On the recordFebruary 3, 2012
Today, I voted against the Conference Report for the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act. While I appreciate the fact that after twenty six extensions we have finally come together in a bicameral, bipartisan fashion to reauthorize our airport system and help bring it into the 21st century, the language regarding union elections and mandating that the National Labor Relations Board change its decision is unacceptable. I am sadly forced to vote no. This bill makes the dangerous precedent of interfering with the National Labor Relations Board. While I am very glad that it does not repeat the disastrous mistake in the original House legislation, I am concerned about the increased requirements to simply hold a union election. There is no reason for Congress to muddle with fair decisions made by the National Labor Relations Board, and I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues insist on doing so. I appreciate the resolution reached on the National Airport slots issue, and the increased attention paid to airport modernization and NextGen funding. I also appreciate the work of my Senate colleagues in protecting Oregon's scenic spaces. There is much in this bill to support, and it saddens me that so much hard work and bipartisan cooperation is undone by a blatant attack on the rights of our workers to organize.
