[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                           Forced Arbitration

  Mr. President, now last, on forced arbitration, last night, Congress 
took an important and overwhelmingly bipartisan step forward in the 
fight to eliminate forced arbitration for victims of sexual harassment 
and assault.
  By a large, large margin--335 to 97--our House colleagues approved 
legislation that, for the first time ever, would ensure people who face 
sexual harassment or assault at work have the freedom to hold employers 
accountable in court. It would eliminate the long-used practice of 
including forced arbitration clauses in employee contracts, which, for 
so long, have effectively served as a condition for employment.
  I commend my House colleagues for approving forced arbitration 
legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support. If you look at the 
vote, it is pretty clear that a majority of both parties voted for this 
legislation.
  It is my intention to move on this bill as quickly as we can in the 
Senate, and we hope to take action here on the floor as soon as this 
week. I expect it will be met with nothing less than broad support from 
both parties, enabling us to move quickly.
  The legislation has been years in the works, and I want to recognize 
my friend Senator Gillibrand, who has spearheaded the cause of ending 
forced arbitration on this issue for a long time. Thanks to her 
leadership, we are close to seeing this change become law.
  I also want to recognize Senator Graham. Because of his backing and 
his work with Senator Gillibrand, this proposal has gotten the momentum 
it needs to move forward.
  Despite disagreements on both sides, legislation like this is a prime 
example of both parties finding a way to work together on legislation 
that will make a tangible difference in people's lives. We want to work 
with our Republican colleagues on similar proposals whenever possible 
because at the end of the day, ending forced arbitration for sexual 
harassment and assault is about making our workplaces safer, holding 
abusive employers accountable, and making sure that every American can 
exercise their right to justice in a court of law.
  For decades, abusers have used arbitration as a shield for their 
horrific behavior. Employees have been put at massive disadvantage when 
trying to hold wrongdoers accountable. This law will finally change all 
that.
  I look forward to finishing the work of passing this bill through the 
Senate and getting it closer to the President's desk.
  I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority whip.