Kamala Harris refuses to call Julie Su ‘acting’ labor secretary

Vice President Kamala Harris refused to call labor secretary nominee Julie Su the “acting” labor secretary.

Harris made the comment when introducing President Joe Biden’s nominee for the position at a speech in Philadelphia Union Hall. Su’s confirmation has been on hold for 147 days as the White House attempts to gather enough votes in the Senate.

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Harris introduced “acting Secretary Julie Su” to applause before pausing and adjusting the title.

“And I just have to tell you — I’ll call her labor secretary. I’m not going to say the word ‘acting,’” she said.

“I’ve known her for many years. And she is a true fighter for the working people and working families of America. Thank you!” Harris continued.

The House GOP Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee criticized Harris’s move in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying it showed that the White House plans to install Su as labor secretary without the required votes.

“Saying the quiet part out loud: The White House has acknowledged Julie Su does not have the votes to be confirmed,” the post read. “Without the ‘advice and consent’ of the Senate, VP Harris confirms the admin’s position is to install Su as Labor Secretary anyway, in violation of the Constitution.”

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Su previously served as deputy labor secretary, allowing her to continue in her post until a successor is appointed. As the White House announced it would keep Su as its nominee indefinitely, Su could serve as de facto labor secretary for as long as the Biden administration wishes.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has previously signaled that he will not vote to confirm Su, meaning the White House must rely on Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), who has not signaled how she would vote.