Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for us being able to come together around a very vital amendment that gives…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for us being able to come together around a very vital amendment that gives protection to employees of employers and employees of unions to be able to indicate when matters are wrong, incorrect, or violate the law, or impact negatively on employees of any organization. But what I would say is that it is important that this particular legislation go forward because of the historic nature of ensuring the ability to organize for willing individuals. And let me cite Kimberly Lawson again. She is fighting for $15. A union would help her provide for her family and organize for those dollars. Maybe we don't know about those particular workers who are living below the poverty line or living with wages that are below an hourly wage or decent wage. Unions would help that. We cannot talk about individuals already in the higher, upper brow of work in this Nation. Their salaries may be going up. Hers is not. Madam Chair, I ask my colleagues to support and vote for the Jackson Lee amendment and support the PRO Act. Madam Chair, I would like to offer an amendment today that would provide whistleblower protections to employees who report violations of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). This amendment covers BOTH employees of employers as well as employees of labor unions.…”