Pa. congressman says he’s mulling post as Trump Labor secretary

 U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa. (AP file photo)

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa. (AP file photo)

A Republican Congressman from Central Pennsylvania may have a spot in Donald Trump’s Cabinet.

Lou Barletta said Tuesday that he spoke with the president-elect about heading the U.S. Department of Labor.

Ahead of Barletta’s meeting with Trump, some speculated that the former Hazleton mayor might be in the running for Transportation secretary.

But that post went to Elaine Chao, who led the Labor department under George W. Bush. Chao’s husband is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

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When Barletta finally emerged from Trump Tower later in the day, he told reporters he was mulling a different possibility.

“We talked about secretary of Labor,” he said. “It’s something I am going to consider.”

He indicated he’ll continue to be closely involved with Trump’s affairs, no matter his role.

“I’ve worked with the president-elect throughout the campaign, he knows my background. And as a member of the executive transition team, we talked about his ideas, and moving them forward in Congress,” Barletta said.

The Trump team hasn’t officially confirmed a Labor secretary appointment, and Barletta’s office wouldn’t comment further.

Barletta was an early and ardent Trump backer. He was one of the first Congressmen to endorse the businessman, and he  played a prominent role on the campaign trail.

He currently sits on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Homeland Security Committee.

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