Rep. Johnson’s Bipartisan FAIR Act That Ends Forced Arbitration & Restores Accountability, Passes Judiciary Committee
One of Congressman Johnson’s signature pieces of legislation with more than 200 cosponsors heads to full House for vote
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson's (GA-04) bipartisan Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act — H.R. 963 — that re-establishes everyday Americans' 7th Amendment right to seek justice and accountability through the court system, passed the House Judiciary Committee.
"My bill would restore fairness to the American justice system by reasserting individuals' right to access the court system," said Rep. Johnson. "The FAIR Act would ensure that men and women contracting with more powerful entities aren't forced into private arbitration, where the bigger party often has the advantage of choosing the arbitrator in an unappealable decision."
The House bill would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in employment, consumer, and civil rights cases, and allow consumers and workers to agree to arbitration after a dispute occurs. The bill was marked up and voted out of committee. The House bill has more than 200 cosponsors.
"Arbitration clauses have permeated American life in recent decades," continued Rep. Johnson. "They've seeped into our cell phone contracts, our medical paperwork and our employee handbooks with opaque language, written by well-paid corporate attorneys. The clauses are hidden in updated terms and conditions, incorporated into mid-year employee reviews, and implicit in purchase contracts. And they all prevent us from having our day in court. It is time for this to change. I'm in Congress to stand up for the voiceless and the powerless, and this bill, the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act, or the FAIR Act, is a testament to that. I appreciate my colleagues' support as this bill moves to the full House for a vote."
Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01) is the Republican lead on the legislation.
"The Powerful in America shouldn't be able to escape taxpayer-funded justice in Article III courts," said Rep. Gaetz. "They shouldn't be able to force workers into private-sector dispute resolution slanted in their favor. Most importantly, sexual harassers shouldn't be able to pick their juries in advance. I'm proud to be the Republican lead on the FAIR Act to ensure equal justice for all."
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
For the Congressman's full remarks, click HERE.
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