Yesterday The Hill reported Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) told capitol hill reporters that she was skeptical of the so called “Card Check” bill making it’s way through congress. Although she stopped short of saying she was opposed to the Card Check or Employee Free Choice Act her remarks are sure to give cover to dissident Democrats and moderate Republicans who are opposed to the bill:
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) on Tuesday told Capitol Hill reporters that she is skeptical of the Employee Free Choice Act, possibly dealing another deadly blow to the legislation.
Feinstein’s skepticism, coming a week after Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) announced his opposition, means Democratic leaders might find themselves in an even deeper hole as they search for 60 votes to move the so-called “card-check” bill.
“I think in this economy that what has to happen is that the unions and management get together and try to see if they can work out something,” Feinstein said. “The card-check bill, as drafted, in this economy, is extraordinarily difficult and I think almost a lightning rod to dissent. I think there are some things that can be done. I’ve talked with both sides and continue to talk to both sides to see if it isn’t possible to work something out.”
Feinstein hedged when asked if she was definitely opposed.
“I’m not on the bill, and I said what I said,” she said.
Oddly enough Feinstein’s remarks come a day after David Rivkin and Lee Casey published an Op Ed column in the Wall Street Journal questioning the Constitutionality of the Card Check bill.
“Card Check” isn’t the only troublesome provision of the Employee Free Choice Act, The US Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns about the interest arbitration provisions of the bill. If you haven’t read it I’d suggest reading Ted Clark’s letter to Congress about the potential problems with the bill’s arbitration provisions.