Pelosi Statement on House Passage of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act

Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after the House passed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act:

"Today, the House took a key step toward ending the shameful practice of forced arbitration of sexual assault and harassment in the workplace. This landmark legislation will void agreements currently silencing more than 60 million workers as well as countless more consumers, who have been denied the freedom to pursue recourse for sexual assault and harassment by nursing home contracts, property leases and other legal agreements.

"For far too long, Americans who experience sexual harassment or assault in the workplace have been forced into the shadows, compelled to sign secretive arbitration agreements that protect their employers from liability and often shield offenders from accountability. Employers prevail over their workers in more than 98 percent of these cases – and by 2024, an estimated 80 percent of private-sector workers will be forced into these unfair agreements. With today's strong, bipartisan vote, the House sent a clear signal to survivors across our nation that they deserve the freedom to seek justice and to make their voices heard.

"For their dedicated leadership in bringing this important legislation to the Floor, I salute Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler and Congresswomen Cheri Bustos and Pramila Jayapal. Now, we call on the Senate to take swift action and send this deeply needed legislation to the President's desk."