President Trump moved one step closer to filling one of the last holes in his Cabinet as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved nominee R. Alexander Acosta for the post of Labor Secretary in a tightly contested vote. Acosta was approved by a vote of 12-11 amid concerns by Democrats over Acosta's refusal to be pinned down on workplace issues regarding overtime pay, retirement, and workplace safety. Acosta, currently dean of the law school at Florida International University, previously served on the National Labor Relations Board and in the Department of Justice. Republicans state they are confident Acosta's nomination will go through, in contrast to Trump's original nominee, Andy Puzder.
See "Senate committee narrowly approves Acosta's nomination to be Labor secretary", Jim Puzzanghera, Los Angeles Times, March 31, 2017