Pallone Statement on 2016 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6), voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives. The legislation includes an amendment which would effectively undo President Obama’s landmark 2014 executive order banning all federal contractors from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Obama’s executive order came after Pallone led a letter urging the President to include workplace protections for LGBT Americans employed by federal contractors. His statement can be found below:

“I am deeply disappointed that Section 1094 takes a giant step backwards for LGBT rights, which I fought to ensure. This bill would set a dangerous precedent by exempting some employers from providing equal opportunities and basic rights to LGBT employees. This kind of discriminatory language has no place in a defense authorization bill, or in any other legislation. The federal government has an obligation to put a complete stop to unfair and discriminatory practices. This kind of backwards thinking is one clear and obvious reason I voted against a very flawed bill.

“The NDAA also includes an amendment that would block President Obama’s Executive Order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces. That provision is designed to help ensure that federal contractors comply with federal labor laws, such as protections against wage theft and enforcing workplace safety rules. This is a dangerous step towards rewarding companies that do not treat their workers with the respect they deserve.”