Solis Announces Resignation of DOL Post

In a letter to employees at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Solis stated: “After much discussion with family and close friends, I have decided to begin a new future, and return to the people and places I love and that have inspired and shaped my life.” She submitted her resignation to President Obama January 9.  

In her letter, Solis summed up the accomplishments of the DOL under her leadership, including the collection of highest amount of back wages owed to workers in the DOL’s history and the recovery of nearly $5 billion for retirees. She encouraged her colleagues: “I am counting on you to keep up the good work.” 

At the time of her nomination by Barack Obama in December 2008, Solis was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing California and the only member of Congress of Central American descent (see “Obama Expected to Give Labor Secretary Nod to Solis”). She was confirmed as labor secretary by the U.S. Senate February 24, 2009 (see “Solis Confirmed As Labor Secretary”).