Transcript of Speaker Pelosi’s Remarks at Bill Enrollment Ceremony for the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats held a bill enrollment ceremony today for H.R. 4445, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

Speaker Pelosi. Good morning, everyone. This is a time to celebrate, to celebrate the passage of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act: a bipartisan victory, justice and freedom.

And I want to salute Congresswoman Cheri Bustos for her tremendous leadership – Co-Chair of our Steering and Policy Committee, just been working on this issue for quite a while in Congress. And now, having it be on its way to the President's desk as soon as we sign it up here.

As we mark Women's History Month, starting yesterday – what an appropriate way to recognize the significance of this bill for women in the workforce.

Congress and the country salute this – the Chairmanship of the, Mr. Jerry Nadler, the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Thank you, Mr. Nadler, for being at the helm for all of this. Again, Congresswoman Bustos: thank you for your relentless and persistent advocacy of this legislation. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, a tireless advocate for women and a Member of the Judiciary Committee who worked on this – as well as Mr. Cicilline, a senior Member of the Judiciary Committee, who was instrumental in bringing this to the Floor. I'm sorry that Congressman Morgan Griffith couldn't be with us, because this is bipartisan. I know that he played a role in this.

This feels so important because Americans [who] have experienced sexual harassment, assault in the workplace are – women usually, but often men – are too often forced into the shadow of silence by unfair agreements that shield their employers and abusers from liability. This landmark legislation will put an end to that shameful practice by voiding agreements that currently silence more than 60 million workers. And it empowers countless more consumers bound by [arbitration] clauses in commercial contracts. You may not know this, but you should be aware of how this legislation affects you.

Today, the House sends a clear signal to survivors that they deserve the ability to seek justice and make their voices heard. This is now – passed the Congress, on its way, so that means it will be signed tomorrow by President Biden at the White House. That's pretty exciting, and we look forward to that momentous occasion.

This is very significant legislation, and that's why we called you here to the Rayburn Room for this signing of the bill. Thank you, all.