This bill expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income workers by lowering the minimum age to claim the credit from 25 to 19 (with exceptions for students, former foster youth, and homeless youth), removing the maximum age limit of 65, and doubling the credit percentage from 7.65% to 15.3%. It also increases the income thresholds for eligibility, raising the phaseout starting point from $4,220 to $9,820 for single filers and $5,280 to $11,610 for joint returns. The credit amounts and income limits will now adjust annually for inflation using specific Consumer Price Index (CPI) benchmarks. Additionally, taxpayers can elect to use their prior year’s earned income to calculate the credit if it was higher than the current year’s, effective for 2026 tax returns.
The Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2026 provides federal grants to support training programs for workers at risk of losing jobs due to automation, with priority given to women, people of color, and lower-wage workers (those earning less than $40,000 annually). The bill authorizes funding for eligible partnerships to develop demonstration projects that help dislocated workers transition into in-demand technology sectors through skills training, job placement assistance, and employer partnerships. It expands existing workforce training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to specifically address automation-related job displacement and requires grantees to report on outcomes including job placements, earnings data, and demographic breakdowns. The legislation is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 with funding for both new demonstration projects and expanded existing training services.
HR 2357, the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025, removes a restriction that previously barred workers on strike from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to eliminate language making workers ineligible for SNAP "as a result of being on strike," ensuring striking workers are not automatically denied food assistance during labor disputes. This change directly affects workers participating in strikes who would otherwise lose access to SNAP benefits. The key mechanism updates the eligibility rules to prevent SNAP ineligibility solely due to strike participation.
HRES 205 is a resolution condemning Cuba's labor export program for medical personnel, which the U.S. State Department identifies as involving forced labor and human trafficking. It cites a 2024 State Department report stating Cuba profits $6-8 billion annually by withholding workers' wages, confiscating passports, and restricting their movements. The resolution urges foreign governments to pay Cuban medical workers directly (bypassing Cuba) and calls for U.S. visa restrictions against officials from Cuba, Brazil, and other nations involved in the program. It does not create new law but expresses the House's position based on U.S. government findings.
This bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices for contractors affected by government funding lapses (like shutdowns), ensuring contractors can cover costs for employees who were furloughed, laid off, or had reduced hours. It mandates that contractors receive reimbursement for paying employees at their standard rate during the lapse or restoring paid leave used instead of work. The reimbursement is capped at $1,442 per week (pro-rated for part-time workers), and contractors must provide proof of costs to the agency. Agencies must report to Congress within a year on how many contractor employees were impacted and how compensation was handled.
The STEM RESTART Act creates a new federal grant program to help mid-career workers (unemployed or underemployed, particularly from rural areas) return to STEM careers through "returnship" programs. It provides funding for small businesses (50-499 employees) to receive $100,000-$1 million annually and medium businesses (500-9,999 employees) to receive $500,000-$5 million annually to develop these programs. The grants require programs to last at least 10 weeks, provide above-entry-level compensation and benefits, and lead to full-time employment with career advancement opportunities. Businesses must report annually on participant demographics and employment outcomes, with the Secretary required to publish best practices based on these reports. The bill authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2030 to fund these initiatives.
The Workforce Flexibility Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by removing a specific eligibility requirement for youth programs. It eliminates the "out-of-school priority," which previously limited certain workforce services to youth not enrolled in school. This change directly affects youth programs under WIOA, allowing them to serve a broader group of young people without that prior restriction. The bill makes a technical adjustment to program eligibility rules, not a major policy shift.
The SNAP Next Step Act of 2025 modifies the Food and Nutrition Act to connect SNAP (food stamp) recipients with workforce training. It defines "covered individuals" as SNAP households where members are unemployed/underemployed, not receiving TANF benefits, and not enrolled in state "Employment First" programs. States can now use SNAP administrative funds to run job training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for these individuals. Additionally, states must create a free online "employment calculator" on their websites to help SNAP participants compare future earnings with current benefits. This bill directly affects low-income SNAP households seeking employment opportunities.
S 1210, the HERO for Youth Act of 2025, expands tax credits for employers hiring qualifying youth. It modifies the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to cover year-round employment (September 16-April 30) for students attending secondary school part-time (≤20 hours/week), not just summer jobs. The bill also creates a new credit for employers hiring "disconnected youth" - individuals aged 16-25 who haven’t attended school or worked regularly for six months, or foster youth aged 16-21. The credit amount is increased, and the changes apply to hires after the bill's enactment. This directly affects employers in states with designated local agencies administering the program.
The Faster Labor Contracts Act requires employers and newly certified unions to begin negotiating an initial collective bargaining agreement within 10 days of a written request. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, the parties may request mediation from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which must act within 30 days. If mediation fails, the dispute moves to a binding arbitration panel whose decision - based on factors like employer finances, business type, and industry wages - remains enforceable for two years. This law directly affects employees represented by newly certified unions and their employers by reducing delays in securing first contracts, which historically averaged 465 days.
