USA TODAY International Edition
GOP rallies around embattled Labor nominee Puzder
Housekeeper ‘ mistake’ could be a new hurdle
WASHINGTON The White House and congressional Republicans are rallying around Labor secretary nominee Andrew Puzder after he admitted employing an undocumented housekeeper for years.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters Tuesday that President Trump’s administration strongly supports Puzder and wants him to remain the nominee.
McConnell said he also continues to back Puzder, whom he called “an outstanding choice.”
“He realized the mistake, he fixed it, and ... is eminently qualified for the job,” McConnell said.
Puzder, who lives in Franklin, Tenn., and is chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast- food chains, disclosed late Monday that he and his wife had employed an undocumented immigrant as a housekeeper for a number of years.
“When I learned of her status, we immediately ended her em- ployment and offered her assistance in getting legal status,” Puzder said in a statement. “We have fully paid back taxes to the IRS and the State of California.”
Puzder’s admission could further complicate his confirmation hearing, which already has been delayed four times while he works to divest divests his assets from his fast- food empire.
Similar revelations have sunk nominees over the years, while others have weathered the controversy and won confirmation.
Puzder’s critics, however, suggested his explanation of the events was inadequate.
“Eight weeks and four canceled hearing dates since his nomination was announced, we still have yet to see a single shred of paperwork from Mr. Puzder — but what we have heard is story after story about how he spent his career squeezing workers for profit, leaving many with lost wages, no financial security and no retirement,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate labor committee.
Puzder also has been under fire from labor unions and other groups over his opposition to raising the minimum wage and over questions about low wages and other practices at his restaurants. He also has criticized a now- halted rule enacted under President Obama that would have expanded eligibility for overtime pay to 4 million Americans.