Washington, D.C. — Today, Republicans in the Senate voted to block, through a resolution of disapproval, the implementation of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order issued by President Barack Obama. Its protections—little noticed but hugely impactful—require federal contractors to comply with existing federal workplace laws before receiving new government contracts. As the House has already passed the same legislation, President Donald Trump has said he will sign the resolution.
Karla Walter, Director of the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, released the following statement:
By sending this legislation to the president’s desk, Republicans in the Senate and the House have sided with their corporate friends rather than the workers they are supposed represent in Congress. The Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order promised to protect millions of workers, allow law-abiding businesses to compete on an even playing field, and ensure that taxpayers receive a good value for their investments. This move will threaten wages, undermine workplace safety, reduce contractor accountability, and lay the foundation for cronyism.
David Madland, senior fellow and the Senior Advisor to the American Worker Project, added:
The fact that this bill is headed to President Trump’s desk is a sign that his claim to be a champion for workers was nothing more than a pathetic joke. This legislation is a win for big business and a loss for workers, taxpayers, and law-abiding businesses. Unfortunately, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have made it clear that at almost every turn, they would rather vote for the interests of big business lobbyists rather than the interests of workers.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Allison Preiss at
[email protected] or 202.478.6331.
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