Blumenthal Statement on the Withdrawn Nomination of Andrew Puzder

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement today after Andrew Puzder, the nominee for Secretary of Labor, withdrew his nomination.

“Withdrawing this nomination was the right choice. There is an old saying – we’ve all heard it from our moms – actions speak louder than words. Andrew Puzder’s record speaks louder than any of his words,” Blumenthal said. “On every one of the issues that are important to the American workforce, Andrew Puzder has been on the wrong side. I only hope that President Trump learns from this massively mistaken nomination and chooses a new Labor Secretary who is committed to supporting the mission of the department, and not dismantling it.”

Shortly before reports broke that Senate Republicans recommended that President Trump pull the nomination of Andrew Puzder to be Secretary of Labor, Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and advocates at a press conference to highlight Puzder’s record failing to uphold women’s rights and safety in the workplace as the CEO of CKE Restaurants.

Video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available for download here.

Before his nomination was withdrawn, Puzder was scheduled to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee tomorrow. Earlier today, Senate Republicans asked the President to withdraw his nomination in the face of increasing concerns regarding Puzder’s steady opposition to workplace polices that would benefit working women. Blumenthal and Murray also raised concerns today regarding the high incidence of sexual harassment at CKE restaurants and company ads championed by Puzder objectifying women.

Blumenthal and Murray were joined this morning by Emily Martin, General Counsel and VP for Workplace Justice at the National Women’s Law Center; Vicki Shabo, Vice President at the National Partnership for Women and Families; and Jennifer Webb, a baker who experienced sexual assault in her workplace.