@PatriciaMazzei
Even before President Donald Trump announced Alexander Acosta as his new secretary of labor pick, a Miami Republican lawmaker started singing Acosta's praises.
NBC News reported Thursday -- ahead of Trump's White House press conference announcing his choice -- that it would be Acosta, the dean of Florida International University's law school and former U.S. attorney for the southern district of Florida. Acosta would be Trump's first and only Hispanic Cabinet member.
The still-unconfirmed news prompted immediate support from U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart:
I am excited to learn of Alex Acosta’s nomination for Labor Secretary. He has an impressive record of achievement, having served on the National Labor Relations Board, as well as receiving presidential appointments to both U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Florida and Assistant Attorney General during his career. Alex has also been an exemplary Dean of one of the best law schools in the state, leading FIU to earn the highest bar passage rates in Florida for three years in a row. He is a man of great principle, integrity, and courage, and I am confident he will do an excellent job serving our nation.
Here's the reaction from U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami:
Congrats to mi amigo, Alex, who has done a tremendous job at @FIU @fiulaw on his nomination as #LaborSecretary! He'll do a great job!
— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) February 16, 2017
And from U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Miami:
Wonderful news for South Florida & the country that @POTUS has nominated #AlexAcosta to serve as @USDOL Secretary. He is a great choice.
— Carlos Curbelo (@carloslcurbelo) February 16, 2017
And from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida:
I know Alex Acosta well, and he is a phenomenal choice to lead the Department of Labor. Whether it was his distinguished service as U.S. attorney in Florida’s Southern District or as dean of Florida International University’s school of law, Alex has succeeded in all endeavors he has taken on, and managing the Department of Labor will be no different. I look forward to his confirmation hearing, where I’m confident he will impress my colleagues and secure the support necessary to be the next secretary of labor.
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