Argentum recently joined a broad coalition of national employer, workforce, and business organizations in urging the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling as the next Secretary of Labor. The letter was signed by more than 50 organizations and underscored that if confirmed, Sonderling will continue advancing policies that protect workers, provide clear guidance to employers, and reduce regulatory burdens that can impede economic growth.
President Trump formally nominated Sonderling to serve as Secretary of Labor on June 29 after he had been serving as Acting Secretary following the departure of former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Prior to assuming the acting role, Sonderling served as Deputy Secretary of Labor and previously held senior leadership positions at the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted on July 30 to advance Sonderling’s nomination by a party-line vote of 12-11. His nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration, likely receiving a floor vote in September when Congress returns from its August recess.
For senior living providers, Sonderling’s nomination is significant because of the Department of Labor’s role in workforce development and training initiatives. Sonderling has focused on workforce policy, deregulation, retirement security, and compliance initiatives during his tenure at the Department. He has also been a strong supporter of apprenticeships and workforce upskilling programs.
Argentum has engaged Department of Labor leadership on policy recommendations to strengthen the long-term care workforce, including the creation of a long-term care-specific apprenticeship program and greater integration of senior care career pathways into federal workforce development efforts. These recommendations build on Argentum’s successful Healthcare Apprenticeship Expansion Program (HAEP), a Department of Labor-supported initiative that helped provide workplace-based training and industry-recognized credentials to more than 7,600 workers nationwide.
The coalition letter emphasized Sonderling’s proven record managing the Department and his experience navigating complex workplace issues. The signatories urged Senate leaders to move quickly to confirm his nomination and provide permanent leadership at the agency. Argentum joined a diverse group of organizations representing employers, workforce stakeholders, housing providers, manufacturers, construction firms, retailers, transportation interests, and other sectors of the economy in supporting his confirmation.
Argentum looks forward to continuing to work with Department of Labor leadership on policies that expand apprenticeship opportunities, strengthen senior living career pathways, and help providers recruit, train, and retain the workforce needed to serve a rapidly growing older adult population.