CAPAC Applauds Nomination of Julie Su as Deputy Secretary of Labor

Washington, D.C. — Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements applauding President Joe Biden’s nomination of Julie Su to be the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor:  

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

“I’m thrilled that an outstanding Asian American leader, Julie Su, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Labor. I commend President Biden for upholding his promise to build an administration that reflects the diversity of our nation and for recognizing Julie’s tremendous talents and the contributions that AAPIs have to offer. His choice today sends a clear message that experience and compassion have returned to our government. From her time as a workers’ attorney at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ-LA) through her current role as California Labor Secretary, Julie has fought for workers from all different unions and of all different backgrounds. But she has been particularly involved in serving the underserved, those earning the least and being exploited the most. Most notably, Julie prosecuted the infamous 1995 case of the enslaved Thai garment workers in southern California. Not only did she free the enslaved workers, she successfully prosecuted the human traffickers responsible and prevented the exploited workers from being deported. She went on from there to push for anti-sweatshop legislation and to stop the exploitation of truck drivers at the ports. Today, as California’s Labor Secretary, she has fought against wage theft and for the health and safety of all workers during the pandemic. She is dedicated, committed, and ready to serve this administration with her talent and experience so that all workers in this country can lead better lives.

“The nomination of Julie Su by President Biden is particularly meaningful because it recognizes the talents and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the leadership of this country. Besides Julie, he has nominated other eminently qualified Asian Americans. He has made two cabinet-level nominations, Neera Tanden as Director of the Office and Management and Budget and Katherine Tai as the U.S Trade Representative, the first Asian Americans to ever hold these positions. He has nominated Vivek Murthy to a key position in protecting our health during the COVID crisis as our Surgeon General, and nominated Rohit Chopra to safeguard American families’ economic health as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. America is better off when those with a seat at the table making the decisions look like America. I applaud President Biden for these outstanding nominations, who add significantly to the diversity and the strength of his administration. It is a win-win for both the Biden administration and the AAPI community. We urge the Senate to confirm these nominees swiftly.”

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

“I am delighted to see President Biden nominate Julie Su to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor. Julie has spent her career working to improve the lives of AAPIs and working families. From her time as an attorney at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ-LA) to most recently serving as California’s Labor Secretary, Julie has demonstrated the skill, compassion, and expertise needed to promote the safety and rights of all workers – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her role will be absolutely essential to rebuilding and protecting our workforce as we look to long-term COVID-19 recovery. I applaud her nomination and look forward to working with her.”

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

“President Biden has made an excellent choice by nominating Julie Su to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor. Julie Su currently serves as the Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and is qualified and committed to improving the lives of working people across the country. She is prepared to help us overcome the challenges this pandemic has created and to implement labor policies that will help rebuild our economy, give more power to workers, and move our country forward. Julie Su will be a great asset to the Biden Administration and, as an Asian American and daughter of immigrants, her nomination reflects President Biden’s commitment to diversity. As a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee, I look forward to working with Secretary-designate Marty Walsh and Julie Su to advance a bold pro-worker agenda,”

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

“I am pleased Julie Su has been nominated as the next Deputy Secretary of Labor. As the current California Labor Secretary and through her previous experience fighting for all Americans, Julie Su has dedicated her career to fighting for workers and protecting their health and safety. Having known Julie for many years, I know she will be an outstanding member of the Biden Administration.”

Congressman Kai Kahele (HI-02), CAPAC Freshman Representative:

“I applaud President Biden’s selection of Ms. Julie Su to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. Julie is a proven champion of working men and women, in particular from communities of color, including Asian Americans. She will also prove as an example for the next generation of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to see themselves in the people that lead our country. I fully support Ms. Su to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Labor.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“We know that COVID-19 strikes without regard to the color of a person’s skin or the language they speak,” said Duckworth. “The skyrocketing hate crimes against Asian Americans is senseless and should outrage us all. Now that we once again have a president who leads by example and takes action against racism, we must raise our voices even louder and redouble our efforts to reverse this growing trend and end these hate crimes against Asian Americans once and for all.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“The diversity and expertise of President Joe Biden’s cabinet reflects a much-needed turning point in American government at its highest levels. Julie Su’s appointment to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor is both a victory for Asian American communities across the country and for those who represent our nation’s strong labor movement. As a former labor organizer in California, I have a deep and meaningful understanding that empowering workers and growing our unions is one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of life of working-class Americans. And with Julie Su as Deputy Secretary of Labor, I have no doubt she will help implement President Biden’s vision to help us create an economy that values our working families and benefits all Americans.” 

Congressman Al Green (TX-09):

“Congratulations to Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su! I am confident that her diverse background and extensive professional experience make her exceedingly qualified to serve America’s workforce in this well-deserved leadership role. I wish her the best on this historic endeavor.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“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 Su has spent years powerfully advocating for working people, families, and a more equitable economy. I am excited to see President Biden nominate such a brilliant, talented, and experienced leader as he recognizes the wealth of contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and continues to build an administration that reflects the diversity of America. 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.”

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“Julie is an incredible leader who will be a strong voice for America's working families. She's also an example AAPI leaders stepping up to help build back better. I'm proud to see her nominated for this role and look forward to working alongside her in the years to come.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“Julie Su is a steadfast advocate for working families and immigrant communities. She’s got a deep history fighting for civil rights and racial justice and has led my state’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency through an unprecedented economic crisis due to COVID-19. She will bring advocacy on behalf of low-wage workers and vulnerable communities to the Department of Labor, and I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06):

“President Biden’s choice to nominate Julie Su to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor is a clear indication of a new chapter for America - one that values different perspectives and lifts up the most trusted and experienced voices from every corner of our nation. Julie has been a powerful leader for the AAPI community and will bring the strength and perspective that will help this Administration move our country forward. Julie has spent her career advancing worker’s rights, providing a voice for the voiceless, and creating opportunities for all. She will bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to this position and will be the advocate and leader that our workers need as we work towards our economic recovery.”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

“Our nation is stronger when our government looks like the people it represents, and that includes our talented and strong AAPI community. I am elated that Julie Su, a leader in our community and a fierce defender of all workers, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as his Deputy Secretary of Labor.”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52)

“Secretary Julie Su is an exceptional fit for the Deputy Secretary of Labor. Her years of experience fighting for worker rights, most recently as Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, speak for themselves. She understands the challenges facing Americans in the workforce and has a unique and proven track record in bridging inequality gaps in labor and employment. Secretary Su’s personal story embodies the diversity of thought necessary to navigate the complex labor issues of today.”