During a heated nomination hearing on July 30, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary scrutinized the past comments of nominee Mister Tung regarding women in the workplace and labor rights. The discussions centered around Tung's college-era statements, which some senators argued reflected outdated views on gender equality and labor issues.
Senator Durbin pressed Tung on his historical comments, questioning how they would affect his impartiality as a judge. Tung defended his past remarks, stating they were made over 20 years ago and do not represent his current beliefs. He emphasized that he believes in providing equal professional opportunities for women, despite the senator's insistence on the need for clarity regarding his evolving views.
The conversation shifted to Tung's involvement in a Labor Day protest during his college years, where he was seen holding signs that criticized mandatory maternity leave and unionized labor. Senator Schiff highlighted these actions, raising concerns about how Tung's past positions might influence his judgment in labor-related cases. Tung reiterated that once he dons the judicial robe, he would approach all cases with fairness and respect, regardless of his past opinions.
In a lighter moment, Tung spoke fondly of his wife, praising her accomplishments and asserting that she is more skilled than he is in many areas. This personal touch aimed to illustrate his support for women's professional achievements, although it did not fully quell the committee's concerns about his past statements.
As the hearing concluded, the committee's focus remained on whether Tung's historical views would impact his ability to deliver fair judgments in cases involving gender and labor issues. The outcome of this nomination remains uncertain as the committee deliberates on Tung's suitability for the judicial role.