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Sen. Portman undecided about labor pick

Posted at 7:25 PM, Feb 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-14 19:25:22-05

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ohio Sen. Rob Portman isn't ready to say he's supporting fast food executive Andrew Puzder as President Donald Trump's secretary of labor.

A spokesman for Portman confirms he is one of at least six GOP senators who are waiting to hear Puzder answer questions Thursday at his confirmation hearing.

The CEO of CKE Restaurants Inc. has acknowledged employing a housekeeper who was not authorized to work in the United States. Puzder says he fired her about five years ago but did not pay the related taxes until after Trump nominated him Dec. 9. Puzder's spokesman says the nominee paid the taxes as soon as he discovered he owed them.

Senators are certain to confront him about the lag when Puzder appears before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.