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Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, today spoke during debate on the House floor in opposition to the radical Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation that will diminish the rights of American workers. Congressman Allen offered an amendment to protect states’ Right-to-Work laws, which was ultimately defeated by House Democrats. The legislation passed the House 224 to 194. Congressman Allen’s remarks can be found below.

This week – in this very chamber – we heard from President Trump about the great American comeback.

Our booming economy is a result of pro-worker, pro-growth and pro-American policies passed during the 115th Congress and enacted by President Trump.

Wages are rising, jobs are being created, and Americans from all different backgrounds are getting back to work – including workers without high school diplomas who are experiencing the lowest unemployment rate recorded in U.S. history.

This body must build on this success – not go backwards.

The radical PRO Act will undoubtedly hurt the economy and force Americans out of work.

In fact, a report from the American Action Forum found employers could face more than $47 billion in new annual costs if the PRO Act becomes law.

As a small business owner I know firsthand that the PRO Act would harm both employers and employees.

The PRO Act contains numerous poison pills– from outrageous privacy violations to forced union dues.

This bill would outright ban Right-to-Work laws that have been successful in states like my home state of Georgia, which has been named the best state to do business in - now 7 years in a row.

Without Right-to-Work laws, workers are forced to pay for representation and political activities that they might not even agree with.

From 2010 to 2018, unions sent more than $1.6 billion in member dues to hundreds of left-wing groups those include Planned Parenthood and the Clinton Foundation.

That’s why I offered an amendment – which I hope everyone will support – to strike that provision and protect states’ Right-to-Work laws.

The federal government should not restrict American workers’ First Amendment rights by forcing them to pay union dues.

The PRO Act will reverse our booming economy and infringe on the rights of workers and employers – American workers deserve fairness and choice.

My colleagues have a choice before them – they can stand with Americans and President Trump to keep America great and free by voting NO on the PRO Act.

Or they can join the radicals who have seized the Democrat party and put America on the path of socialism.

I will always stand with liberty and President Trump, and will proudly vote no on the PRO Act.