U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered remarks during a hearing focused on reforming federal labor law to protect worker freedoms and strengthen workers’ rights. This marks the second hearing on labor reform held by the committee this month.
In his prepared speech, Cassidy addressed the need to update labor laws that have been in place for nearly a century. He noted that significant changes in the economy and workforce require Congress to modernize these laws for businesses, unions, and workers.
Cassidy credited former President Trump’s administration for its focus on both business and worker interests. “President Trump deserves a lot of credit. He is committed to delivering the most pro-business, pro-worker administration in history. In pursuit of this, he built a strong coalition of businesses, unions, and workers – united to increase prosperity for all. As HELP Chairman, this committee must deliver on President Trump’s pro-worker, pro-business, pro-family agenda,” said Cassidy.
He also discussed concerns about instability caused by frequent changes in presidential administrations over the past decade. “By the way, the last 10 years, we’ve had four different administrations – 2 Republican, 2 Democrats. When I speak to businesses in Louisiana, they feel whipsawed between the changing administrations. Everybody loves it when their team is in charge – but no one is in charge forever,” he stated.
Cassidy emphasized building consensus for lasting legislative changes that benefit all Americans and highlighted previous committee hearings with diverse perspectives on improving labor laws.
Among key issues raised were strengthening worker input regarding how union dues are spent—particularly concerning political activities—and ensuring that workers are not compelled to support causes contrary to their beliefs. “First, we must strengthen worker voice in deciding how their hard-earned dollars are spent, especially when it comes to funding political activities that do not benefit workers. Workers should not be forced to fund ideologies and entities that violate their beliefs,” Cassidy said.
He also called for measures protecting workers from harassment and abuse at work or during strikes while empowering them with control over personal data: “Congress must protect workers’ rights in the workplace and on the picket line, defending workers from harassment and abuse and empowering them to protect their personal data.”
Addressing administrative challenges within federal agencies was another point: “We need curb frivolous unfair labor practice charges that worsen the NLRB’s backlog and delay workers from asserting their rights in the workplace.”
Cassidy identified illegal immigration as an issue affecting American jobs and wages: “Another serious issue is the impact of illegal immigration on the workforce, taking jobs and driving down wages for hard-working Americans. The Trump administration has made this a priority, and it’s something the Committee will examine closely.”
Finally, he advocated restoring worker choice within unionization processes by enhancing election integrity and contract negotiations: “Finally, Congress must restore worker choice in the unionization process. This includes considering ways to enhance the integrity of union elections, helping workers reach that first contract in a timely manner, and ensuring they can determine when their labor contract is working for them.”
“These are key principles that will guide this conversation and hopefully future legislative action. By reforming our labor laws we will deliver on President Trump’s pro-worker legacy and empower the middle class to achieve the American Dream,” concluded Cassidy before yielding time to Senator Sanders.
