CAPAC Members Welcome Christopher Lu as Deputy Secretary of Labor

CAPAC Members Welcome Christopher Lu as Deputy Secretary of Labor

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Christopher P. Lu (盧沛寧)as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Labor. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“I congratulate Chris Lu on his confirmation as the new Deputy Secretary of Labor. His historic confirmation is an important step forward for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and marks only the second time in history that an Asian American has held a deputy secretary position.

“As a proven manager and dedicated public servant, Chris will be a great asset to the Department of Labor as it works to strengthen our economy and build ladders of opportunity for all Americans. It has been a privilege to work closely with Chris over the years, and I look forward to our continued work together in his new role.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“Congratulations to Chris Lu on his confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Labor. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Chris through our work with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and civil rights organizations such as OCA. I wish him the best as he assumes this critical position at the Department of Labor.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair:

“I congratulate Chris Lu on his confirmation as the Deputy Secretary of Labor. Chris has been an important advocate in the White House for AAPI issues, and I am confident that he will bring the same work ethic and passion to his new post at the Department of Labor. I look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Lu in the future, and I know he will continue to champion issues important to all hardworking American families. I also commend the Senate on a speedy confirmation process for Deputy Secretary Lu, and I hope they will act swiftly on other important nominations.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“The Department of Labor has become an even better agency with the confirmation of my friend Christopher Lu. Chris brings an outstanding career of public service, and a passion for creating better opportunities for American workers, to his new position of Deputy Secretary of Labor. As the son of Taiwanese immigrants, Chris understands what it means to pursue the American Dream, the urgency with which we must create ladders of opportunity to the middle class, and the need to protect the rights of working families. Chris will be an invaluable asset on job creation, wage equity, workforce development, economic fairness, and the entire array of issues within the Labor Department’s mission. I congratulate him on his confirmation, and look forward to his service on behalf of the American worker.”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):

“Congratulations to Chris Lu on his historic confirmation as the new United States Deputy Secretary of Labor. I know he has the commitment, talent and experience serving the American people necessary to be successful in his new role. In fact, I have personally valued Chris’ counsel and expertise, as have countless Asian American community organizations and community leaders over the years. It has been a pleasure to work with him, and I look forward to continuing to work with Chris in his new role to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families.”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“I am so proud to congratulate my good friend Chris Lu on his appointment as Deputy Secretary of Labor. Chris has a long history of dedication to public service, and to improving the lives of people across America. He is again answering this call to service in his new role, as he has done so many times before. As Chris has proven in every new challenge he has tackled, he will bring a fresh perspective and a results-driven approach to his work at the Department of Labor, as he tackles tough issues like closing the skills gap and growing our economy. I wish Chris the very best and look forward to the positive impact he will make.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“I offer my congratulations to Chris Lu on his confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Labor. I’m delighted that the Senate has confirmed such a staunch advocate for working families. Throughout his impressive career as a public servant, Chris has shown his commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring that all Americans have a chance at the American dream, and I am confident he will continue to tackle these important issues in his new role.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I am happy to congratulate Christopher Lu and I look forward to working with him in his new role as Deputy Secretary of Labor. Christopher is an excellent choice for this important position, and he’ll be a great asset in promoting the interests of working men and women and advancing the issues critical to the AAPI community and all Americans.

“His years of experience will serve him well, and I’m confident that our nation will greatly benefit from his outstanding leadership. Congratulations Christopher Lu on your historic confirmation.”

Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-13):

“The confirmation of Chris Lu as Deputy Secretary of Labor is not only a great source of pride for the Asian American community but also a huge step in moving the entire nation forward. I applaud President Obama and the Senate for delivering an appointee with such unparalleled experience and proven record of fighting for working families and tackling unemployment. Mr. Lu's dedication, combined with the leadership of Secretary Perez, will keep strengthening our economy toward building the ladders of opportunity for everyone in America.”

Background:

Christopher P. Lu is a senior fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. In 2013, he was also a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics and the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Lu served in the White House as Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary. He was also the Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from 2011 to 2013. Mr. Lu is only the second Asian American to hold a Deputy Secretary position in history.