WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer issued the following statement regarding the death of former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman:

“We were saddened to hear of the passing of Alexis M. Herman on April 25. Her career was defined by her commitment to public service and her dedication to American workers. After previously working at the department, Herman became the U.S. Secretary of Labor from May 1, 1997, to Jan. 20, 2001 – the first African American to do so. As a leader in business, government, and her community, she was a trailblazer who dedicated her life to strengthening America’s workforce and creating better lives for hardworking families. All of us at the Department of Labor are grateful to Herman for her service and leadership, and we extend our sympathy to her family and many friends.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is urging governors to comply with President Trump’s directives ensuring tax dollars are not spent on encouraging or rewarding illegal immigration. In a letter sent today, the Secretary reminds all states that failing to fulfill existing legal obligations will result in the loss of federal funding through the Title III UI administrative grant.

“Our nation’s unemployment benefits exist solely for workers who are eligible to receive them,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer wrote. “Unemployment benefits are not a handout for those in our country illegally.”

The Secretary’s reminder comes after the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration sent a letter last week to state unemployment insurance administrators, urging them to use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE immigration database. Offered at no cost because of an action by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, this system will ensure states can verify the immigration status of individuals who file claims and indicate whether they are U.S. citizens.

“I am committed to ensuring that the U.S. Department of Labor enforces the law and will personally work to safeguard Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. I look forward to working with you on this effort,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer concluded in the letter.

Read the Secretary’s full letter to governors.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling applauded President Trump’s latest Executive Order “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.” 

The directive, which establishes the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education, calls on the U.S. Department of Labor to protect and prepare the American workforce for challenges of the future, which remains at the forefront of the President’s AI agenda.

“The President and I are in complete agreement that protecting and preparing our workforce must be a top priority in advancing his critical AI agenda. I applaud the President for keeping his promise to put American Workers First,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “As our nation continues to step into the future, I am committed to ensuring our workforce is ready. There’s no one I trust more to help me carry out this mission than my deputy, Keith, whose expertise in AI makes him a natural fit to spearhead this effort.”

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market, and it’s critical we equip our workers with the skills they need to lead in this new era. I applaud President Trump for taking swift action to support AI education and workforce development and appreciate the Secretary’s trust in me to help lead this effort to expand apprenticeships and promote AI literacy nationwide,” said Deputy Secretary Sonderling. 

The President’s executive order puts American workers first by instructing the department to:

• Leverage authorities and financial incentives to increase participation in AI-related apprenticeships.
• Encourage states and grantees to use Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding to develop AI skills and support work-based learning opportunities within occupations utilizing AI.
• Collaborate with the director of the National Science Foundation to work with state and local workforce organizations and training providers to identify and promote high-quality AI skills education coursework and certifications across the country.
• Work with the Secretary of Education and the NSF Director to create opportunities for high school students to take AI courses and certification programs.

Learn more about the executive order, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer this evening attended the signing of President Trump’s Executive Order “Preparing Americans for High-Paying, Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future.” The directive calls on the U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, and Department of Education to “unlock the limitless potential of the American worker” by working toward strengthening Registered Apprenticeships, modernizing workforce development programs, and investing in opportunities to upskill workers to meet current labor market demands.

“This decisive action is yet another example of President Trump keeping his promise to American workers, empowering them to fill good-paying, in-demand jobs that will secure our economic comeback,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are renewing the American Dream by revitalizing and reshaping our workforce into a highly skilled powerhouse of potential. I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement this executive order and usher in a new Golden Age of prosperity for all hardworking Americans.”

The President’s executive order puts American workers first by requiring the three departments to:

• Review all federal workforce development programs to identify opportunities to modernize current requirements, invest in upskilling workers, develop educational pathways beyond a four-year degree, and reduce burdensome reporting requirements;
• Draft a plan to reach one million active apprentices by expanding access for in-demand occupations, providing consistent support, and improving connections between the education system and apprenticeships; and
• Increase transparency and accountability in workforce development programs by collecting relevant data.

Learn more about the executive order here.

