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Labor Secretary Confirmation Delayed?

The confirmation hearing for Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzdner could be pushed back.

Originally slated for Jan. 17, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) may delay Puzdner’s confirmation hearing until February, according to published reports, citing an aide to Senate HELP Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).

“Because of the complicated senate calendar in January, the hearing may not be until February,” the aide said, according to Politico Pro.

The hearing is being moved because Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos’ hearing has been moved to Jan. 17, according to the report.

Puzder, chief executive of CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc., the parent company of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s burger chains, has been a vocal advocate for cutting back regulations he says have stifled growth in the restaurant industry, according to published reports. Puzder has served as CEO of the company since September 2000.

The delay in Puzder’s confirmation hearing will, of course, likely further delay clarity on the implications on the timing and impact of the fiduciary regulation. The industry has sought to discern Puzder’s stance on the fiduciary rule and/or its timing, but those attempts appear to constitute only speculation at this point — although Puzder has been vocal about his concern regarding “the extensive regulatory maze the Obama administration has imposed on employers.”