Puzder withdraws name from consideration to lead DOL

UPDATE: This story had been updated to include reactions to Andrew Puzder withdrawing his nomination.

Washington – Andrew Puzder has withdrawn his name from consideration to be the next secretary of labor, according to numerous media reports.

Puzder pulled out of the running one day before the Senate was scheduled to vote on his nomination. He did not provide a reason for withdrawing his nomination but, in a statement provided to the Associated Press, said he was “honored to have been considered by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Labor and put America’s workers and businesses back on a path to sustainable prosperity.”

In December, Trump described Puzder as an effective nominee because of his ability to help workers and small-business owners. Puzder is the chief executive of CKE Restaurants Holdings, the parent company of Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s and other regional fast-food chains.

Puzder’s decision elicited mixed reactions among members of Congress.

“This is disappointing news for our nation’s workers and job creators,” Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) said in a press release. “Andy is a good man, and he would have been a strong secretary of labor. He promised to provide a clear break from the failed policies of the last eight years.”

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) said he and other House Democrats had “serious concerns” about Puzder’s previous public statements and business practices.

“I hope that President Trump’s next nominee for secretary of labor will be someone who will fight for increased wages, safer working conditions, and retirement security for America’s workers,” Scott said in a press release.