President Joe Biden has renominated Julie Su to serve as secretary of labor, garnering praise from members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Su’s nomination was announced on January 8 after receiving endorsements from CAPAC in February 2023. The chairs of CAPAC, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) joined forces to write a letter urging Senate leaders to confirm Acting Secretary Su.
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu applauded Su’s nomination, highlighting her background as the daughter of immigrant small business owners and her track record of supporting workers’ rights and fostering economic growth. Chu urged the Senate to swiftly confirm Su, noting that she would be the first Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Cabinet secretary in the Biden-Harris Administration.
Rep. Robert C. Bobby Scott, Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, expressed his full support for Su’s renomination. Scott emphasized Su’s personal journey as a first-generation law school graduate and the daughter of immigrant entrepreneurs, stating that she embodies the American Dream. He commended Su’s commitment to serving workers throughout her career and highlighted the progress made under her leadership at the Department of Labor, including expanded workplace protections, improved wages, and low unemployment rates.
Senator Mazie Hirono praised Su’s advocacy for working people and families, emphasizing her effectiveness in mediating labor disputes and supporting the administration’s efforts to drive economic progress. Hirono called on the Senate to confirm Su as the next secretary of labor to further advance worker rights, businesses, and the economy. The senator had previously expressed her strong support for Su’s nomination in a letter to President Biden and has consistently voiced her endorsement of Su’s work, both on the Senate floor and through public statements.
The renomination of Julie Su reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to prioritizing diversity and inclusion in its Cabinet appointments. If confirmed, Su would become the first AANHPI Cabinet secretary in the administration. Her extensive experience in labor and workforce development, combined with her personal background, positions her to be an advocate for workers and a driving force behind the nation’s economic recovery. With endorsements from CAPAC and other influential leaders, Su’s confirmation appears imminent as she continues to gain bipartisan support.
