President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is facing unexpected resistance—not from Democrats, but from Senate Republicans. And leading the charge? Senator Rand Paul, who is not happy about her past support for the Pro Act, a bill designed to gut right-to-work laws across the country.
In a move that could shake up the confirmation process, Paul believes up to 15 Senate Republicans could vote against Chavez-DeRemer. While the exact list of GOP skeptics remains unclear, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) has already called the nomination “concerning.”
Rand Paul: “I Can’t in Good Conscience Support Her”
Paul, a long-time champion of right-to-work laws, made it clear during Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation hearing that her past alignment with Big Labor is a dealbreaker.
“I’m not going to support her,” Paul told NBC News. “The PRO Act was about overturning right-to-work laws in 26 states. This would be a horrendous invasion of their prerogatives.”
And Paul is no RINO—he’s been a loyal Trump ally. That’s what makes his opposition to Chavez-DeRemer all the more significant.
“This is pretty dramatic, and I have not opposed any of Trump’s nominees, but… I can’t in good conscience support her since she supported the PRO Act,” he told Breitbart News.
What’s the Big Deal with the PRO Act?
The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is a radical, union-backed bill that would:
- Abolish right-to-work laws in 26 states, forcing workers to pay union dues just to keep their jobs.
- Expand the power of Big Labor, allowing unions to organize workplaces without employee consent.
- Crush independent contractors and freelancers by reclassifying them as employees subject to union rules.
Chavez-DeRemer tried to walk back her support for the bill, claiming she only backed it because she was “representing Oregon’s 5th District.” But Paul wasn’t buying it.
“The PRO Act would not only not have right-to-work nationally, but it would preempt and override all the state laws. It would repeal the state right-to-work laws. This would be an assault on freedom of choice for employees,” Paul warned.
Why Did Trump Pick Her?
Chavez-DeRemer is seen as a pro-labor Republican—an olive branch to the unions, particularly the Teamsters, who refused to endorse Kamala Harris for president. Sean O’Brien, the Teamsters’ president, praised the pick, calling her “the best choice” for labor.
That alone should raise serious red flags for conservatives. The left-wing Teamsters aren’t exactly known for backing America First candidates—so why are they pushing for her confirmation?
Republicans Divided—But Democrats May Save Her
Despite GOP opposition, Chavez-DeRemer could still get confirmed with Democrat support. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) has already signaled his backing, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) has expressed openness to voting for her.
The real question now is: Will Senate Republicans hold the line, or will they roll over and confirm someone who backed a bill designed to destroy right-to-work laws?
One thing’s for sure: Rand Paul isn’t backing down. And if he’s leading the fight, you can bet conservatives should be paying attention.
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