On the recordSeptember 20, 2019
I thank Mr. Johnson, Mr. Cicilline, and Chairman Nadler for their leadership on this issue. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act, or the FAIR Act. Companies are increasingly using forced arbitration clauses to shield themselves from accountability for many forms of wrongdoing, including civil rights violations, labor abuses, and unfair consumer practices. For example, 60 million workers are now subject to forced arbitration clauses that deny them their day in court. Forced arbitration is a rigged system. That is because the arbitrators are essentially hired by the companies and consumers never have a chance. Workers and consumers should not have to sign away their rights as a condition to their employment or as a condition of a contract, and they should not have to give up their day in court. Often, arbitration is a desirable alternative to litigation. Under the FAIR Act, arbitration would now be a voluntary option, not the only option. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. {time} 0945
