A bill introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) on January 28 would make significant changes to the National Labor Relations Act, including adding a sixth member to the National Labor Relations Board and requiring an even representation of Republicans and Democrats on the Board. For NLRB decisions in representation cases and unfair labor practice proceedings, the National Labor Relations Board Reform Act (S. 288) would require a four-member majority. 

Further, as to the appointment of Board members, the bill would replace “appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate” with “appointed by the President, after consultation with the leader of the Senate representing the party opposing the party of the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.” 

Senator Alexander is the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The bill likely will be referred to the Senate HELP Committee for consideration.