Harkin Statement on Circuit Court Ruling on NLRB Appointments

WASHINGTON--Today, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following statement on the ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that strikes down President Obama's recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB):

"Today's Circuit Court decision is not only a radical departure from precedent, it ignores the fact that President Obama had no choice but to act.  Throughout his presidency, Republicans have employed unprecedented partisan delay tactics and filibusters to prevent confirmation of nominees to lead the NLRB, thus crippling the Board's legal authority to act.  Republicans have made clear that they are willing to disrupt the basic functions of government to stop the NLRB from carrying out its congressionally-mandated function to defend the rights of workers. I urge the NLRB to continue to do its business until and unless the Supreme Court rules on this important question."

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