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.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Julia Pollak as Chief Economist. In this role, she will lead the department’s economic research and provide analysis on labor-related policies and programs.

“I am honored to serve this administration and contribute to the Department of Labor’s mission,” said Pollak. “In this pivotal moment for the American workforce, I look forward to using rigorous analysis to promote economic prosperity for job seekers, workers, businesses, and retirees.” 

Pollak comes to the department from the hiring site ZipRecruiter, where she served as Chief Economist. Earlier in her career, Pollak was a doctoral fellow and assistant policy analyst at the RAND Corp., and taught economics at Pepperdine University as an adjunct instructor. She also worked as a research assistant for defense studies at the Heritage Foundation.

A graduate of Harvard University, Pollak holds a Master of Philosophy in Policy Analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School. She also served as a drilling reservist in the U.S. Navy from 2011 to 2022.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a supplemental award of $793,000 to Tennessee to continue providing disaster unemployment assistance for people in communities whose livelihoods were harmed when Tropical Storm Helene swept through the area in September 2024. 

“Many workers had their lives completely upended when Tropical Storm Helene swept across Tennessee. As communities continue working to rebuild, I’m pleased to approve additional unemployment assistance for hardworking Tennesseans who were impacted by this disaster,” Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. 

The department’s Employment and Training Administration awarded a grant to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to enable them to deliver benefit payments to the state’s eligible Disaster Unemployment Assistance claimants and to cover program administrative costs. The funding announced today allows the state to continue providing financial assistance to people who lost their jobs, or had their employment or self-employment interrupted, as a direct result of the disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. 

On Oct. 2, 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the major disaster declaration enabling the state to request federal assistance. Later in October 2024, FEMA authorized an initial obligation of $938,400 to implement disaster unemployment assistance in response to Tropical Storm Helene. 

Supported by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program provides funds to state unemployment insurance agencies to pay benefits and state administration costs under agreements with the Secretary of Labor.  

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced Keith E. Sonderling as the 38th Deputy Secretary of Labor.

Sonderling returns to the department, where he served as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. He most recently served as the Commissioner of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity from 2020-2024. 

During his first stint at the Department of Labor from 2017-2020, the Wage and Hour Division set records for enforcement collections and educational outreach events. Sonderling also oversaw the development and publication of large-scale deregulatory rules and authored numerous Opinion Letters, Field Assistance Bulletins, and All-Agency Memorandums. In addition, Sonderling was instrumental in developing the division’s first comprehensive self-audit program, which collected more than $7 million for nearly 11,000 workers.

“Keith’s institutional knowledge and policy expertise will continue to be invaluable in our fight to put the American Worker First," Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “I'm thrilled to have him on the team and look forward to working alongside him to renew the American Dream.”

“Returning to the U.S. Department of Labor, where I began my career in government, is truly an honor,” said Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling. “In my new role, I am committed to helping Secretary Chavez-DeRemer in advancing President Trump’s labor agenda and most importantly putting American Workers first!” 

Before entering government service, Sonderling was a partner at Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest law firms. There, he counseled employers and litigated labor and employment disputes. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University. He has also been a Professional Lecturer in the Law at the George Washington University Law School, teaching employment discrimination.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced senior political appointees who will help Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer execute President Donald Trump’s mission of putting American workers and retirees first.

Bureau of International Labor Affairs

John Clark will serve as policy advisor to the Bureau of International Labor Affairs. Most recently, he worked on trade, transportation, and China policy matters at a Washington, D.C.-based industry association. Clark is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law and Florida State University. 

Employment and Training Administration

Amy Simon will serve as principal deputy assistant secretary of the Employment and Training Administration. Previously, Simon was founder and owner of the boutique consulting firm, Simon Advisory. From 2019 to 2021, she served as chief of staff and acting deputy assistant secretary for the Employment and Training Administration in the first Trump Administration.

Marek Laco will serve as the agency’s chief of staff. Most recently, Laco led workforce development policy as a staff member for the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has worked for several members of Congress and spent time at the U.S. Department of Education during the first Trump Administration before serving as deputy chief of staff for Rep. Elise Stefanik. 

Occupational Health and Safety Administration

Amanda Wood Laihow will serve as the deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Most recently, she served as a commissioner to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission during the first Trump Administration. Wood Laihow was the director of labor and employment policy for the National Association of Manufacturers and served as deputy general counsel on the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and as an assistant general counsel at the U.S. General Services Administration. Wood Laihow holds a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law and her B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire. 

