House Republicans recently introduced a resolution recognizing the contributions of American freelancers and their economic impact.
Led by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), House Resolution 72 has 21 co-sponsors thus far.
H.R. 72 enumerates:
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) recognizes the rising importance of independent workers, app-based earners, freelancers, and other independent contractors to the American economy; and
(2) recognizes the benefits of independent work to entrepreneurs and individuals seeking flexible hours, locations, and occupations and the benefit of additional income-earning potential.
As of this writing, it’s been referred to the House Education and Workforce Committee.
“With this resolution, we are standing with millions of workers, contractors, and independent freelancers and defending them from the politicians and bureaucrats determined to abolish their jobs,” Representative Issa said in a press release. “Dismissed by some as occasional part-timers, these creative and industrious men and women are independent by choice, fundamental to American commerce, and they need our help more than ever.”
It’s encouraging to see federal lawmakers acknowledging and highlighting the contributions of 60 million freelancers.
By 2027, half of the U.S. workforce is slated to partake in some form of independent contracting—full-time, part-time, or occasionally. That’s worthy of celebration. This trend stands in sharp contrast with forced reclassification efforts like California Assembly Bill 5 and copycats pending in Illinois.
This resolution, if enacted, would act as a bulwark against Congressional efforts like another push for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and forthcoming Labor of Department rules changes that would limit independent contracting opportunities.
Some of the signees, Representatives Issa, Steele, and Kiley, have witnessed the devastating effects of CA AB5 on their constituents firsthand. Since the adoption of the ABC test to determine a worker’s status, tens of thousands of Californians have been reclassified as employees and displaced from the workforce.
While HR 72 can’t be submitted to the President for action, it can have staying power in preventing anti-gig worker efforts from advancing legislatively in a divided Congress.
To learn more about independent contracting in America, go HERE.