SEIU President Andy Stern today urged the the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to move ahead with a scheduled vote on the nomination of Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor.

"Now, more than ever, the men and women who are fortunate enough to go to work every day to earn a paycheck and keep America running need a Department of Labor that will stand up for them. Hilda Solis is the right choice for Secretary because she understands personally the challenges workers face in a global economy and the need for a bold new agenda that expands healthcare for everyone and gives American workers a greater choice and a greater voice. She will work tirelessly to help strengthen one of America's greatest assets, its labor force."

Obama first announced Solis as his choice for secretary of Labor in mid-December saying, "Under her leadership, I am confident that the Department of Labor will once again stand up for working families." This afternoon, the Obama administration said that Solis's nomination is not in danger.

Says Andy Stern: "We urge U.S. Senate to move swiftly in a bipartisan manner so Representative Solis can begin her work to improve lives for millions of workers in America."