[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 31, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PROTECT AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

  (Mr. FLEMING asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to the 
Employee Free Choice Act, the title of which betrays the true nature of 
this bill. It represents nothing resembling ``free choice.''
  This ``card check'' legislation is un-American and would strip 
workers of their fundamental democratic right to a secret ballot. 
Without the protection of the secret ballot, workers are likely to be 
exposed to pressure and coercion from union bosses and organizers.
  My question to those who support this bill is: Why are you afraid of 
a secret ballot? Can't we give workers credit for making the right 
decision for themselves?
  In addition, a recent study has shown that increases in union workers 
under card check rules will likely lead to an increase in unemployment 
due to making their businesses less competitive.
  At a time when we should be focusing on job creation, the majority is 
pushing through legislation that will put millions of American jobs at 
risk while simultaneously eliminating a cornerstone of American 
democracy--the secret ballot.
  As a small business owner myself, I can tell you that this 
legislation is a poison pill for the economy. I urge my colleagues to 
vote against this leftist, socialist legislation.

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