TPA Opposes the Nomination of Lauren McFerran to the National Labor Relations Board

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Zupkus (224) 456-0257

December 10, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Yesterday, December 9th, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) filed for cloture on the reconfirmation of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Chair Lauren McFerran. A vote on McFerran’s nomination is expected for Wednesday, December 11th.

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) calls onto the Senate to oppose McFerran’s confirmation.

In response, David Williams, TPA President offered the following comment:

“The last-minute push to reconfirm NLRB Chair McFerran is clearly an effort of the Biden administration and the Democratic party to perpetuate the failed Biden labor and economic agenda for years to come. Such an effort pays no regard to the voters who expressed their desire to move on to a different administration. The Senate should listen to voters’ concerns and oppose this nomination.

“McFerran’s abysmal record as NLRB chair should be reason enough for lawmakers to oppose this nomination. During her tenure as chair, the agency consistently trampled on workers’ rights and interests to push a pro-union agenda that has done tremendous damage to the American economy. For example, McFerran’s NLRB has eliminated workers’ rights to secret ballots in union elections, altered union election timelines to prevent informed voting processes, and implemented new regulations to prevent workers from leaving unions. The mandate from voters was very clear: the next administration needs to correct course. Reconfirming McFerran as chair would betray that very mandate.

“Further, this move continues to break with the precedent of confirming both Republican and Democrat NLRB nominees simultaneously, when vacancies exist. Since 2022, the five-member board has been comprised of three Democrats and one Republican. The Senate will not be considering Joshua Ditelberg, who was nominated to succeed Republican John F. Ring. Leader Schumer first broke this precedent in 2023, when the Senate confirmed Gynne Wilcox without a Republican companion. 

“Majority Leader Schumer’s call for expedited confirmation is a desperate attempt on behalf of a lame-duck administration looking to prolong its unpopular economic agenda. Senators should recognize this for what it is and prevent this nomination from advancing, especially while a Republican seat remains vacant. The new administration and 119^th Congress should be the one making these crucial economic decisions.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.