Herman To Get Hearing After Queries Answered (2/25/97)
Labor Nominee's Investments Under Scrutiny (2/15/97)
A Delay On Herman (1/30/97)
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Herman's Opening Day
Labor Secretary nominee finally gets a hearing
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 18) -- A day after President Bill Clinton's nominee for CIA director pulled out of the running, his other troubled nomination appears to be faring better, as Labor Department nominee Alexis Herman's confirmation hearing went smoothly.
In her opening statements to the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, Herman concentrated on the issues the Labor Department will face over the next four years, including welfare, retirement security, job safety and equality and worker training.
"What I want for America's workers is simple and to the point. I want workers to get and keep good jobs. I want working families to enjoy a rising standard of living. And I want workers and their families to have dignity and security throughout their lives," Herman said.
Herman's hearing had been on hold while Republicans looked into charges that she mixed official duties with Democratic fund-raising efforts while heading the White House's public liaison office. They also asked questions about Herman's financial holdings in a Washington, D.C., development project to which she served as an affirmative action consultant.
Committee Chairman James Jeffords (R-Vt.) acknowledged the delay, and praised the cooperation of Herman and her staff in responding to hundreds of questions the committee wanted answered before it would schedule a hearing.
"My pace may have been too slow for some, but my view is that it's better to take some time and get it right," Jeffords said. "And I appreciate the patience of the nominee and the cooperation of the White House itself in doing this. I think the vast majority of questions have been answered and need not take up our time today."
The committee's ranking Democrat, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), has been one of Herman's staunchest supporters. During the hearing Kennedy said, "This hearing isn't really about all the activities in the White House. This hearing is about your record, your responsibility and the extraordinary qualities which you bring to" the job.