S.Amdt. 2031

Mr. Peters submitted this amendment to keep our elected officials accountable when dealing with tax breaks for businesses. The main purpose is to set up a rule in the Senate that stops lawmakers from passing bills that give tax credits to employers unless those employers agree to stay neutral when their workers try to organize a union.

What It Changes or Adds

This amendment adds a brand new rule in the Senate that blocks certain legislation from being considered. Specifically, it creates a point of order against any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, or conference report that gives a tax credit to an employer without an agreement to remain neutral regarding employee organizing.

To break it down using the exact text provided, that neutrality agreement may include:

• An agreement to refrain from engaging in pre-election activities to undermine the certification of a labor organization.
• An agreement to refrain from interfering with employee efforts to participate in any other activities protected under the National Labor Relations Act, including forming or joining a labor organization.

How It Can Be Overruled

The text also explains how this rule can be bypassed or challenged by our officials:

• This rule can only be waived or suspended in the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn.
• An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, is also required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under this rule.