WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) joined 205 other representatives in voting against the PRO Act. The PRO Act would eliminate states’ right to work laws, violate workers’ privacy by turning over their personal information to unions, and could create up to $47 billion in new costs for employers.
Congressman Wittman stated, “There is no freedom so fundamental as the right to work. By eliminating 27 states’ right to work laws, including Virginia’s, and denying millions of American workers this freedom by enforcing California-style restrictions on independent contractors, the PRO Act is not pro-worker, but pro-union. Instead of defending workers, the Majority would allow unions to subjugate them, as well as force them to partake in, and subsidize, the political speech of unions. The PRO Act further ensures that no worker can escape the grasp of union organizers as it turns over workers personal information to union bosses, exposing workers to the risk of harassment.
He continued, “In a time of historic unemployment, Congress should be focused on creating more employment opportunities, not fewer. I could not support such legislation that would undermine worker rights, ensnare employers in unrelated labor disputes, disrupt the economy, and force individual Americans to pay union dues regardless of their wishes all at the expense of workers, small and local businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers. I hope the Majority comes to realize this and joins me in seeking to not only rebuild our economy but take it to heights greater than ever before.”
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the Vice Ranking Member of the full Committee and Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
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