Republican contingent unhappy with veto of ambush election block

A contingent of Republican leaders led by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) spoke out against President Obama’s vetoing of legislation on Tuesday that would put an end to the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) “ambush elections.” 

“Once again, President Obama has said ‘no’ to American jobs and the rights of hardworking taxpayers by bowing to the special interests of big labor,” Scalise said. “Today’s veto continues the Obama administration’s assault on America’s labor laws to tilt the balance unfairly in favor of labor unions.”

Under the terms of the Congressional Review Act, members of the House and Senate can establish a vote on a joint resolution of disapproval to halt, with the full force of law, any federal agency from activating a rule or regulation without congressional authorization.

The “ambush elections” rule met this criteria and Congress utilized its power under the act to block the rule. The resolution passed the Senate in February by a vote of 53-46, and passed in the House on March 19 by a vote of 232 to 186.

A number of other Congressmen, all of whom were involved in the Congressional Review Act, have denounced the president’s veto. The group includes Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Rep.John Kline (R-MN), Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), and Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY).

“The NLRB’s ambush election rule is an assault on the rights and privacy protections of American workers,” Boehner said. “With his veto, the president has once again put the interests of his political allies ahead of the small business owners and hardworking Americans who create jobs and build a stronger economy.”