# U.S. Labor Secretary nomination process

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-labor-secretary-nomination-process
> Updated: 2026-07-30T19:59:17.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Keith Sonderling as permanent U.S. Secretary of Labor after he had been serving as acting secretary since April, following Lori Chavez‑DeRemer’s resignation. The initial announcement highlighted Sonderling’s prior roles in the Labor Department, the EEOC, and his advocacy for employer‑friendly regulations and AI‑related hiring guidance.

In the Senate confirmation hearing, Democratic senators scrutinized the department’s recent rollback of a Biden‑era overtime rule and a pending classification rule that could affect low‑wage workers. Lawmakers also raised concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence in workplaces. Sonderling defended the department’s handling of Education Department grant programs now administered by Labor, noting the rapid disbursement of $1.5 billion in funds, and emphasized his experience across the public and private sectors.

On July 30, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 12‑11 along party lines to advance Sonderling’s nomination to the full Senate. Committee members highlighted praise from the National Association of Manufacturers for his focus on apprenticeship programs and workforce upskilling, and referenced the department’s AI Literacy Framework aimed at equipping workers and businesses with AI skills. The recommendation moves the nomination toward a final Senate confirmation vote.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Keith Sonderling Advances Toward Confirmation as U.S. Labor Secretary

The Senate HELP Committee advanced Keith Sonderling’s nomination as U.S. Labor Secretary after a 12‑11 party‑line vote; he faces a full Senate vote.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/keith-sonderling-advances-toward-confirmation-as-us-labor-secretary

### 2026-07-16: Keith Sonderling nominated for U.S. Labor Secretary as Senate debates overtime and AI policies

Keith Sonderling, nominated by Trump as Labor Secretary, faces Senate scrutiny over overtime rule rollbacks, contractor classification, AI impacts, and $1.5 billion in education grants now managed by Labor.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/keith-sonderling-nominated-for-us-labor-secretary-as-senate-debates-overtime-and-ai-policies

### 2026-06-30: Keith Sonderling Nominated as U.S. Labor Secretary

President Trump nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling for a permanent post; he has served since April after Chavez‑DeRemer’s resignation and awaits Senate confirmation.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/keith-sonderling-nominated-as-us-labor-secretary

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Cite as: U.S. Labor Secretary nomination process. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-labor-secretary-nomination-process