Brad Campbell Discusses New Department of Labor Leadership With PlanSponsor

Benefits and executive compensation partner Brad Campbell spoke to PlanSponsor about Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Oregon) selection as President-elect Donald Trump’s next Secretary of Labor. 

The article noted that Chavez-DeRemer stands out for her positions on health care benefits and her pro-union stance. Campbell said that the pick was “unusual,” as her opposition to her state’s right-to-work laws would likely “be a serious concern for many Senate Republicans.” Campbell further noted that Chavez-DeRemer has not made any public statements regarding the Department of Labor’s (DOL) fiduciary rule. As member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, she was the only Republican to vote against a Congressional Review Act resolution to strike down the fiduciary rule.

“I have been warning clients and colleagues for some time that President Trump’s election would not automatically mean opposition to the fiduciary rule, and this nomination is an example of that,” Campbell said. 

Campbell noted that he expects the Senate to press Chavez-DeRemer on key issues facing the DOL prior to her confirmation. 

“My hope is that the Senate HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pension) Committee will seek specific policy commitments from Chavez-DeRemer regarding several important issues facing the department, including the fiduciary rule, the independent contractor rule, the overtime rule and right-to-work issues, as part of the confirmation process,” Campbell said.