Biden's pick for labor secretary supports raising minimum wage
It's been two weeks since Biden's inauguration and the Senate has so far confirmed six of his Cabinet nominees.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Biden's pick to lead the Department of Labor, is testifying Thursday morning before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who Biden had said he was also considered for the role of labor secretary, asked Walsh where he stood on the minimum wage on a federal level.
“I definitely support raising the minimum wage. I know that President Biden has made that part of his economic plan as well," Walsh said, to which Sanders replied, "Good."
Asked about Biden's Cabinet confirmations at Wednesday's press briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said there has "certainly" been a delay in the confirmation of his nominees, saying, "Some of them were slower-paced than they should have been, early on," and calling out Republicans for so far blocking a hearing for Attorney General-designate Merrick Garland.
Since Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reached a power-sharing agreement Wednesday, Democrats will not get the gavel at all committees, likely speeding up the confirmation process for Biden's Cabinet picks.