Senator Hirono Opposes Nomination of Eugene Scalia to be Secretary of Labor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement after voting against the confirmation of Eugene Scalia to serve as Secretary of Labor: 

“Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has consistently nominated individuals to serve in his cabinet who have major conflicts of interest and who are hostile to the Departments they are chosen to lead. The nomination of Eugene Scalia to be Secretary of Labor fits squarely within this pattern, and his confirmation will result in serious harm to working people in Hawaii and across the country.

“Eugene Scalia has spent his entire career advocating for powerful corporations at the expense of America’s workers. As a corporate lawyer, he fought to weaken protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He worked to undermine regulations that protect the health and safety of workers. He opposed increases in the minimum wage and helped his clients deny tips and overtime pay for their workers.

“The American people deserve a secretary of labor who will advocate for workers, protect their health and safety, and stand up to wealthy corporate interests. Eugene Scalia, with his history of corporate advocacy, is the wrong person for this job and it’s why I opposed his nomination today." 

###