It is reprehensible that a minority in the U.S. Senate has blocked an up-or-down vote on Craig Becker, nominated seven months ago by President Obama to serve on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Once again, a Republican-led filibuster has put political interests over the needs of America's working families. For more than two years, the NLRB has had only two of its five members.  Without a fully staffed NLRB, working families face a major disadvantage in winning justice in the workplace.  

Becker is a highly-respected and experienced labor law practitioner and scholar.  He has an impressive 27-year record of advocating for and representing workers, especially low-wage workers. He is eminently qualified to hear and decide cases fairly for both workers and employers as a member of the NLRB.  

This is yet another instance of Washington politics-as-usual that so frustrates the American public. Americans deserve a government fully staffed by qualified, dedicated public servants with integrity – and leaders willing to put the interests of working families over politics and corporate influence.  

We support President Obama's expressed willingness to make recess appointments of critical posts in the federal government if that's what it takes to get around minority delay and obstruction.  There are currently more than 60 political nominees being held up by the Republican minority in the Senate – at this point in the Bush Administration, only four nominees were still in limbo.

Contact: Eddie Vale, 202-637-5018