Hilda Solis, Labor Secretary-Designate, will be the next subject in the increasingly contentious process by the new administration of assembling a cabinet. A vote by the Senate has been slated for February 24, according to a news report by People's Weekly World.
Congresswoman Hilda Solis' confirmation to be our new Secretary of Labor is now scheduled for a "test" vote on Tuesday, February 24th, in the Senate. This means that she must get 60 votes to stop a filibuster before she can be confirmed.
The Republicans are fully mobilized by big business and the far right to try and prevent her confirmation. Her husband's taxes have nothing to do with it. They are determined to stop her nomination as a way of fighting against the Employee Free Choice Act. She, like President Obama, strongly supports the bill.
The Solis confirmation has been opposed by Republicans, at least in part due to her activities in support of union labor. During Senate confirmation hearings January 9, she spoke in favor of prioritizing local talent.
I want to look at how certification occurs. I want to look at how the labor pool is identified. Whether it be in the surrounding area where that particular business may be looking and seeking for high tech individuals what extensive availability of information is there so we know, if before we go abroad, we are first prioritizing those workers who are in fact capable and ready to fill these positions.
...the priority in my mind would be fairness. First of all, looking at how we provide fairness for those individuals who are trained and who are here in this country. Put them first. If we are not able to get there, then look at the statistical information and look at what is there. And then come up with ... looking at other frames, designs. But at this point that is where I would begin in exploring that.
The issue was posted in a previous diary entry.
The People's Weekly World has issued a call to action in support of the Hilda Solis confirmation.
Take Action Now:
Number 1: pick up the telephone and call 202-224-3121 (or use the toll-free service at 866-544-7573). Ask the Capitol operator to transfer you to one of your state's U.S. senators. When you're connected, say you're calling to urge your senator to urge her/him to vote to confirm Hilda Solis on Feb. 24.