NSBA NEWS | Senate Committee Advances Keith Sonderling’s Nomination for Secretary of Labor

Sonderling’s advancement to the full Senate positions the Department of Labor to continue pursuing a more flexible, employer-focused regulatory agenda, an approach aligned with NSBA’s longstanding support for clear, practical rules to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens on small businesses.

JULY 31, 2026 | This week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 12–11 along party lines to advance the nomination of Keith Sonderling to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Sonderling, who is currently serving as Acting Secretary of Labor, will now move to the full Senate for consideration.

Sonderling brings extensive experience in federal labor and employment policy, including previous service at the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and as a commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. His nomination draws support from business groups pointing to his regulatory experience and familiarity with employer compliance issues.

For small-business owners, Sonderling’s advancement aligns with actioning small-business priority issues, including regulatory flexibility, agency efficiency, and reducing unnecessary compliance burdens for employers. NSBA supports practical, predictable labor policies providing small businesses the clarity and flexibility needed to hire, grow, and compete while maintaining strong workplace standards.

Awaiting a full Senate vote for Sonderling's final confirmation, NSBA will continue monitoring the nomination and engaging with the Department of Labor on policies affecting America’s small-business employers.