H.R. 1319 the "Modern Worker Empowerment Act"; H.R. 1320 the "Modern Worker Security Act"; H.R. 4366 the "Save Local Business Act"; H.R. 4312 the "Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act"; H.R. 4307 the "Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act"

Summary

This meeting of the committee addressed five pieces of legislation, primarily focusing on labor laws related to independent contractors and the joint employer standard, reforms for college athletics, and human trafficking detection [ 00:09:56 ] . Discussions were largely divided along partisan lines, with the minority party expressing strong opposition to most bills [ 00:18:05 ]

Themes

Worker Classification and Benefits

The committee considered H.R. 1319, the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, and H.R. 1320, the Modern Worker Security Act, both aiming to clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors [ 00:10:28 ] . Proponents argued H.R. 1319 would provide certainty for businesses and contractors, preventing "administrative whiplash" and restoring a common-sense standard, while H.R. 1320 would offer a safe harbor for businesses providing benefits to independent contractors without reclassification risks [ 00:11:04 ] . Opponents countered that H.R. 1319 creates loopholes for employers to misclassify workers, stripping them of basic protections like minimum wage, overtime, and the right to organize [ 00:18:33 ]

. They also contended that H.R. 1320 addresses a non-existent problem and legitimizes "meager contributions" over robust benefits . Multiple amendments by the minority to protect flexible work arrangements, ensure court access over forced arbitration, clarify routine discretion, and exempt child labor cases from the reclassification rule were rejected .

Joint Employer Standard

H.R. 4366, the Save Local Businesses Act, sought to establish a clear, common-sense joint employer test, reversing the Biden-Harris administration's standard that created uncertainty for businesses, particularly in the franchise industry [ 00:12:21 ]

. Supporters argued it would restore the traditional "direct and immediate control" standard, protecting contractors and franchisors from liability for actions of workers they do not directly supervise . Critics argued the bill would strip workers of protections, make it harder for unions to negotiate, and could result in no employer being held liable for wage violations . Concerns were also raised that it could make child labor violations easier by narrowing the definition of employment . An amendment to specifically exclude child labor cases from the bill's narrow definition was not adopted .

College Athletics Reform

The committee examined H.R. 4312, the Student Compensation and Opportunity Through Rights and Endorsement (SCORE) Act, designed to stabilize college athletics amid litigation and changes to name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules [ 00:13:15 ]

. Proponents highlighted its aim to establish a national framework for athlete compensation, clarify student athletes as non-employees, and ensure academic and life support [ 00:13:22 ] . They emphasized that employee status for athletes would lead to increased costs, potential unionization, and the closure of non-revenue sports programs . Opponents criticized the bill as a "blank check" to the NCAA, stripping athletes of labor and employment rights, and failing to adequately address Title IX protections . Numerous amendments were proposed, including extending medical coverage for injuries, ensuring equal compensation across sports, removing the ban on employee status for athletes, striking preemption language over state laws, strengthening Title IX reporting, and addressing athlete travel burdens . All these amendments were voted down .

Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking

H.R. 4307, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, a bipartisan bill, aimed to direct the Department of Labor (DOL) to fight human trafficking by educating enforcement personnel, providing necessary tools, and establishing a framework for assisting law enforcement [ 00:14:15 ]

. The Ranking Member supported this bill . However, the bill was abruptly pulled from consideration, leading to concerns from Representative Bonamici about transparency and potential connections to the Jeffrey Epstein case, as a former Labor Secretary had resigned amidst an investigation into a plea deal with Epstein [ 05:18:48 ] .

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting was characterized by a highly polarized and contentious atmosphere, with strong partisan divisions evident in debates and voting [ 00:18:05 ]

. The majority of proposed amendments from the minority party were rejected along party lines, often after heated debate . Procedural issues, including points of order and recorded vote requests, were frequent, contributing to the formal and often rigid nature of the proceedings [ 00:27:14 ] . While there was a brief moment of apparent collaboration when one amendment was withdrawn based on the Chair's commitment to further discussion , this was an exception to the prevailing confrontational dynamic. Minority members frequently expressed disappointment and frustration with the majority's approach and the perceived negative impacts of the legislation [ 00:18:14 ] .