BEAVERTON, OR – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer delivered a keynote address at the Teamsters Unity Conference last week in Nevada, where she also visited a training facility for aviation mechanics and held a roundtable with local small business owners. Continuing her promise to tell the story of America at Work, the Secretary then traveled to Oregon, where she toured a high school construction project and met with Daimler Truck North America’s Chief Executive Officer John O’Leary.

In her speech to Teamsters last Tuesday, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlighted that her father’s experience as a Teamster “meant a paycheck we could count on, a roof over our heads, and a promise that hard work would be respected.” The Secretary concluded her remarks by promising to “push for jobs that pay what you’re worth, for workplaces that keep you safe, and for retirements that let you rest easy after a lifetime of labor.”

NEVADA

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer joins General President Sean O’Brien at the 2025 Teamsters Unity Conference.

The Secretary also visited with faculty, staff, and students at the Aviation Maintenance Institute while witnessing their specialized training program in action. Throughout the tour, she learned more about AIM’s effort to educate the next generation of aviation mechanics and to meet growing demand for airplane technicians. 

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer then held a roundtable discussion with the Nevada Hispanic Business Group, an organization focused on empowering local small businesses. She heard from over a dozen employers about challenges they are facing, including overregulation and other economic barriers to success.

OREGON

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer wrapped up the week in Oregon, where she visited the headquarters for truck manufacturing company Daimler Truck North America. With seven U.S. manufacturing sites and 17,000 employees, they discussed the importance of putting American manufacturers first and quickly training the workers needed to fill these good-paying jobs. 

Finally, the Secretary stopped by the construction site for Beaverton’s new high school to receive a progress update from Skanska construction workers and local ironworkers assigned to the project. So far, Ironworkers Local 29 has put in more than 21,000 journeymen hours and 6,900 registered apprentice hours for the project, which began nearly a year ago. 

Learn more about the Secretary’s listening tour, including her recent stops in Florida and Pennsylvania.

MIAMI – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer joined Rep. Maria Salazar, small business owners, developers, longshoremen, and local officials during the second stop on her nationwide America at Work listening tour. 

While visiting downtown Miami and PortMiami, the Secretary held meetings to learn more about how the federal government can assist in developing a skilled workforce, improve infrastructure to attract business and investment, prioritize American workers, and expand opportunities for workers to achieve the American Dream. 

“Miami is among our nation’s busiest ports and has one of the fastest-growing metro areas. It was great to see that business is booming thanks to President Trump’s efforts to put American Workers First and create a new Golden Age of economic opportunity,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “I enjoyed visiting with the workers who keep Miami running alongside Congresswoman Salazar, and I look forward to hearing directly from more of our nation’s workforce as I continue telling the story of America at Work.”

“It was great welcoming Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to Miami. The world is changing, and we need to re-tool our policies to put our workers and our families first,” Rep. Salazar said. “From the port workers to the union members to the people we met throughout the city, there is no better place to learn about the renewal of the American Dream than Miami.”

Throughout her America at Work listening tour, the Secretary will continue meeting with various workers, union members, contractors, employers, and community leaders to ensure real-world experiences help shape and modernize federal labor policies and practices by taking the conversation directly to America’s workforce. 

Learn more about the Secretary’s listening tour.

NANTICOKE, PA – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer joined Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., union leaders, and local elected officials in Northeastern Pennsylvania on April 5 to kick off her nationwide America at Work listening tour. 

During a roundtable and tour of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 163 Joint Apprenticeship Training Center, the group discussed supporting apprenticeships to develop a skilled workforce, improving infrastructure to attract businesses, investing in service members as they transition back home to their communities, and other ways to enhance America’s workforce. Union workers from a variety of trades, including electricians, ironworkers, and boilermakers participated in the roundtable along with state and local elected officials.

“From strengthening educational pathways for good-paying jobs to eliminating burdensome regulations that will drive economic growth, I enjoyed learning first-hand about the challenges and priorities of workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “I look forward to hearing directly from more Americans as I help President Trump amplify the voices of workers who’ve been left behind by Washington.”

