Tough Kitty, Said the Congressman

Our Third District Congressman, John Boozman (R-Pinnacle Gated Community) had two opportunities this week to screw over his constituents who work for a living, and he took them both. He voted against regulating speculation in oil futures and against protecting women victims of salary discrimination.

On Wednesday, John Boozman voted against HR 6604, the Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act, to provide oversight and accountability for speculation in the energy futures markets that is driving up the price of oil and to help reduce the price at the pump for consumers by cracking down on excessive speculation in energy markets .

Although the House voted 276-151 for the legislation to crack down on oil speculators, it failed to get the necessary 2/3 vote for passage. Congressman Peter Welch said, "They've chosen energy speculators on Wall Street over people on Main Street." The bill was opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the International Swaps and Derivatives Association

On Thursday, John Boozman voted against HR 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act, to require employers to provide equal pay for equal work to men and women or provide a job-related, “real business justification” why they cannot and to prohibit retaliation against workers who inquire about their employers’ wage practices. It also authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make accurate information on compensation discrimination readily available to the public and to make grants for negotiation skills training programs for women and girls.

The House of Representative passed the Paycheck Fairness Act by 247-178. It was supported by the Business and Profession Women and the American Association of University Women. It was opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Today, Congressman Boozman begins a five-week paid vacation. He won't have another chance to vote against our interests until after the Republican National Convention in September.