Labor nominee admits worker ‘mistake’

Housekeeper was not authorized to work in the U.S.

WASHINGTON — Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder acknowledged Tuesday that he had employed a housekeeper who wasn’t authorized to work in the United States, as the Senate’s top Republican came to his defense and dismissed the issue as a “mistake” that had been fixed.

“Number one, the administration strongly supports Andy Puzder and wants to stick with him,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters. “He’s qualified for the job, and for myself, I’m enthusiastically in his camp.”

It wasn’t clear all Republicans were following McConnell’s lead on Puzder, whose confirmation process was already complicated by his delay in filing ethics documents and Democrats’ questions about how a fast food CEO could be an effective advocate for American workers.

Puzder said in a statement that he and his wife were unaware the housekeeper was not legally permitted to work in the U.S. during the years they employed her.

“When I learned of her status, we immediately ended her employment and offered her assistance in getting legal status,” Puzder said. “We have fully paid back taxes to the IRS and the State of California.”

Details about the housekeeper’s immigration status were not known. Nor was it clear when and for how long Puzder employed the worker.

Puzder spokesman George Thompson said Tuesday that the fast-food CEO remains committed to becoming labor secretary and is working on divesting from his financial holdings.

Asked if the housekeeper matter is disqualifying, Republican Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina replied, “I don’t think it should be. It seems to have been cleared up.”

Puzder’s confirmation hearing has been delayed at least three times.