The Senate on Friday confirmed career economist Brett Matsumoto as director of
the Bureau of Labor Statistics by a 51-47 vote. Matsumoto, nominated by
President Trump to replace Erica McEntarfer after her dismissal last August amid
weak jobs data, joined the BLS in 2015 and has served at the White House Council
of Economic Advisers. Longtime deputy William Viatroski is currently acting
director. At his June confirmation hearing Matsumoto pledged to uphold the BLS's
integrity and independence; the appointment could help ease concerns about the
agency's credibility.
