Washington, D.C.—Today, Andrew Puzder withdrew his nomination for U.S. Secretary of Labor. CLASP opposed Mr. Puzder’s nomination, and we are heartened that a broad-based coalition effort was successful in preventing a candidate so unfit for the job of defending and advancing the interests of workers from being appointed to this vital role.

Mr. Puzder’s nomination was a disastrous mistake due to his disregard for the core role of the U.S. Department of Labor in protecting workers. Low-wage workers, who are particularly vulnerable to wage theft and exploitation, need a strong Department of Labor to ensure they can succeed in their pursuit of economic security. In addition to existing protections, workers also need new standards that improve the quality of their jobs through paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, greater opportunities for skill development and job training, and a higher minimum wage. Mr. Puzder expressed disdain for many of these critical policies.

As an organization with a particular focus on low-wage workers and the conditions of their employment, CLASP hopes the Trump Administration will take this opportunity to reset its search and nominate a leader who will embrace his or her role in protecting hardworking Americans. The economic future of the entire country depends on it.

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CLASP is a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty organization advancing policy solutions that work for low-income people. With nearly 50 years of trusted expertise, a deeply knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to practical yet visionary approaches to opportunity for all, CLASP lifts up the voices of poor and low-income children, families, and individuals, equips advocates with strategies that work, and helps public officials put good ideas into practice. The organization’s solutions directly address the barriers that individuals and families face because of race, ethnicity, and immigration status, in addition to low income. For more information, visit clasp2022.tealmedia.dev and follow @CLASP_DC.