A group of card check supporters in the Senate are working to craft a so-called “compromise” measure although no draft legislation has yet been issued.  Led by Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), these senators are working to make changes in the bill known currently as “card check” to secure a 60 vote filibuster proof majority.  

Meetings between these senators – including Senator Arlen Specter who recently switched parties from Republican to Democrat – almost daily although details regarding the nature of this compromise are not yet known.  Some observers have noted that the new “compromise” legislation likely to emerge from these talks could include a lengthening of the binding arbitration time limit and the option for petition sign-ups by mail.  However, no formal legislation has yet been proposed.

Senator Harkin has indicated that he will wait to bring this issue up for a vote until after Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota has been confirmed to the currently vacant Senate seat in order to ensure the 60 vote majority needed to invoke cloture on a card check bill.  It is unclear when that will be accomplished since that Minnesota Senate election outcome is still being decided in the court challenges.

AWMA remains steadfastly opposed to the card check legislation – in any form – and will continue to make these opposition views known to our legislators.  Members wishing to make their views known to their legislators may visit our Web site at www.awmanet.org to send a pre-written letter on this important issue.