Bill Barrett: “I rise in support of the provision in H.R. 2127, that would prohibit the enforcement of President Clinton's Executive…”

“I rise in support of the provision in H.R. 2127, that would prohibit the enforcement of President Clinton's Executive order, banning the use of permanent replacement workers on Federal contracts of $100,000 or more. To put it simply, I believe that the President's Executive order is unconstitutional, and is a direct challenge to the prerogatives of the Congress to set labor law. The President's order--in the opinion of many--is nothing but a backroom deal to coddle favor with labor unions, and is a direct challenge to decades of well-established labor law which permits the use of permanent replacement workers. Allowing employers to hire permanent replacement workers has been a long-standing right that employers have used, though sparingly, in order to countermand the union's use of the strike. I wouldn't say that either option in today's workplace is perfect, but it has provided a careful balance that has enabled neither side to claim an unfair advantage.”