Michael Asplen will serve as OSHA’s senior policy advisor. He previously served as chief counsel to Commissioner Laihow at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Before that, he was a counsel at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, managed Littler Mendelson’s Workplace Policy Institute, and was a policy associate at the National Association of Manufacturers. Asplen earned his B.A. in English as St. Mary’s College of Maryland and his J.D. from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. 

Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs

Joe MacFarlane will serve as senior legislative officer for the department’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Most recently, he served as legislative director for Secretary Chavez-DeRemer during her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he focused on managing the day-to-day legislative operations and team. Before that, he served as legislative assistant for Rep. Rick Crawford focusing on agricultural issues, and as legislative correspondent/staff assistant for the late Rep. Jackie Walorski. A Rochester, New York native, MacFarlane holds bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of Georgia.

Office of Disability Employment Policy

Brian Walsh will serve as a senior policy advisor in the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Before this appointment, he was a labor policy advisor with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Walsh served at the White House in the first Trump Administration and the Department of Labor. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University.

Office of Labor-Management Standards

Elisabeth Messenger will serve as director of the department’s Office of Labor-Management Standards. Most recently, she served as executive director of Gevura Fund. She has also held leadership positions at non-profit organizations focused on advancing free market policies and protecting the First Amendment rights of public employees as well as positions with several technology companies. After earning her B.A. in Journalism from the University of South Carolina, her career began in the publicity department of Atlantic Records. 

Office of Public Affairs

Courtney Parella will serve as deputy assistant secretary in the department’s Office of Public Affairs. After driving messaging strategy for members of Congress and the Committee on House Administration, she worked on President Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign and at the National Republican Congressional Committee. Most recently, she served as the director of communications for Congressional Leadership Fund and its sister organization, American Action Network.

Aaron Britt will serve as chief of staff in the Office of Public Affairs. He worked on Capitol Hill for four years before his appointment, most recently serving as communications director for former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer and as press secretary for Sen. Chuck Grassley. Britt’s career began in his home state, where he oversaw media relations and strategy at the Republican Party of Iowa during the 2020 election cycle.

Office of the Secretary

Jihun Han will serve as Department of Labor’s chief of staff. He was Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff during her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives and ran her successful congressional bid in 2022. Han has extensive experience working in local, state, and national politics, including as campaign manager and chief of staff for numerous members and candidates in the Oregon legislature. He also worked in political affairs for the Oregon Association of Realtors and Evergreen Oregon PAC.

Rebecca Wright will serve as the department’s deputy chief of staff. She served as Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s district director in Oregon and as deputy campaign manager for Christine Drazan’s gubernatorial campaign. She also worked as a senior staffer for the Oregon House Republican Caucus under House Republican Leader Drazan.

Courtney Walter will serve as senior counselor in the Office of the Secretary. She served at the U.S. Department of Labor in the first Trump Administration in various capacities, including as senior counsel in the Office of the Solicitor. Most recently, Walter practiced law in the private sector, focusing on labor and employment matters. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and Florida International University College of Law. 

Colton Duncan will serve as the White House liaison for the U.S. Department of Labor. A political strategist and digital media entrepreneur, he has served as president and CEO of Ninja Digital and as senior advisor to Kari Lake. A native of Lubbock, Texas, Duncan is a proud alumnus of Turning Point USA.

Peyton Smith will serve as director of scheduling in the Office of the Secretary. Most recently, she served as the director of operations to Secretary during her time as representative for Oregon’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 118th Congress. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a degree in Political Science.

Office of the Solicitor

On Feb. 24, 2025, Jonathan Snare was appointed as deputy solicitor of labor. He is rejoining the department after serving as partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Morgan Lewis & Bockius in the labor/employment practice group from 2009 to 2024. During his tenure at Department of Labor between 2003 and 2009, Snare served in several roles, including acting assistant secretary for OSHA and deputy assistant secretary, as well as deputy solicitor and acting solicitor in 2007. Before joining the department, he was in private law practice in Dallas. A native of Indianapolis, Snare graduated from the University of Virginia and obtained a law degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law.

WASHINGTON – Lori Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the 30th U.S. Secretary of Labor today after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a bipartisan vote of 67-32.

