WASHINGTON — The confirmation of President Trump’s pick for labor secretary is in jeopardy as four GOP senators have expressed concerns about Andy Puzder’s nomination.
The four senators, sources told CNN, are Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Tim Scott of South Carolina and Johnny Isakson of Georgia.
Republicans hold a 52-seat majority in the Senate. Just three would have to join the 48 Democrats to block Puzder.
Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., is slated for a confirmation hearing Thursday at the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Democrats have called for his nomination to be withdrawn for his treatment of fast-food workers and recent revelations that he failed to pay taxes on an undocumented housekeeper.
Collins, who also opposed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, has not finalized a decision. She said she’ll be reviewing Puzder’s background, including a TV appearance his ex-wife made on the Oprah Winfrey show alleging physical abuse by him.
His ex-wife has since retracted the allegations.
“I have gone to review the Oprah show for an hour on which his former wife appeared and I’m reviewing the other information that has come to light. I’m sure all of this will be explored fully,” Collins told CNN.