President Obama on Monday nominated Thomas Perez to head the Labor Department. Accepting the nomination, Perez called the opportunity “remarkably humbling and exciting.”
“My parents taught my four siblings and me to work hard, to give back to our community and to make sure that the ladder of opportunity was there for those coming after us,” Perez continued. “Over my career I’ve learned that true progress is possible if you keep an open mind, listen to all sides and focus on results. I look forward to taking these lessons with me, if confirmed, to my new role as secretary of the Department of Labor. As you well know, our nation still faces critical economic challenges. And the department’s mission is as important as ever. I am confident that together, with our partners and organized labor, the business community, grassroots communities, Republicans, Democrats and independents alike, we can keep making progress for all working families. In the coming weeks as the confirmation process unfolds, I look forward to meeting with senators of both parties to discuss the Labor Department’s key role protecting and growing the middle class. I’ll close again, Mr. President, by thanking you once again for this tremendous opportunity.”
