NLBMDA News: Congress Facing Ambitious Fall Agenda

Members of Congress face an ambitious agenda when they return September 8, with health care reform, climate change, the annual spending bills and possibly a transportation funding measure on the top of the list.

Labor advocates continue to press for a vote on card check legislation, the "Employee Free Choice Act," though reports suggest that senators attempting to develop an alternative are now focusing on binding arbitration rather than the card check measure that would effectively eliminate the secret ballot. Even without the card check provision, possible alternatives are likely to limit employers' ability to respond to union organization campaigns and impose unreasonable binding arbitration requirements that will curtail the ability to negotiate employment terms with employees.

Meanwhile, the building industry continues to press for an extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which expires December 1. Legislation introduced by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) would eliminate the first-time buyer requirement, increase the credit from $8,000 to $15,000 and extend the credit for an additional year. Visit www.BuildtheVote.org to encourage your legislators to focus on housing when they return to Washington, and to urge them to oppose card check and any so-called compromises. Your calls, visit and letters do make a difference! Read more.