James M. Jeffords: “In today's global economy our Nation must take full advantage of every resource that is at our disposal. We want U.S.…”

“In today's global economy our Nation must take full advantage of every resource that is at our disposal. We want U.S. companies to maintain their competitive advantage over their international competitors. This statement from Mr. Gifford, combined with the fact that a majority of the Fortune 500 companies have incorporated many of ENDA's policies, clearly indicates that these changes will not disrupt but improve the workplace. At this time in our country when we are short of skilled workers, we should not have anything that bars those skilled workers from an opportunity to have a job to assist us in our society. Mr. President, some concerns have been raised by my colleagues that passing ENDA will create a new wave of litigation. I am proud to say that my home State of Vermont is one of several States and localities that have enacted a sexual orientation antidiscrimination law. It is no surprise to me that the sky has not fallen. Since the enactment of Vermont's law in 1991, 5 years ago, the Vermont attorney general has initiated only 14 investigations of alleged sexual orientation discrimination. Six are pending at this time. Four have been closed with determinations that unlawful discrimination cannot be proven to have occurred. Three have been closed for miscellaneous administrative reasons unrelated to the charge, and one resulted in a settlement. There has been no huge litigation involved in Vermont.”