Lummis, 6 Members of Senate Western Caucus Demand Biden Withdraw Su Nomination

March 22, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and 6 Senate Western Caucus members sent a letter to President Joe Biden demanding he withdraw Julie Su's nomination to be Secretary of Labor. The letter cites how Su, who has been serving as Acting Secretary for more than a year without Senate confirmation, has enacted policies that have inflicted such significant financial hardship on farmers, ranchers and small businesses throughout the west that many are in danger of closing forever.

"Julie Su has done nothing but deliver one price hike after another for family-run businesses in Wyoming and throughout the west that are already struggling under the burden of record-high operating costs due to inflation and sky-high interest rates," said Lummis. "We need a Secretary of Labor who understands the value small businesses bring to communities and embraces innovation instead of one-size fits all big government mandates. Julie Su has hurt the west, and it is time for her to go."

"Julie Su's record at the Department of Labor suggests a significant bias against many industries important to Idaho, including mining and agriculture," said Risch. "The President must rescind her nomination and instead choose an appropriate nominee for the Secretary of Labor."

"Julie Su is another one of President Biden's radical nominees who poses a threat to our Montana and Western way of life," said Daines. "Without ever being confirmed to serve as Secretary of Labor, Biden has allowed Su to lead this department where she has taken steps to harm our mining, ag and energy sectors as well as the economy that supports our outdoor recreation. She must be removed immediately."

"Julie Su remains the wrong choice to lead the U.S. Department of Labor," said Thune."Instead of selecting a new nominee, President Biden continues to bow to the demands of Big Labor and push a far-left agenda that harms our nation's economy. It's past time for the president to withdraw her nomination."

Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), John Thune (R-SD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Danies (R-MT) and John Hoeven (R-ND) joined Lummis in sending the letter.

Background:

• Sheepherders in Wyoming, mostly family-run operations, that rely on H-2A visa workers have seen their businesses turn unprofitable because of regulations implemented by Su that require unrealistically high wages.
• Julie Su was originally nominated to be Secretary of Labor on February 28, 2023, but has languished in the Senate confirmation process.
  • Even in the Democrat-controlled Senate, her radical beliefs have prevented her from earning the votes required to be confirmed.

Click here to read the full letter.

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