Nomination and Background
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the Republican Congresswoman from Oregon chosen by former President Donald Trump to fill the Secretary of Labor position, has openly acknowledged her former role at Planned Parenthood.
This revelation may complicate her confirmation process with Senate Republicans.
Reports indicate that Chavez-DeRemer worked at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Fresno, California, from January 1989 until February 1991, where she held front desk duties.
This information emerged from a disclosure document submitted to the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which is currently reviewing her nomination.
A source corroborated Chavez-DeRemer’s account, which was earlier reported by NBC News.
Pro-Life Stance and Support
In her statement, Chavez-DeRemer stressed that her brief tenure over three decades ago does not diminish her dedication to Trump’s pro-life agenda.
Throughout her congressional term, she maintained a flawless voting record in line with pro-life values and reiterated her personal opposition to abortion.
Promising that her confirmation would not lead to the promotion of abortion through Labor Department initiatives, she aims to quell any concerns stemming from her past.
Chavez-DeRemer, who served one term in the U.S. House, was defeated by Democrat Janelle Bynum in the 2024 elections.
During her time in office, she received a “B” rating on the National Pro-Life Scorecard from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
However, she has faced scrutiny from some pro-life groups regarding her support for taxpayer-funded abortion and her stance against legislation aimed at restricting the Biden administration’s policies on mail-order abortion medications.
Senate Confirmation Process
Now, Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination is under the spotlight of the Senate HELP Committee, with a confirmation hearing scheduled for February 19.
This committee, comprised of 12 Republicans and 11 Democrats, will play a crucial role in determining her nomination’s fate.
To move her nomination forward to a full Senate vote, she will need the support of at least 12 committee members.
However, not everyone within the committee is on board.
Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky has voiced his disapproval, highlighting her support for the PRO Act, which he argues contradicts the principles underpinning right-to-work laws.
With 26 states already adopting such laws, it seems Senator Paul is gearing up to build opposition against Chavez-DeRemer.
Conversely, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has acknowledged Chavez-DeRemer’s previous endorsements of labor initiatives, suggesting these may garner more favorable reactions from Democrats.
Warren labeled Chavez-DeRemer as a strong candidate for Labor Secretary, contingent upon her commitment to bolstering labor rights and enhancing union influence.
For Chavez-DeRemer to be confirmed by the full Senate, she will need to secure a simple majority of 51 votes.
Currently, Republicans hold a slim edge, with 53 seats compared to 47 for Democrats.
If opposition from within the Republican ranks emerges, she may have to rely on Democratic support to achieve confirmation—potentially making this a significant moment for Trump’s cabinet selections.
So far, the most closely contested confirmation involved Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was ultimately confirmed through a tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President J.D. Vance after three Republican senators sided with Democrats against him.
Source: Christianpost
