On the recordApril 25, 2012
Mr. President, I oppose this amendment. It is taking a bill that has the urgent purpose of saving the U.S. Postal Service-- changing it to save it--and bringing in a matter of internal labor union business. The fact is no postal employee is forced to join a union, but once one does, the union leadership can guide the policy positions the union supports through the democratic processes within the union. No postal employee himself or herself is forced to involuntarily support the advocacy or political activities of a union. That is their choice-- whether to join it. But once they do, their leadership has the right to participate in a political process. I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time has expired. Mr. DeMINT. Mr. President, I yield the remainder of my time to Senator Collins. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time has expired. Mr. DeMINT. I ask unanimous consent that Senator Collins be given 30 seconds to explain her position. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered.
