[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 6, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FIGHTING TO PROTECT FREELANCERS AND INDEPENDENT WORK

  (Mr. KILEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KILEY. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Labor has announced a new 
independent contractor rule, which, in fact, targets independent 
contractors across America.
  It is based upon AB5, a truly destructive California law that has 
devastated independent professionals in over 600 professions.
  In hopes of trying to get this House to act to stop this rule from 
taking effect next month, I am sharing the stories of California 
freelancers and independent contractors who have been harmed by AB5, 
which President Biden has called his model for national labor 
relations.
  One story comes from Jodie. Jodie said: I worked years to gain my 
skills as an American Sign Language interpreter. It was my goal since I 
was 9 years old. After AB5, I lost all three of my agencies. The dream 
I worked for is lost. I can't provide for my family and thousands of 
California deaf won't be served.
  In order to spare millions of Americans the same fate as Jodie, I am 
asking for bipartisan support for my legislation under the 
Congressional Review Act to nullify the Biden administration's new 
independent contractor rule.

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