Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Jennie L. Ilustre
Julie Su’s confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Labor is in jeopardy, with Sen. Joe Manchin (D, West VA) declaring his opposition recently.
Manchin cited Su’s “more progressive background” as a hindrance to compromise, according to NBC News. He wanted a secretary who will be a voice “for both labor and industry.”
With Senate Republicans united against her, and with the Democratic Senate’s slim 51-49 majority, it cannot afford to lose another vote.
Acting Labor Secretary Su needs one Senate vote to make it 50-50. In this scenario, Vice President Kamala Harris could then cast her tie-breaking vote.
Either Senator John Tester (D, Mont.) or Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) could replace the lost Manchin vote. But it’s a big if. Since Su’s nomination nearly five months ago, neither of them has divulged how they are going to vote. Sinema left the Democratic Party recently, but still caucuses with it.
The Senate Republicans are united in their opposition to Su, citing her controversial performance in California during the pandemic. The media reported Democrats are hoping they could convince Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski to cross party lines.
President Joe Biden’s support is “unwavering,” according to a White House official. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) told NBC on July 13 Su would make a very good Labor Secretary, adding they were all working hard to get her confirmed.
Many Senate Democrats also expressed confidence in Su’s qualifications for the job, NBC reported. Sen.Sherrod Brown said she’s going “to have enough votes,” adding she would be confirmed.
The latest news, as Congress takes its July-August recess, is that a defiant Biden administration would keep Su in an acting capacity indefinitely if her confirmation falters. It is an option allowed exclusively for that government agency.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), a staunch supporter, told the media he favored this move. Republicans and business, however, said they would oppose having Su in an acting capacity indefinitely.
Asian Americans
If confirmed, Su would be the first Asian American with Cabinet rank in the Biden administration. Asian Americans continue to voice their strong support for her confirmation.
They point to her sterling background and track record, as well as the excellent job she has been doing as Acting Labor Secretary in addressing the nation’s urgent issues, as testaments to her great potentials.
Another factor: The strong endorsement of her predecessor, former Secretary Marty Walsh, who has been actively courting Senators from both parties to vote for her.
Remarked Isra Pananon Weeks, interim executive director and chief of staff of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF): “It would be a huge disappointment and a huge loss for our country if Julie Su is not confirmed. She is an exceptional leader with top-shelf qualifications and is the best choice for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor.”
She added in an email: “NAPAWF continues to strongly advocate for her confirmation by the full Senate. She is a proven leader who has worked tirelessly for the most vulnerable workers, including immigrants and low-wage workers. Her track-record deserves the support of every member of the Senate.”
Irene Bueno is a principal at NVG LLC in the nation’s capital, a government relations firm “specializing in public policy, advocacy, strategic advice and outreach.” She is knowledgeable on policy and politics, having been the Presidential Assistant on Domestic Policy at the White House during the Bill Clinton presidency, and a former top legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Alan Cranston.
“Julie Su has experience and the knowledge to be a great secretary of labor,” she said in an email,” and I hope that the US Senate will confirm her as Secretary as quickly as possible. There are serious issues facing American workers and we need someone with experience and leadership skills to address these issues and that is Julie Su.”
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) stressed: “The United States Senate should confirm Julie Su’s nomination swiftly. Without question, Julie Su is an extraordinary choice to be our next Secretary of Labor.”
“A trailblazer, she represents the best of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community and our nation,” he pointed out. “President Biden nominated Julie Su nearly five months ago, and the country needs a proven leader to take the helm of the Department of Labor. It’s time for the Senate to act.”
NAPABA was among the earliest endorsers of Su when her nomination was announced by the administration.
Aside from promoting diversity, NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
NAPABA represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations.
NAPAWF interim executive director and chief of staff Isra Pananon Weeks noted: “There is no crystal ball to predict what the Senate will or will not do. Senators must make the best decision for the people of their home states and the American people.”
“Again, Julie Su is the best choice for the country,” she stressed. “She has a broad coalition of supporters across the country and in every state who knows her demonstrated ability to lead and the breadth of her experience will help ensure the economic security of workers and their families.”
