John Kline: “Madam Chair, let's be clear about what this act does: it sidesteps a free and fair election process, and it subjects…”

“Madam Chair, let's be clear about what this act does: it sidesteps a free and fair election process, and it subjects hardworking Americans to coercion and intimidation. At a time when my hometown is proud to report twice the national average in job growth, job growth in manufacturing, high-tech construction, this bill heads us in the wrong direction. I want to focus on health care. We have all heard the concerns about a growing workforce shortage in this country. The card check process for unionization further puts health care at risk. It would discourage much-needed health care professionals from entering into the health care field. I have heard from Ferry County Hospital and from Dayton General Hospital, both small, critical-access hospitals in eastern Washington, that this bill would increase costs and is a slap in the face for collaboration between management and employees. What is the biggest concern for these hospitals, the undue pressure on their employees. Rich Umbdenstock, who is the president of the American Hospital Association and past president of the former Providence Services in Spokane, Washington, said, "The hardworking men and women of our Nation's hospitals are entitled to choice." I couldn't agree more. They have it right.”