FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2009
CONTACT: Josh Dorner, 202.675.2384
Sierra Club Applauds Senate Confirmation of
Rep. Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor
Washington, D.C.—The Senate today voted 80 to 17 to confirm Rep. Hilda Solis of California as President Obama's Secretary of Labor.
Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director
"We are overjoyed that the Senate has finally confirmed Hilda Solis, one of the most vital members of President Obama's economic team. The Sierra Club offers its deepest congratulations to Secretary Solis.
"Hilda Solis was a champion for workers' rights, a champion for the environment, and a tireless advocate for environmental justice during both her service in California and in the Congress. President Obama could not have chosen a better person to fill this crucial role in his administration.
"Solis' confirmation comes at a crucial time. The economic recovery package that became law last week includes tens of billions of dollars to build the green economy that Hilda Solis so eloquently spoke of during her distinguished career in the House of Representatives. Indeed, the law specifically allocates $500 million for the Green Jobs Act's green jobs training program that Hilda Solis fought so hard to pass in 2007. It is serendipitous that she will now help President Obama oversee his plan to revitalize the economy by creating millions of new green jobs.
"We also look forward to working with President Obama, Secretary Solis, our allies in Congress, and our friends in organized labor to pass the Employee Free Choice Act as soon as possible. Secretary Solis has been one of the strongest champions of this long overdue measure and she is now set to play an essential role in shepherding it through the Congress."
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