Florida GOP, Democrats Split on NLRB-Boeing Bill in Congress

Florida's Republican congressional delegation solidly supported a measure Thursday that would prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from ordering any employer to close, relocate or transfer employment.

Spurred by the controversial NLRB sanctions directed at Boeing's new South Carolina plant, HR 2587 was supported by all Florida GOP congressmen except for Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Orlando, who did not vote.

Though eight Democrats joined Republicans in voting aye, all nine of Florida's Democratic lawmakers opposed the bill.

Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, said the NLRB ruling against Boeing would "destroy thousands of jobs and set a terrible precedent that will hurt job creation in states like Florida."

The Obama appointees on the National Labor Relations Board have taken government interference in private business to a new and frightening level, Rooney said. Their decision to block a private company from opening a plant in a right-to-work state should send chills down the backs of every business owner in the country."

Rooney said Florida state and local officials are working to encourage businesses to build and invest here.

"You can bet this [NLRB} ruling has many of those job creators thinking twice about opening new facilities in this country," the congressman said.