“I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue serving my country, and I’ll work tirelessly to help President Trump put the American Worker First. This administration has a clear mandate to renew the American Dream for hardworking men and women across the country. As a small businesswoman and the daughter of a Teamster, I will act on my experience and work with business and labor to support good-paying jobs, grow our economy, and ensure every American can enjoy a comfortable retirement,” said Secretary of Labor Chavez-DeRemer. “As we strive to create a new Golden Age of prosperity, I’m ready to team up with all those committed to fighting for the American Worker. Together, under the leadership of President Trump, we will Make America Work Again.”

President Trump announced Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination on November 22, 2024, noting that he looks forward to “working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs.” 

Today, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer also launched her official social media accounts, @SecretaryLCD, on Instagram, Truth, and X and Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer on Facebook.

About Secretary Chavez-DeRemer

Chavez-DeRemer has dedicated over two decades of her life to public service, beginning in 2002 on the Happy Valley Parks Committee in Oregon. She later served on the Happy Valley City Council, became council president, and was then elected to two terms as the city’s first Latina mayor. Under her leadership, Happy Valley became Oregon’s fastest-growing community due to initiatives that strengthened working families and small businesses.

In 2022, Chavez-DeRemer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives by Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, making history as the first Republican woman and one of the first Latinas elected to Congress from the state. She served on the House committees on Agriculture; Education and the Workforce; and Transportation and Infrastructure, championing commonsense solutions and securing critical investments for her constituents.

Chavez-DeRemer is a successful small businesswoman and the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a business administration degree. She and her husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, her high school sweetheart, founded an anesthesia management company and several medical clinics across the Pacific Northwest. A proud wife and mother of twin daughters, Chavez-DeRemer is passionate about advocating for businesses, workers, and families across the country.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Randel Johnson as the Chair of the Administrative Review Board. The board issues agency decisions in cases arising from worker protection laws, including whistleblower and public contract laws.

From August 2020 to 2022, Johnson served as an ARB judge and later as an academic fellow at Cornell Law School and as a distinguished lecturer at Syracuse College of Law. He was formerly partner with the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP and was based in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his time with the department’s ARB, Johnson has also served as labor counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Education and Workforce Committee and worked as senior vice president for Labor Immigration & Employee Benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  

“Returning to the U.S. Department of Labor is truly an honor,” Johnson said. “As chair of its Administrative Review Board, I am committed to ensuring justice is done by rendering legally correct and well-reasoned appellate decisions and treating those who come before the board fairly and impartially while concurrently managing resources as efficiently as possible.”

A graduate of the University of Maryland Law School, Judge Johnson holds a Master of Laws from the Georgetown University Law Center and a Graduate Certificate from Harvard University’s Senior Managers in Government Program. He is a member of the Maryland, District of Columbia, and various federal bars, and a member of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. 

Johnson cites his work supporting the enactments of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Congressional Accountability Act which, for the first time, extended private sector employment laws to the Congress, as bookend achievements of his time on Capitol Hill.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of J. Ross Stewart as executive secretary.

“I am honored to step into this role and support the Department of Labor’s important work,” said Stewart. “I look forward to ensuring the Office of the Secretary operates seamlessly in advancing the Department’s mission.”

Stewart brings a wealth of experience to the position, previously serving in several key roles within the department in the first Trump Administration. He served as chief of staff for the Office of Public Affairs and as special assistant and policy advisor in the Office of the Secretary. His career spans over 20 years in government, government contracting, and non-profits, with expertise in executive-level decision support in government and in the private sector, as well as in policy coordination and public sector management. He most recently served as corporate advisor for PavCon LLC, a woman-owned small business headquartered in Pennsylvania.

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Vince Micone today transmitted Secretary’s Order 03-2025 to all department employees, directing them to cease and desist all investigative and enforcement activity under the rescinded Executive Order 11246 and the regulations promulgated under it.  

The order applies to all department employees, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Administrative Law Judges and the Administrative Review Board. 

The department no longer has any authority under the rescinded Executive Order 11246 or its regulations.  

Read Secretary’s Order 03-2025.

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su issued the following statement on findings from the USDA on worker safety in poultry and swine plants:

“The findings in USDA’s report on worker safety in poultry and swine plants show that injuries, including chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders are too common. These kinds of injuries often go unreported. 

“The study found that the increased risk of injuries created by increasing line speeds could be mitigated with other controls, specifically having more workers on the line and having effective ergonomic plans. I hope that meat and poultry companies do what is needed to make worker safety a first principle. The health of our nation depends on it.”