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CAPAC Applauds Confirmation of Julie Su as Deputy Secretary of Labor

July 13, 2021

Washington, D.C. — Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements applauding the Senate’s 50-47 vote to confirm Julie Su to be the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor: 

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Whether standing up for enslaved Thai garment workers in Southern California or fighting the exploitation of truck drivers at ports, Julie Su has been a dedicated champion of workers’ rights – especially workers from vulnerable communities – throughout her entire career. With today’s confirmation vote, I am thrilled that she will be bringing this experience, knowledge, and perspective to the Biden Administration. An experienced attorney who fought for workers’ rights at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ-LA), Julie has made a career of fighting unjust labor practices that has continued into her most recent role as the California Labor Secretary, where she has fought against wage theft and for the health and safety of all workers during the pandemic. I know that she will be a valuable partner to Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and will faithfully advance President Biden’s goals of protecting and improving the wellbeing of our country’s workforce.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“I am thrilled to congratulate Julie Su on her successful confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Labor. A daughter of Chinese immigrants and a lifelong advocate for working families, Julie brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the Department of Labor that will help advance justice for America’s workers. From her recent role as California’s Labor Secretary, to her background at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ-LA), Julie brings the expertise and compassion needed to serve in this role. Her efforts as Deputy Secretary of Labor will also be critical in getting workers back on their feet, and ensuring protections for them, as our nation continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. I applaud Julie Su's confirmation and look forward to working with her and President Biden to protect the rights of American workers.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:

Congratulations to Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su on her Senate confirmation. I’m pleased that Ms. Su will be granted the opportunity to use her vast experience as an advocate for working families on a national scale. This is well-deserved, and I can’t wait to see all the great work that Ms. Su will do to support workers in California and across America.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“I join others in congratulating Julie Su on her confirmation to be Deputy Secretary of Labor. Having known Julie for many years, I know she will be an outstanding member of the Biden Administration. Through her experience as California Labor Secretary and previously as California Labor Commissioner, Julie has dedicated her career to fighting for workers and protecting their health and safety. I’m proud to see her in this role and look forward to working alongside her.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“Not only is Julie Su highly qualified for this role, but as a woman of color, she brings a unique perspective that will help her as she works to make sure all Americans are represented in the policies crafted and implemented by President Biden’s Department of Labor. Given her proven track-record supporting American workers, I have confidence that she will put workers’ rights first and do everything she can to expand fair labor practices. I look forward to working with Julie Su to help build back a better, more resilient economy where everyone can thrive

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“I’d like to congratulate Julie Su on her confirmation as Deputy Labor Secretary. I have a deep appreciation for her efforts to protect workers’ rights as head of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency in our home state of California. I have no doubt she will excel in carrying out President Biden’s vision for America to uplift working families, protect unions, and rebuild our middle class."

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“Julie isn’t just an exemplary public servant, she’s a fierce advocate for America’s working families and a leader we can all truly be proud of. Her confirmation is a big step forward not just for American workers, but for the AAPI community. Having AAPI representation in important positions like hers will help in our fight for equality and will provide a role model for a next generation of aspiring AAPI public servants.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“As the newly confirmed Deputy Secretary of Labor, Julie will ensure that the voices of working people are always at the table as the Department of Labor and the entire Biden Administration leads our country out of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. From her time fighting for full civil rights as the Litigation Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles to her dedicated public service on behalf of workers as California Labor Commissioner and the state’s Labor Secretary, Julie has spent years powerfully advocating for working people, families, and a more equitable economy. I am excited to see such a brilliant, talented, and experienced leader confirmed as President Biden recognizes the wealth of contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and continues to build an administration that reflects the diversity and strength of America.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“Julie Su has dedicated her career to fight for all workers, including low-wage workers and vulnerable communities. As California Labor Secretary, she led California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency through the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis. I am confident that she will help achieve an equitable recovery for our nation as Deputy Labor Secretary. I applaud the Senate’s confirmation vote and congratulate Julie on this role.”

Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03):

“Julie Su will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Department of Labor.  Throughout her distinguished career, she has stood up for vulnerable workers, championed labor rights, and improved the lives of workers and families across California.  Her strong record of leadership is precisely what we need during this difficult time for our nation’s workers.”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

“I am elated that Julie Su, a strong defender of all workers and leader in the AAPI community, has been confirmed as President Biden's Deputy Secretary of Labor. Our nation is stronger when our government looks like the people it represents, which means ensuring that there are visible and talented AAPI leaders, like Julie Su, at the highest levels of government. I want to congratulate Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su and I look forward to working with her to support workers and working families here in the South Sound and across the nation.”

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):

I am thrilled that Julie Su has been confirmed as Deputy Labor Secretary. Her work for low-wage workers, Asian immigrants, and unions has been transformational for California, and I look forward to seeing all she accomplishes at the Department of Labor for every American family.”

Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18):

I have every confidence that Julie Su will serve with distinction as Deputy Secretary of Labor, just as she has as California Secretary of Labor. I look forward to working with her.”

Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04):

Congratulations to Julie Su on her confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Labor. Ms. Su has long been a powerful advocate for labor unions and working people, prioritizing fair working conditions, equity, and civil rights. As a founding member and co-chair of the House Labor Caucus, I look forward to working with her to strengthen our unemployment system, expand paid leave for workers, and create an economy that lifts up all workers.”

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-53):

“I’m excited to join my colleagues in celebrating Julie Su’s historic confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Labor. Those of us from California know Julie as a strong advocate for migrant workers, immigrant communities, and working families, and a tested leader who helped our state navigate this economic crisis. I’m grateful that she’ll continue that important work at the U.S. Department of Labor.”

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04):

“As a champion of all workers, labor rights, and equity in the workplace, I applaud and congratulate Secretary Su on her confirmation for Deputy Secretary of Labor. As the daughter of Chinese immigrants and a woman of color, Secretary Su brings a unique perspective and precisely the kind of experience we need to level the playing field for workers – especially our everyday essential workers who have been often overlooked but have sacrificed so much through the pandemic.”

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09):

“I am thrilled Julie Su was confirmed by the Senate to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Labor. A daughter of immigrants, like myself, she is more than qualified and has spent her career dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and working families. I look forward to working with her to advance labor policies that will not only help rebuild our economy, but also give more power to workers. I know what an asset she will be to this Administration and to our nation.”

Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35):

“I congratulate Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su on her confirmation to this important post. Deputy Secretary Su comes to this role incredibly well-qualified, having already led California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency. Her nomination is also a testament to President Biden’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce at all levels of the federal government. I commend the President for this stellar nomination, and look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Su as we rebuild the jobs market from the COVID-19 pandemic – both in the Inland Empire, and across the country.”