Washington, D.C. (March 12, 2025) - The National Organization on Disability (NOD) congratulates Lori Chavez-DeRemer on her confirmation as United States Secretary of Labor.

Throughout her career, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to workers, protecting their rights to find and sustain meaningful employment. As the new head of the Department of Labor (DOL), Secretary Chavez-DeRemer will oversee the department’s budget and priorities, and NOD is excited to work hand-in-hand with her to ensure standing up for workers with disabilities remains at the forefront of DOL’s agenda.

While people with disabilities continue to face workforce challenges, including barriers to fair wages, adequate transportation, and workplace discrimination, we are encouraged by the progress made toward enabling people with disabilities to compete for opportunity on a level playing field. As we continue the fight to overcome these obstacles, NOD is optimistic that Secretary Chavez-DeRemer will be a key ally to the more than 60 million Americans with disabilities that we represent.

As a small business owner raised in a union household who became the first woman elected to Congress in Oregon, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s determination and commitment to public service are well-known, and her congressional track record exemplifies her devotion to seeking bipartisan, commonsense solutions to better the lives of her constituents.

Since NOD’s inception in 1981, we have always affirmed that expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities is a bipartisan issue, and we’ve proudly worked with Democratic and Republican administrations for decades to inform public policy and stand up for people with disabilities.

Disability touches nearly all Americans, and we are confident that Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s loyalty to workers’ rights will continue to guide her as Secretary of Labor. We are eager to collaborate with her to expand opportunities, promote workplace inclusion, and uphold the dignity of people with disabilities.