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

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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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