Word on the Hill: Carlson to Push Forced Arbitration Clauses

By Alex Gangitano

Posted March 7, 2017 at 12:01am

Journalist Gretchen Carlson is on Capitol Hill today to push for legislation to stop the use of unfair forced arbitration clauses.

The former Fox News anchor is teaming up with Sens. Al Franken, D-Minn., Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., as well as three Democratic congressmen.

In October, Carlson said she would testify before Congress after the election about forced arbitration, which is when companies have employees sign away their rights to litigation and agree to settle employment disputes through arbitration.

In July, she sued Fox News’ former chairman Roger Ailes of sexual harassment and later agreed to a $20 million settlement.

The news conference is in the Senate Visitors Center, Room 209-08, at 3 p.m.

Military families program launch

Nonprofit group ThanksUSA will introduce the Pathways for Patriots program at an event with Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and the High Tech and Military Family Caucus. The program will engage corporations from industries that are struggling to find skilled workers to create pipelines of spouses and children interested in pursuing postsecondary degrees and certifications. The event is 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Rayburn Foyer.

Play ball

The Congressional Baseball Caucus is having a reception at the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building on Wednesday. It is hosted by co-chairmen, Roger Williams, R-Texas, and Mike Doyle, D-Pa., and will feature some historic baseball artifacts. The event is at 6 p.m. in the members room and you can RSVP via congressionalbaseballcaucus@gmail.com.