Collins statement on arbitration hearing

"Arbitration provides consumers a simpler, cheaper and faster path to justice than does the judicial system. . . . Rather than wipe arbitration out, we should be considering ways that make it still better."

WASHINGTON — Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, made the following opening statement a today's subcommittee hearing on arbitration. Below are the remarks as prepared. Ranking Member Collins: Thank you, Chairman Cicilline and Ranking Member Sensenbrenner for holding this hearing. Arbitration provides consumers a simpler, cheaper and faster path to justice than does the judicial system. That is what the evidence showed the last time the Judiciary Committee performed oversight of the arbitration system, during the 111th Congress. The evidence in favor of preserving access to arbitration has only increased since then. Companies are continuing to follow arbitration protocols that help to assure due process is given to claimants against them. A string of new Supreme Court decisions has demonstrated the court’s confidence in the arbitration system. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2015 arbitration study highlighted problems consumers would face if they had no access to arbitration, but instead had to rely on flawed judicial class-actions. That is not to say the arbitration system is perfect, but the arbitration system is generally good and should be preserved. Bills have been introduced this term that would wipe out the use of arbitration in broad sectors of the economy. Rather than wipe arbitration out, we should be considering ways that make it still better. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Graham suggested just that at the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on arbitration earlier this year. He also suggested that, while we look at ways to improve arbitration, we should also look at ways to improve litigation. I am encouraged by those suggestions. The worst result would be to wipe out Americans’ access to arbitration, while leaving them only with an unimproved judicial system.