Manchin and Sinema Block Biden's NLRB Nominee Lauren McFerran in 50-49 Vote, Handing Control to Trump

Dec 11, 2024, 07:02 PM

In a significant political maneuver, Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, both retiring from the Senate, have effectively blocked President Biden's nominee, Lauren McFerran, from being reappointed as the chair of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The vote, which resulted in a 50-49 decision against McFerran, means that the Democrats will not secure control of the NLRB through 2026. This outcome allows President-elect Donald Trump to appoint a new majority when he takes office, potentially reversing the pro-union agenda set by the current administration. The vote was seen as a critical defeat for organized labor, with Manchin and Sinema siding with Republicans, thus handing control of the board to the incoming GOP Senate and Trump administration. Manchin stated, “This is not a surprise to anyone,” while Sinema also voted against the nomination. Vice President-elect JD Vance was present for the vote, having flown from Florida to ensure his presence.