Us Congress House Bill HJR135

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/24
• Refer: 5/1/24

Caption

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States".

Impact

If enacted, HJR135 would nullify the existing Department of Labor rule that aims to enhance the protections afforded to temporary agricultural workers. This could have significant implications for these workers' rights, potentially diminishing the safeguards that are designed to improve their working conditions and wages. Proponents of HJR135 argue that the existing rules may impose undue burdens on employers in the agricultural sector, while advocates for labor rights express concern over the rollback of protections, fearing it would negatively affect vulnerable workers who often face exploitation.

Summary

HJR135 is a joint resolution that seeks to disapprove a specific rule submitted by the Department of Labor, which relates to improving protections for workers engaged in temporary agricultural employment in the United States. The resolution underscores Congress's authority to review and reject federal regulations, specifically targeting the protections that were intended for this group of workers. The bill is positioned under the congressional review provisions found in Title 5 of the U.S. Code, indicating a formal legislative process aimed at safeguarding or altering current labor regulations.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HJR135 likely reflect broader debates over labor rights and agricultural employment practices in the U.S. Proponents of the resolution may contend that the regulatory environment should be more flexible to support agricultural businesses, while opponents may argue that weakening worker protections could lead to detrimental outcomes for individuals in temporary positions. This bill illustrates the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight intended to protect workers and the economic interests of employers in the agriculture industry.