On the recordSeptember 20, 2019
Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette). Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1423, the FAIR Act. Forced arbitration clauses were originally intended to mediate business disputes among businesses, not between businesses and individuals, but now they are found in every aspect of our lives. From employment contracts to student loans, to cellphone plans, to credit cards and numerous other goods and services, every American has agreed to forced arbitration, whether they want to or not. This bill ensures that individuals have the right to choose how they seek justice: the choice to go to court, the choice to join a class action lawsuit, and, yes, even the choice to go to arbitration. But these choices should not be made for them by somebody else. Passage of the FAIR Act will restore that choice, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.
