WASHINGTON (Jan. 24, 2025) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Rosanna Maietta released the following statement urging the Senate to swiftly confirm former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor and Keith Sonderling as Deputy Secretary of Labor: 

“AHLA is proud to endorse Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Secretary of Labor and Keith Sonderling for Deputy Secretary of Labor. As a small business owner, Chavez-DeRemer understands the challenges business owners face and the critical need for a strong workforce. During her time in Congress, she supported key AHLA priorities, including defending the franchise business model, a commonsense definition for joint-employer liability, and the department’s apprenticeship programs,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta.

“Keith Sonderling brings extensive experience to the Deputy Secretary role, having previously served under the first Trump administration as acting and deputy administrator of the Wage and Hour Division and as a commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He has been a strong advocate for the franchise model and understands the impact of the department’s policies on businesses nationwide.

“Hoteliers are facing a range of challenges, including onerous regulations that threaten the livelihood of owners, operators, and employees, as well as a nationwide workforce shortage that is making it difficult to expand their operations. We urge the Senate to quickly confirm Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Keith Sonderling to lead the Department of Labor so that together we can address these obstacles.”