House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives
Republicans
Rep. Howard P. “Buck†McKeon
Ranking Member
Fiscally responsible reforms for students, workers and retirees.
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McKeon: October Job Losses Underscore Need for Growth Agenda
Democrats Should Set Aside Anti-Worker “Card Check” Scheme in Favor of Job Creation, McKeon Says
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the news this morning that the U.S. economy shed 240,000 jobs in the month of October and that the unemployment rate has reached 6.5 percent, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) condemned reports that special interest groups are demanding consideration of anti-worker “card check” legislation in the first 100 days of the new administration. McKeon, the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, argued that such a move does nothing to spur economic growth or help unemployed workers find new jobs, and that it would actually derail economic recovery at a time when unemployment has reached its highest level in 14 years.
“American families are struggling. The battered stock market has drained the value of workers’ retirement savings, and the contracting job market has left too many job seekers unable to rejoin the workforce,” said McKeon. “Yet even amid these troubling economic indicators, special interest groups have made clear that nothing will stand in the way of their post-election power grab.”
McKeon’s remarks come in response to multiple reports that top union officials are demanding that the Democratic Congress and newly-elected President move forward on the deceptively-named “Employee Free Choice Act” as one of the first orders of business in the new year. The legislation would eliminate workers’ right to a private ballot unionizing election, instead requiring workers to publicly declare whether they support a particular union by signing a card. Such a “card check” scheme could subject workers to harassment and intimidation.
In contrast to the special interest-driven agenda put forward by congressional Democrats, Republican leaders have outlined an economic rapid recovery plan that focuses on tax relief for working families and small businesses.
“With 240,000 more Americans out of work, the task at hand is clear. We need to promote job creation and help struggling American families,” said McKeon. “The incoming Obama-Biden administration has a choice to make: special interest paybacks or proven pro-growth strategies that will get Americans back to work.”
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