CABINET/LABOR/TRUMP PEOPLE/ALEXANDER ACOSTA: “President Donald Trump’s nominee for labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, filed financial disclosure and ethics paperwork, clearing the way for his confirmation hearing Wednesday [3-8-17].
The paperwork released by the Office of Government Ethics on Thursday [3-9-17] showed an uncomplicated financial situation for the law school dean who served in three Senate-confirmed positions during President George W. Bush’s administration.
The labor nominee has very few financial entanglements, a sharp contrast with other Trump cabinet secretaries such as billionaires Betsy DeVos and Wilbur Ross. That could help clear Mr. Acosta’s path to confirmation for one of the few vacant cabinet posts…
His only apparent encumbrance is tied to warrants he received from U.S. Century Bank in Miami, for which he serves as chairman. In his ethics agreement, Mr. Acosta pledged to not participate in any matter involving the bank until he has divested from it, unless he first obtains a waiver. He’s prepared to forfeit warrants that would have vested in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and will forgo his 2016 bonus if it isn’t received before becoming secretary.
His financial situation is the latest factor showing Mr. Acosta is likely to have a smoother path to confirmation than Mr. Puzder. The former government attorney has already worked in two federal agencies and has won praise for his civil rights work with Muslim-Americans and efforts to open up law school to Latino students.”
-Eric Morath, “Labor Secretary Nominee Acosta Files Financial Disclosure and Ethics Paperwork,” The Wall Street Journal online, March 9, 2017