On the recordJune 10, 2015
We all agree that bad actors who deny workers basic protections, including wage and overtime pay, shouldn't be rewarded with government contracts funded by taxpayer dollars, but this amendment is unnecessary. There is a suspension and debarment process already in place under the current law. If an employer has a history of bad behavior, including ``willful'' and ``repeated'' violations of FLSA, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Federal agencies know about it and have the authority to deny that employer Federal contracts. A report by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office found that litigation stemming from such claims continues to be a significant problem. These aren't all bad actors. Often, they are employers trying to do the right thing, but are simply tripped up by an overly complex regulatory system. I may add, Mr. Chairman, this amendment was voted down in the Transportation-HUD, Commerce-Justice-State, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittees; and likewise, it should also be on this floor. I urge a ``no'' vote and yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Ellison). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
