doi:10.7916/s42g-xd10Oral history interview with Christopher P. Lu, 2021Lu, Christopher P., 1966-oral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesBP Deepwater Horizon Explosion and Oil Spill, 2010Lu, Christopher P., 1966-Obama, BarackUnited StatesUnited States. Department of LaborAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (2016 February 4)Patient Protection and Affordable Care ActChristopher Lu discusses his service in support of the legislative initiatives of Barack Obama, beginning as legislative director in Obama's Senate office, continuing in support of the Obama 2008 presidential transition, as cabinet secretary from 2009 to 2013, and as deputy secretary of labor from 2014 to 2017. Lu focuses on the role of the cabinet secretary as a facilitator of collaboration between cabinet secretaries and executive agencies on legislative projects and crisis response, and provides details about the development and management of important initiatives, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Lu describes the balance of power between White House officials and cabinet secretaries, commenting on the relative influence and managerial techniques of the administration's chiefs of staff. Lu also reflects on his service in the Department of Labor, outlining the relationship between Secretary Tom Perez and union officials, the reception of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and differences between the department's activities during the first and second presidential terms. Also discussed is Lu's contribution to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders