Republicans’ Advance Divisive Bills That Ignore Affordability Crisis

Republicans' Advance Divisive Bills That Ignore Affordability Crisis

WASHINGTON - Today, Committee on Education and Workforce Republicans advanced a slate of bills that prioritize partisan political messaging over addressing the real challenges facing America's workers, students, and families. Instead of strengthening workplace protections, expanding educational opportunity, or lowering costs, Republicans voted to move legislation that weakens civil rights protections, undermines workers' rights, and creates unnecessary burdens for schools.

In his opening statement, Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) highlighted Republicans' misplaced priorities, stating, "Americans are working hard, stretching every paycheck, and looking to Congress for solutions that will lower costs, strengthen economic security, and create opportunity. But instead, this Committee is devoting valuable time to legislation that advances cheap slogans and soundbites instead of solutions to the problems plaguing our constituents."

H.R. 8781, the Title IX Clarification Act, would define "sex," "male," and "female" under Title IX based on biological sex assigned at birth, excluding transgender students from the law's protections. Rather than strengthening civil rights, the bill narrows longstanding protections to advance a divisive ideological agenda.

H.R. 4986, the Parents Opt-in Protection Act, would require schools to obtain written parental consent before administering each individual student survey on sensitive topics. The bill would make it harder for schools to collect important information on student mental health, school climate, and school safety.

H.R. 8660, the Valuing Employee Stock Today Act, would allow employers to exclude restricted stock units (RSUs) when calculating overtime pay, reducing overtime compensation for affected workers.

H.R. 8347, the RURAL Healthcare Act, would make it easier for employers to misclassify health care workers as independent contractors, stripping them of workplace protections and benefits such as overtime pay, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, and collective bargaining rights.

H.R. 6213, the Heat Workforce Standards Act, would block the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from publishing a nationwide heat safety standard for workers. As extreme heat becomes more frequent and dangerous, the bill would deny workers basic protections such as access to water, rest breaks, training, and emergency response plans.

H.R. 5267, the American Franchise Act, would drastically narrow joint employer standards under federal labor and employment law for the franchise industry. In effect, the bill lets corporate headquarters off the hook, leaves small business franchisees holding the bag, and makes it harder for workers to fight back when they are underpaid, mistreated, or ignored at the bargaining table.

To read Ranking Member Scott's opening statement, click here.

To read Democratic amendments and letters of opposition, click here.

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