To the Members of the United States Senate:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges you to reject cloture on the nomination of Ms. Gwynne Wilcox to another term on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). To help ensure balance in labor law, the Chamber believes it is critical that the Senate wait to vote on Ms. Wilcox’s nomination until President Biden names and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions reports a Republican Board member.
The five-member NLRB has traditionally consisted of three members from the President’s party and two from the other. Following the expiration of Ms. Wilcox’s term on August 27, the NLRB has two vacancies: one Democratic and one Republican. In such instances, a longstanding Senate practice has been to pair Democratic and Republican nominees to help ensure a level of constructive, bipartisan balance on the Board.
Unfortunately, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hastily reported Ms. Wilcox’s confirmation on July 12 before President Biden nominated a Republican Board member. It is our hope the White House will nominate a Republican Board member in the very near term.
There is no urgency for Senate action. The NLRB has functioned with three members in the past and can do so now. We urge you to reject cloture on the Wilcox nomination.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer,
and Head of Strategic Advocacy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
