On the recordAugust 2, 2010
I am deeply concerned because this is a matter that, unlike an awful lot of the subject matters that we bring up and engage in, has bipartisan support in this Chamber; that is, the ability of our first responders to be able to collectively bargain in the workplace. These are our firefighters, our police officers, and our emergency personnel. This is a bill that was championed by Senator Kennedy before he left us--a bill that has been introduced by our good friend and colleague from New Hampshire, Judd Gregg, along with five other the Republican Members of this Chamber, along with many Democrats. In fact, it goes back over a decade, this issue of seeing to it that these, the most celebrated, the most highly endorsed and supported of public employees, would have the right to collectively bargain. This is not something guaranteed in all States. Many States do it, but many do not. So I am terribly disappointed that once again, just days away from the adjournment of this Congress, these individuals who consistently enjoy the outspoken praise of public officials for their work, when it comes down to actually doing something on their behalf we find the Congress missing the opportunity to step up.
