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Senate Confirms Keith Sonderling But Here’s What The Vote Revealed

Senate Confirms Keith Sonderling But Here’s What The Vote Revealed

The November midterm elections must pass before the U.S. Senate officially recesses. Their last act before the break was to confirm Keith Sonderling as the new Secretary of Labor. This party-line vote passed with a count of 47 to 41, according to RedState. Twelve senators missed the Wednesday 11 p.m. vote, with six Republicans and six Democrats absent, per Daily Signal.

Sonderling has served as the acting secretary since April, following the departure of Lori Chavez-DeRemer. According to the New York Post, Chavez-DeRemer departed her position for private sector employment following accusations of inappropriate conduct. Sonderling was not associated with those allegations or the internal investigation. He stepped in to lead the department while the White House sought a permanent replacement.


President Donald Trump praised the selection in a June Truth Social post. The President highlighted Sonderling’s long history of supporting the administration’s labor agenda.

Since the first term, Sonderling has labored without ceasing to enact the Trump administration’s labor agenda. He was instrumental in forming the 2020 Trump Independent Contractor rule. That rule protected independent contractors and allowed them to keep their status and flexibility. The Biden administration rescinded that rule in 2021 and instituted its own version.

After Trump won the 2024 election, Sonderling worked to stop enforcement of the 2024 Biden rule. He then helped craft a new 2026 Trump Independent Contractor rule. This new framework follows the 2021 model but adds changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Under his leadership, the department has focused on workforce training and cutting red tape.

Grants totaling $43 million were declared by the department on the day of his confirmation for seven states. Shipbuilding, nuclear energy, and advanced manufacturing training programs will receive investment from these funds. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.It was noted that his committee advancing the nomination made it evident Sonderling was qualified.


The Senate will take six weeks off to campaign for the upcoming election. They will not return to Washington until after the vote is held. The 119th Congress is set to return for a lame-duck period until January 3. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters there are many items the Senate must finish during this time.

Thune has discussed a farm bill and new bipartisan permitting reform legislation. The Senate Appropriations Committee remains stalled on fiscal year 2027 spending bills. There are nearly 700 House-passed bills waiting for a vote in the Senate. Democrats opposed the confirmation, citing disagreements with administration policies and grant management. Administering federal labor laws to ensure worker rights continues to be the core focus of the Labor Department’s mission.

The confirmation moves the department forward with a leader who knows the rules inside and out. Sonderling’s path from senior advisor to deputy secretary to this top spot shows a clear career focus. The Senate will return in January with a full list of unfinished business. The new Secretary will face the task of managing a workforce training boom while navigating new contractor rules.

Written by RRD Staff - October 2, 2026