July 12, 2013
The Honorable
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Senator,
On behalf of the 500,000 members of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) nationwide, I would like to express our objection to the nomination of Thomas E. Perez as the next Secretary of Labor.
During his time as Assistant Attorney General and chief of The Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Perez misused his position and chose a biased ideology over upholding the Constitution and rights of all Americans. This honored cabinet position requires a leader who will look out for the best interests of his/her fellow Americans, especially in these hard economic times. Instead, Mr. Perezs rumproves he is willing to put ideology above facts and the law. His appointment would instill anything but confidence in the thousands of women we represent.
Mr. Perez misused his position at the DOJ by leading a witch hunt against Susan Pine, based on a so-called violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE). Mrs. Pine, a sixty-one-year-old American from Florida, was targeted by Mr. Perez and the DOJ for peacefully counseling expectant mothers outside of a Florida abortion clinic. A federal lawsuit was filed against Mrs. Pine for blocking those trying to enter the Clinic (which was a gross overstatement, as Mrs. Pine was actually crossing in front of the clinic using a pedestrian crosswalk). The Court hearing the case, after almost two years of harassment by Mr. Perez and the DOJ, found that the evidence against Mrs. Pine did not warrant a trial.
For his blood thirst against those who differ with his ideology, Perez has used taxpayer money to trample his fellow Americans First Amendment rights, by targeting pro-life Americans and, in the process, using the Rules of Law out of context, resulting in many of his trials being settled before even making it to court.
Additionally, Perezs actions while serving in the DOJ have also abused those with religious beliefs. In a brief to the Supreme Court in Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC, Perez argued that the First Amendment had no influence on the governments ability to regulate who churches can and cannot hire to teach religion in their schools.
As the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Perez purposely distorted the concept of civil rights or equal application of the law. This is reason enough not to promote him. But if more evidence is needed, one has only to look at Perezs influences regarding a secret deal made with the City of St. Paul (which prevented the DOJ from recovering up to $200 million for taxpayers).
Even the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has found interest in Perezs activities and held a hearing regarding them. Congressman Robert Goodlatte (R- Virginia) stated Mr. Perez should face tough questions about this backroom deal he helped coordinate, his role in interfering with a Supreme Court case, and his mismanagement of the Civil Rights Division. His involvement in the quid pro quo arrangement casts doubt on his ability to lead and tarnishes the Department of Justice.
Thomas Perez has manipulated our legal system and extorted funds from the American taxpayers. When looking for the next Secretary of Labor, this is not the man for the job. Many American small businesses will fall victim to Mr. Perezs unceasing power spree.
The bottom line is, Thomas Perezs far-left political ideology is abusive and makes him unfit to be a potential candidate for Secretary of Labor. We, therefore, oppose his nomination and reserve the right to include all floor votes towards confirming this nominee in our annual scorecard.
Sincerely,
Penny Young Nance
Chief Executive Officer and President
Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee