Labor by a vote of 47-41, giving President Donald Trump’s administration a permanent labor chief after nearly six months under acting leadership.
The confirmation came after weeks of delay and a party-line debate that underscored deep divisions over worker protections, overtime rules and the future of federal labor policy. Democrats opposed Sonderling, citing his record at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and his views on workplace regulation.
Sonderling, a former deputy secretary of labor who had been serving as acting secretary since April, will now lead the Department of Labor on a permanent basis. He succeeds Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned earlier this year to take a position in the private sector.
The vote, which fell largely along party lines, was the final roll call before the Senate adjourned for a multi-week break, a timing that administration officials said made the confirmation particularly important.
A long road to confirmation
Sonderling’s nomination was announced in early 2026, but his confirmation process stalled amid questions about his handling of labor disputes and his stance on union rights. Democrats on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee pressed him on whether he would enforce existing worker protections, including overtime pay and workplace safety standards.
During his confirmation hearing, Sonderling said he would “enforce the law as written” and work to modernize the department’s approach to a changing workforce, including gig workers and remote employees.
“I am committed to ensuring that American workers have safe workplaces, fair wages and opportunities to advance,” Sonderling told senators. “I will lead the department with integrity and a focus on results.”
Republicans praised Sonderling as a qualified and experienced leader who understands both business and labor concerns. Sen. Bill Cassidy, the committee’s chairman, called him “a steady hand” for the department.
“Keith Sonderling has served this department with distinction, and he is ready to lead it on day one,” Cassidy said on the Senate floor.
Democratic opposition
Democrats, however, argued that Sonderling’s record at the EEOC raised concerns about his commitment to protecting workers from discrimination and retaliation. They pointed to decisions during his tenure that they said weakened enforcement.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said Sonderling had “repeatedly sided with corporate interests over workers” and urged colleagues to reject the nomination.
“This is not a nominee who will stand up for working families,” Sanders said. “He is a nominee who will roll back protections that workers have fought decades to secure.”
Despite the opposition, Sonderling’s confirmation was never in serious doubt, given the Republican majority in the Senate. The 47-41 vote reflected near-unanimous Republican support, with a handful of Democrats joining in favor.
What comes next for the Labor Department
As secretary, Sonderling will oversee a department with broad responsibilities, including workplace safety, wage and hour enforcement, unemployment insurance and job training programs.
Administration officials said his immediate priorities will include updating overtime regulations, expanding apprenticeship programs and addressing labor shortages in key industries.
“Secretary Sonderling will bring a focus on American workers and American competitiveness,” a White House official said in a statement after the vote. “He understands that a strong workforce is the foundation of a strong economy.”
Labor unions, however, said they will watch closely to see whether Sonderling follows through on promises to protect workers.
“We will hold the secretary accountable,” said a spokesperson for the AFL-CIO. “Workers deserve a labor secretary who will fight for them, not just for employers.”
A final vote before recess
The timing of the confirmation — on the last day before recess — was not accidental, according to Senate aides. Republican leaders wanted to ensure the department had permanent leadership heading into the fall, when Congress is expected to take up major labor legislation.
Sonderling is expected to be sworn in later this week, with a formal ceremony planned at the Department of Labor headquarters in Washington.
Sources
USN reviewed Senate floor remarks, committee testimony and confirmation reporting for this story. Read more from HR Dive, Transport Topics and OnLabor.