Earl Blumenauer: “Every day, thousands of Americans unwittingly sign contracts for nursing homes, credit cards, and employment contracts…”

“Every day, thousands of Americans unwittingly sign contracts for nursing homes, credit cards, and employment contracts that surrender their rights to their day in court before an impartial judge and jury. Instead, buried in the fine print of the contract, they agree to rely on an arbitrator who doesn't have to follow the law or facts and will have every incentive to favor the special interests that could give them repeat business. Typically, arbitration is not public. The Wells Fargo practice of opening unauthorized bank accounts would have undoubtedly been exposed and ended sooner if Wells Fargo hadn't enforced mandatory arbitration. This is our chance to stand up for consumers, justice, and fairness. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1423, the FAIR Act. ____________________”