Sonderling Faces Senate Ethics Questions

Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling faced questions from the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions during his confirmation hearing.

The hearing set the stage for another Cabinet confirmation vote along party lines, with Democratic members grilling Sonderling on issues such as the Workplace Development Partnership and his backing of President Donald Trump’s labor policies.

Sonderling stated in his opening statement that American workers deserve a Labor Department that is effective, accountable, and responsive to their needs.

He cited rising wages and 401(k) balances reaching record highs, claiming Trump’s agenda is creating opportunities for American workers.

Sonderling added that the DOL’s accomplishments under Trump include restoring compliance assistance and expanding retirement investment opportunities.

They also mentioned the department’s efforts to replace uncertainty with clarity through rulemaking.

Trump nominated Sonderling to head the Department of Labor on June 29.

Sonderling first took charge of the department on an acting basis in April after former Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned.

Prior to becoming acting secretary, Sonderling served as deputy secretary of labor after being confirmed by the Senate in a partisan vote in March 2025.

Sonderling has served in previous administrations, including as commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 2020 to 2024.

Senator Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, introduced Sonderling, stating that as a public servant, it is clear he is qualified.

Senator Patty Murray, D-Washington, critiqued Sonderling for his association with Trump and the DOL’s rescinding of an overtime rule adopted in 2024 under former President Joe Biden.

Murray also expressed concerns about the department’s attempt to rescind a rule addressing the classification of independent contractors.

Murray stated that Sonderling is not a bystander to the administration’s policies and agenda.

She cited the Trump administration’s cuts to the federal workforce and the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer in August 2025.

Senator Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, asked Sonderling about ethics, given his appointment as acting director of the United States Office of Government Ethics.

Sonderling stated that he would follow the law if directed by the president to take an action that would break the law.

Senator Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, asked Sonderling about preparing U.S. workers for the effects of artificial intelligence.

Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, noted that retirement plans sometimes lose track of their participants and asked Sonderling to commit to finalizing regulations regarding missing participants.

Sonderling answered that he is committed to finalizing the rule and that the DOL is looking at ways to work with employers.

The Senate HELP Committee has scheduled a vote for July 23, and if Sonderling is confirmed at the committee level, he will also need to be confirmed by the full Senate.

The Department of Labor continues to play a significant role in shaping the nation’s labor policies.

The outcome of the vote will likely have significant implications for the department’s future direction.

Sonderling’s confirmation would likely mean continued support for the administration’s labor policies, while a rejection could lead to a change in direction for the department.