It means that abuse of the doctrine of advise and consent has paralyzed the ability of the National Labor Relations Board to do anything.

We have not marked up one bill or advanced one bill to the floor since the new majority took over that would accomplish that goal.

I think this is a huge constitutional issue. And the reason that I believe that is, is that why wouldn't a president, a Republican or a Democrat, just simply bypass the Senate?

The NLRB is supposed to, number one determine whether employers--employees wish to be represented by a union or, two, prevent and remedy employer and union unlawful acts called unfair labor practices.

This Constitution has worked. This is an important check and balance.

We have three branches of government for a reason. And that reason is so that no one branch has too much power.

Some of us will like their decisions. Some will not.

The public decided a different way.

I think there is a practical problem that has to be addressed here. And that is the board is not functioning because of this political stalemate.

If they receive majority support, they will be appointed. They will make decisions.

retirement security is an issue of great importance to millions of Americans, including me, so I thank you for having this hearing on the challenges facing multiemployer pension plans.