On March 22, 2021, the Senate voted, on a bipartisan basis, to confirm Marty J. Walsh as the 29th Secretary of Labor.

The following is a statement from Walsh:

“I am incredibly honored and privileged to serve as the United States’ next Secretary of Labor. I am grateful for the bipartisan support of members of the Senate, and I want to thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for their confidence in my ability to lead the Department of Labor during such a critical time in our nation’s history.

“As the son of immigrants and a former union laborer, I share their deep commitment to building an economy that works for all. I have been a fighter for the rights of working people throughout my career, and I remain committed to ensuring that everyone – especially those in our most marginalized communities – receives and benefits from full access to economic opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace. I believe we must meet this historic moment and, as the nation’s Secretary of Labor, I pledge to help our economy build back better.”

The National Safety Council released the following statement on March 23 praising the appointment. 

"The National Safety Council congratulates Marty Walsh on his confirmation as Secretary of Labor. With the number of preventable workplace deaths rising, and the pandemic presenting the greatest workplace safety challenge in a century, the Department of Labor needs strong leadership more than ever. Secretary Walsh will provide such guidance.

The American worker is facing a workplace safety crisis unlike any other, as the pandemic continues to rage nationwide. Secretary Walsh’s prior experience leading unions in the building and construction trades, as well as his work in the legislature, gives NSC confidence that he will lead with the nation’s workers at the forefront of decisions. We look forward to working closely with him and his team to eliminate deaths and injuries on the job."