Senate Democrats have ended their filibuster of a workplace discrimination bill, after an agreement was reached with the bill’s sponsor. But that doesn’t mean they won’t try blocking the bill again.
Democrat Maria Chappelle-Nadal agreed to end the filibuster after the bill’s sponsor, GOP Senator Brad Lager, allowed her to add an amendment – that amendment would guarantee the right to a jury trial in all workplace discrimination cases. She says, though, that the bill’s definition of what constitutes workplace discrimination is still flawed.
“I believe that the standard should be contributing factor, not motivating factor…when there’s a motivating factor, there’s a higher burden on the victim,” Chappelle-Nadal said.
Chappelle-Nadal voted “no” for first-round approval and says she may decide to resume the filibuster if she feels it’s necessary. Lager was not available for comment after the voice vote.