119-hres461

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 461 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 461

Recognizing the contributions of independent workers and contractors to 
 the American economy.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 June 3, 2025

 Mr. Issa (for himself, Mr. Kiley of California, Mr. Obernolte, Mr. 
 LaMalfa, Mr. Kean, Mrs. Miller of Illinois, Mrs. Harshbarger, and Mr. 
 Carter of Georgia) submitted the following resolution; which was 
 referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

Recognizing the contributions of independent workers and contractors to 
 the American economy.

Whereas independent workers can be defined as workers who are self-employed, 
 independent contractors, sole proprietors, or nonpermanent workers who 
 are hired on a per-project basis;
Whereas independent workers can include, but are not limited to, musicians, 
 lawyers, drivers, couriers, computer programmers, writers, and other 
 entrepreneurs;
Whereas embracing independent work offers workers great freedom and flexibility 
 in their hours, locations, and occupations;
Whereas technological innovation has enabled more Americans than ever to pursue 
 flexible, independent work, including through app-based platforms;
Whereas 61 percent of independent workers report their earnings are equal or 
 more than with a more traditional work environment;
Whereas in 2024, 4,700,000 full-time independent workers earned over $100,000;
Whereas the flexible work economy offers business owners advantages, such as the 
 ability to hire experts for services not regularly needed or extra 
 workers for busy seasons and lower space costs;
Whereas in 2024, roughly 73,000,000 Americans engaged in some type of freelance 
 work, which is an increase of nearly 1,000,000 independent workers from 
 2023;
Whereas independent workers contributed $1.5 trillion to the United States 
 economy in 2024;
Whereas the number of independent workers has grown exponentially in recent 
 years, with approximately 28,000,000 Americans' primary income deriving 
 from the independent work economy;
Whereas according to data from 2024, 52 percent of those aged 18 to 26 and 
 nearly 40 percent of those aged 27 to 42 chose the flexible work economy 
 over traditional employment;
Whereas by 2027, an estimated 86,000,000 Americans are projected to participate 
 in the flexible work economy;
Whereas some elected officials and communities have taken actions to end the 
 independent work economy by supporting legislation that would require 
 freelance workers to register as traditional employees, removing their 
 freedom and flexibility to work where, when, and how they want; and
Whereas legislation forcing independent workers to classify as employees could 
 supersede State laws such as Prop 22 in California, which overturned 
 worker classification laws and strengthened contractor freedom: Now, 
 therefore, be it
 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.
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