Keith Sonderling is one step from leading the Department of Labor on a permanent basis.

The acting secretary goes before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Thursday, July 16, 2026. 

In the Bloomberg Law News article "Punching In: Lori Chavez-DeRemer Debuts Her Next Act Post-DOL," the publication covered Sonderling's upcoming hearing and former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's move into lobbying after resigning amid misconduct allegations. Paul DeCamp, Member of the Firm at Epstein Becker Green, weighed in on Sonderling's odds of confirmation.

Sonderling was confirmed as deputy secretary last year by a narrower Senate margin, 53-46, than Chavez-DeRemer received. Chavez-DeRemer has since started the American Workers First PAC, which backs candidates she describes as pro-worker.

DeCamp, a former DOL Wage and Hour Administrator, said Sonderling has avoided the kind of opposition that typically complicates a confirmation.

"I don't think he's facing any kind of grueling confirmation battle. More than a lot of other people, he's managed to avoid creating strong opposition to him on anything he's actually done."

Get in Touch

To discuss this perspective, contact Paul DeCamp at PDeCamp@ebglaw.com.

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