however, the new n.m.b. rules, national mediation board rules, changed that standard so that all it takes to unionize is a majority of employees voting. now, this means that the n.m.b. wants to count an employee who doesn't vote as voting for big labor. somehow organized labor is able to claim that it is democratic to appropriate someone else's vote without that person's input and participation, even though that's been the -- even though the rule that i'm talking about has been in place for 75 years. they just changed it in favor of the unions. and unions win, at least the nlrb proceedings, they win 60% of the unionize attempts. now, i personally have not had any communication with anyone in the industry. i'm here because i think what the n.m.b. did is absolutely wrong and someone needs to stand up to them. this issue is much larger than the n.m.b. itself and the airlines and railroads impacted by the n.m.b. ruling. if the n.m.b. succeeds and the administration is allowed to put their thumb on the scale in fa

i have previously asked consent, it has been for legislation that did not include the removal of the n.m.b.'s heavy new hand. however, i have spoken frequently on this issue and i bet my position is very well known. i was hopeful that my earlier requests for consent would stimulate discussion on a long-term reauthorization and the issues preventing a long-term reauthorization from taking place. my concern is that the white house and their allies in congress will continue to hide behind a perpetual series of short-term extensions rather than working towards an actual bill. this is why i've decided to ask unanimous consent for an amendment containing the n.m.b. language because it is clear that this is the only way to move this issue forward, by n.m.b. language, getting the law back to where it really has been for 75 years. as my critics will point out, this wasn't my first choice but as my critics have made clear, this is the only way to actually acknowledge and deal with the issue. so, mr. president, i ask unanimous consent that the senate proceed to the immediate consideration of h.r. 2553, which was