WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2026) – Today, Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, issued the following statement congratulating Keith Sonderling on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Labor.

“AHLA congratulates Keith Sonderling on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Secretary Sonderling has a deep appreciation and understanding of the franchise business model which is the backbone of the hotel industry. With 60 percent of hotels owned by small business owners, our industry’s continued growth depends on policies that foster economic opportunity and workforce stability. We appreciate Secretary Sonderling’s emphasis on the importance of clear, practical labor policies that support workers, employers, and economic growth.

Last month, we were honored to have him join us for behind-the-scenes tours at hotels in Arizona and Nevada, where he saw firsthand the vital role hotels play as employers, economic drivers, and community partners.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with the Secretary and the team at the Department of Labor on key priorities, including modernizing the H-2B visa program and promoting consistent joint-employer standards that provide certainty for our industry and all those who work and thrive in it"