The Senate’s confirmation vote is its decision on whether to approve a nominee for a position requiring Senate consent. A simple majority of senators voting yes or no was required; senators who did not vote were not included in that count.

The Senate’s confirmation process for this nomination is complete.

• On the Cloture Motion PN1129
  Sep 30, 2026Cloture Motion Agreed to (53-47)

The vote determines who is confirmed to lead the Department of Labor.

• Department of Labor
  Keith Sonderling was confirmed to serve as its Secretary.
• Workers and employers
  The confirmed nominee will lead the federal department responsible for labor-related matters.

The vote was along party-majority lines: Republicans’ majority position was yes, and Democrats’ was no.

• DKirsten GillibrandNew York— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• DMark WarnerVirginia— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• DRichard BlumenthalConnecticut— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• DRichard DurbinIllinois— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• DSheldon WhitehouseRhode Island— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• DTina SmithMinnesota— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• RJerry MoranKansas— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• RJohn CornynTexas— One of 12 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.

Advice and consent

The Senate's constitutional role in confirming presidential nominations and ratifying treaties. The Senate doesn't "appoint" — it consents to the president's appointment.