CAPAC Statement on Confirmation Hearing of Julie Su for Secretary of the Department of Labor

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing on the nomination of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor. In February, CAPAC endorsed Acting Secretary Su for this position and sent a letter to President Biden urging her nomination, which he announced last month. CAPAC had also supported her nomination to the Secretary of Labor position in 2020. 

CAPAC reiterates its full support for Acting Secretary Su as the next leader for the Department of Labor and urges the Senate to confirm her swiftly.

CAPAC Leadership Members including Chair Judy Chu, First-Vice Chair Rep. Grace Meng, and Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano attended today’s hearing and issued the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“Julie Su’s performance at today’s hearing reaffirms why she is eminently qualified to be our nation’s next Labor Secretary. From serving as Deputy Secretary of Labor where she worked side-by-side with former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to avert a national railroad strike and create 12.6 million jobs as our nation recovered from the COVID crisis, to combatting wage theft and protecting the health and safety of working Americans during her tenure as Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Acting Secretary Su has a proven track record on building a stronger, more vibrant economy that leaves no worker behind.

“Upon her confirmation, Acting Secretary Su will be the first Secretary-level AANHPI official in President Biden’s Cabinet. She will bring to this position the courage, hope, and dedication her immigrant parents taught her as they worked in minimum-wage jobs and owned small businesses. Julie Su’s personal story, professional experience, and tireless commitment to public service represent the best of America. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to confirm her nomination quickly.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Julie Su's experience and skills will make her an excellent Labor Secretary, but it is her dedication to always supporting American workers that would make her an outstanding Labor Secretary. In her time leading California's Labor Department and serving as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor, Acting Secretary Su has demonstrated extensive knowledge protecting workers’ rights and supporting the dignity of labor. Her personal background is an inspiration to many and informs her deep commitment to helping American workers and businesses thrive. I am proud to support the nomination of Acting Secretary Su for Labor Secretary and I urge my Senate colleagues to expeditiously confirm her for Secretary of Labor.”

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):

“Julie Su embodies the American dream: a first-generation Chinese America who worked hard to become an attorney and dedicate her life to public service. Confirming Julie Su as the Secretary of the Department of Labor will keep that same dream alive because of her steadfast leadership prioritizing the protection of workers and working families.”