After months of waiting, and after some tense moments over whether the Democrats in the Senate would fundamentally change the rules of the Senate, Thomas Perez was confirmed as new Secretary of Labor on July 18, 2013. Senate Republicans had been blocking Mr. Perez's confirmation since May, but his nomination finally was approved after both parties agreed to proceed to a vote on a number of controversial nominations. Senate Democrats had threatened to implement the "nuclear option" in regard to presidential appointments by changing senate rules to thwart any possible filibuster on such nominations, but a compromise was reached at the last second, and a number of President Obama's appointees, including Mr. Perez, were approved during the week of July 15.
Mr. Perez faces a number of challenges upon joining the Department of Labor. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and other DoL agencies have a variety of controversial proposals that are waiting for final publication. Among the proposed rules awaiting action are OFCCP's proposed revisions to the regulations regarding veterans and persons with disabilities. When (or if) these proposals will see the light of day remains unknown. Mr. Perez also needs to determine whether there will be any changes in the leadership team at DoL. While nothing has been said in this regard, Mr. Perez appears to have a strong relationship with OFCCP head Patricia Shiu, and we expect she will continue in her role at OFCCP.
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