Many years ago, I had the honor of working for Sen. Edward Kennedy on the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, where I got to know and admire a fellow staffer, Tom Perez. In the intervening years, Tom has accomplished a great deal as an elected official, as Maryland’s Secretary of Labor, and as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.  The American people are very fortunate to have a man of Tom’s ability, experience, integrity, and compassion to be the Secretary of Labor.  He understands the need for strong labor standards and their enforcement, he will work to improve the nation’s job training programs, and he will provide a compelling and persuasive voice for working families in the president’s cabinet.  The Economic Policy Institute salutes his confirmation.