On the recordMarch 16, 2022
I thank the Representative from California for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we are here to discuss H.R. 2116, which would clarify that it is a Federal crime to discriminate based on an individual's hair. But we are also here to discuss H.R. 963, the FAIR Act, which bans arbitration clauses in private contracts. H.R. 963 makes it clear: The intention is to remove arbitration as a legal tool for the American people while preserving arbitration with an exemption for labor unions. The belief is that the American people need Washington watching over their private contracts. I assure you, those in Minnesota's Seventh District do not need them. The bill purports to ban forced arbitration. This is misleading rhetoric. Forced or involuntary agreements are already illegal. So, what would this bill really do? It would insert the Federal Government into the private contracts of citizens and remove their ability to settle disputes outside of the courtroom through predispute arbitration agreements. This bill pretends to empower plaintiffs, but by voiding arbitration clauses in the context outlined in the bill, it would effectively end most arbitration entirely, even when that arbitration would benefit those most impacted.…
