Announcement By The Chairman

Floor Speech

Announcement by the Chairman -- (House of Representatives - July 17, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. I thank the gentleman for his generous offer.

I rise in support of the amendment.

I'd like to thank Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Walsh and the Appropriations Committee for their leadership on this vital legislation that will help to provide quality healthcare, enhance education opportunities, and increase worker safety.

This is a good bill, but I think this amendment would make it better.

The amendment will increase the funding for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by $500,000, and is offset by a decrease to the Department of Labor Departmental Management Salaries and expenses.

As we all know the NLRB plays a vital role in labor-management relations.

It hears appeals of unfair labor practices and resolves questions about the composition of bargaining units.

We need to maintain its ability to do its job.

But without the additional funding this amendment will provide, there is a danger that they will have to lay off some of their staff in order to pay for their required overhead, including salaries.

The amendment would prevent that, and would also enable the NLRB's staff to handle cases efficiently and effectively, without sacrificing quality.

Funding is not the only problem that faces the National Labor Relations Board but congress should make it easier not harder for the National Labor Relations Board to administer decisions.

I urge the House to adopt the Shays-Udall amendment.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source