Van Hollen Statement in Opposition to Confirmation of Andrew Puzder

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen released the following statement in opposition to Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder:

"The Department of Labor is charged with protecting American workers, job seekers, and retirees. This wide-ranging agency touches the lives of every family in our nation, and its leader must always put the best interests of the workforce first. I listened to heartbreaking testimony from people who had been the victims of Andrew Puzder's predatory labor practices, and it's clear that his record stands in direct contradiction to the Department of Labor mission. He has fought efforts to ensure workers are paid the overtime they've earned and opposes raising the federal minimum wage. He has stated that machines are more convenient for corporations as compared to workers who stand up for their rights - the very rights he'd be expected to defend. He has a record of fighting to protect the ultra-wealthy - like himself and President Trump - at the expense of everyone else. For these reasons, I will oppose his confirmation as the Secretary of Labor."