Key takeaways:

• Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination for Labor Secretary is supported by three Democratic senators.
• Her nomination advanced out of the Senate HELP Committee with a 14-9 vote.
• Sen. Rand Paul opposed her nomination, but a majority of Republicans, along with Democratic backing, supported it.

Former GOP Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer is moving closer to confirmation as Labor Secretary under President Trump, aided significantly by Democratic votes in the Senate. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted 14-9 in favor of her nomination, ensuring her advancement to the Senate floor in the coming weeks, as reported by The Hill and HuffPost.

Despite facing opposition from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who cited her earlier support for pro-labor legislation, Chavez-DeRemer gained crucial support from Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan (N.H.), John Hickenlooper (Colo.), and Tim Kaine (Va.). The three senators argued her qualifications and potential to benefit workers and businesses in their states as justifications for their votes. Senator Hassan noted that her decision was influenced by favorable feedback from constituents regarding Chavez-DeRemer's labor policies.

Chavez-DeRemer's previous endorsement of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, a significant pro-union piece of legislation, has been both a boon and a challenge for her nomination process. Her support for this act distinguishes her as one of the few Republicans who back labor-friendly reforms, though it also drew ire from anti-union members within her party. "I believe that she is qualified to serve as the next Secretary of Labor," said Hassan in a statement, indicating her commitment to support New Hampshire's workers.

The voting dynamics were tense, with Paul firmly opposing her due to her past pro-labor stance, while other Republicans remained largely supportive, aiming to keep the nomination aboard amid rising concerns from progressive factions. Chavez-DeRemer's previous defeat in her congressional run adds a layer of complexity to her current nomination path.

The importance of Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination signals a potentially transformative period within the Labor Department, particularly given Trump’s controversial record on labor issues. The support from Democrats demonstrates a willingness to cooperate on bipartisan lines, albeit in a highly polarized environment.

For more details, you can visit the original articles on CBS, The Hill, and HuffPost.