The Hill: Puzder’s Confirmation Hearing Delayed

The franchising industry was thrilled to hear that president-elect Donald Trump picked Andy Puzder, chief executive of CKE Restaurants, to be the next Labor Secretary. However, his confirmation hearing has been pushed back.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee said that the hearing may not take place until February. The delay is due to the fact that the committee also had to push back a hearing on confirming Betsy DeVos as Education secretary, ultimately creating a scheduling conflict.

Despite the delay, members of the franchising industry are still anticipating Puzder’s confirmation. The position will give franchising a strong voice in Washington, D.C., which is a top priority for the International Franchise Association.

In a statement released when Puzder’s selection was first announced, IFA president and CEO Robert Cresanti said, “Voters elected a job creator as President, it is only fitting that the Labor Department, the agency responsible for ensuring the nation’s labor policy is properly balanced, should be led by someone with a proven track record for creating jobs, growing a business and opening a pathway for people to create a successful career and even business ownership.”