“It is crucial we have the skilled trade workforces needed to carry out essential infrastructure projects like rebuilding our roads and bridges, modernizing our electric grid, and implementing high-speed internet,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “These strong workforces would not be possible without apprenticeships. I want to thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for joining us and for making Northeastern Pennsylvania the first stop on her listening tour. I look forward to continuing this collaborative partnership with the Secretary and labor leaders to protect and prioritize American workers.”

Throughout her America at Work listening tour, the Secretary will continue meeting with various workers, union members, employers, and community leaders to ensure real-world experiences help shape and modernize federal labor policies and practices by taking the conversation directly to America’s workforce. 

Learn more about the Secretary’s listening tour.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is embarking on a nationwide listening tour to hear more about the challenges and opportunities facing everyday Americans at work. This effort will keep President Trump’s promise to listen to the voices of forgotten workers left behind by Washington. 

Throughout the tour, the Secretary will meet with various workers, union members, employers, and community leaders to ensure real-world experiences help shape and modernize federal labor policies and practices by taking the conversation directly to America’s workforce.

“D.C. bureaucrats shouldn’t be telling modern-day businessowners and workers what’s best for them,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “As a businesswoman and former mayor, I’ve always found that getting the best results requires listening first. I’m excited to visit communities across the country to listen, learn, and bring hardworking Americans’ feedback to Washington to tell the story of America at Work.”

The Department of Labor’s “America at Work” listening tour kicks off in Northeastern Pennsylvania this weekend with meetings and a roundtable discussion hosted by local union leaders and elected officials. 

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s key priorities for the listening tour include:

• Fostering partnerships between businesses, unions, and educators to create a stronger workforce pipeline. 
• Strengthening pathways to good-paying, sustainable jobs across U.S. industries. 
• Identifying ways to improve workforce development and enhance economic prosperity. 
• Promoting skills training, apprenticeships, and career education that meet modern workforce needs. 
• Cutting the red tape stifling innovation or job growth while protecting workers’ rights. 
• Supporting federal labor policies that empower both workers and job creators. 
• Championing Made in America jobs and the industries that drive them. 
• Highlighting best practices from the communities getting it right by showcasing America at Work. 
• Above all, putting American workers first.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer issued the following statement regarding the March 2025 Employment Situation Report:

“March’s incredibly strong jobs report reflects President Trump’s efforts to reshape and rebuild our economy to put the American Worker First, with over 13,000 construction jobs added. Additionally, growth far exceeded expectations at 228,000 jobs created, demonstrating strong expansion that will only continue when jobs that were previously shipped overseas are brought back to the United States.

“As expected, this report also reflects the Trump Administration’s focus on improving efficiency across government. Federal telework numbers are now in-line with the private sector, and federal employment is shrinking while critical sectors throughout the economy are seeing growth. This trend will continue while agencies right-size their workforce and eliminate wasteful contracts, which will save Americans’ tax dollars and help them keep more of their hard-earned money to further stimulate the economy. 

“Overall, the economy is already responding positively to President Trump’s America First agenda. Moving forward, the Labor Department will continue fighting to support workers, including those entering the job market, to set up all hardworking Americans with an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer today announced $1.4 billion in unused COVID-era funding has been returned to taxpayers through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s General Fund, with action being taken to recover the remaining $2.9 billion. 

The roughly $4.3 billion was intended for states to use for temporary unemployment insurance during the pandemic. Instead, several states continued spending millions of dollars despite no longer meeting necessary requirements, which was uncovered in a 2023 audit conducted by the department’s Office of Inspector General.

“Any money still sitting around for pandemic-era unemployment funds is a clear misuse of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m keeping my promise to be a good steward of your money by rooting out waste to ensure American Workers always come First.” 

“It’s unacceptable that billions of dollars went unchecked in a program that ended several years ago,” Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling said. “In a huge win for the American taxpayer, we’ve clawed back these unused funds and will keep working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.”

This funding originated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act in March of 2020, which established the Temporary Full Federal Funding of the First Week of Compensable Regular Unemployment for States with No Waiting Week program. The program was intended to provide expanded unemployment insurance to Americans unable to work due to the pandemic. Although TFFF was closed in 2021, the OIG’s 2023 audit found four states were allowed to access the funding “despite not meeting program requirements,” totaling over $100 million in spending. 

Read the full audit here.