Strongly supported by the AFL-CIO, the MTD and the entire labor movement, Thomas Perez has been confirmed as the new Secretary of Labor by a vote of 54-46.
The nomination, which was held up for months, finally got through the Senate after Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and a number of Senate Republicans reached an agreement that allowed seven of President Obama’s nominations to be considered. In exchange, Reid promised to drop plans to change the Senate working rules regarding filibusters. Frustrated by countless delays in the nominating process, Senate Democrats were set to enact a plan to end the use of this delaying tactic on executive appointees.
Perez had been the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Prior to that, he served as Secretary for Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. He has been widely praised for his dedicating to the working men and women of this nation.
“His commitment to building opportunity for all makes Perez an ideal choice,” said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA). ”Of all the executive agencies, it may be the Department of Labor that touches the lives of Americans the most on a day-to-day basis.”
MTD President Michael Sacco welcomed Perez to his new position, stating, “We look forward to Secretary Perez’ leadership in protecting and serving America’s working families. He has a strong track record of standing up for workers.”
Sacco also saluted Acting Labor Secretary Seth Harris for all of his hard work following the resignation of Hilda Solis in January.