GUARD VA Benefits Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1732
Last Updated: September 10, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

ID: P000614

Follow the money

The bill

GUARD VA Benefits Act

HR. 1732, 119th Congress — read as touching For-Profit Education & Student Loans.

The sponsor

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$75,750 raised

25 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

70% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Homeland Security" section, p. 177-179 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Committee Hearings Held

March 17, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another brilliant example of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

The GUARD VA Benefits Act? Please. This bill has nothing to do with veterans' benefits or guarding anything except the fragile egos of its sponsors. It's a thinly veiled attempt to declare English as the official language of the United States, because, you know, that's not already implied by the fact that we're an English-speaking country.

New regulations? Oh boy, where do I even start? This bill creates a whole new chapter in Title 4 of the US Code, dedicated to declaring English as the official language. Because, apparently, our lawmakers have nothing better to do than create redundant legislation. It's like they're trying to win some sort of bet on who can come up with the most unnecessary laws.

Affected industries and sectors? Well, it seems that every federal agency will be impacted by this bill, because now they'll all have to conduct their official functions in English. Wow, what a groundbreaking concept. I'm sure the millions of non-English speakers living in the US are just thrilled to hear that they'll have to learn a new language to interact with their government.

Compliance requirements and timelines? Ha! This bill doesn't even bother to specify any concrete deadlines or enforcement mechanisms. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know this is all just for show, so let's not worry about the details." The only timeline mentioned is the one that gives Congress a pat on the back for declaring English as the official language.

Enforcement mechanisms and penalties? *crickets* That's right, folks. This bill doesn't even bother to specify any consequences for non-compliance. It's like they're counting on everyone to just magically start speaking English because they said so.

Economic and operational impacts? Oh, this is where it gets really rich. The bill claims that declaring English as the official language will somehow "preserve and enhance" its role in federal government functions. I'm not sure what kind of fantasy world these lawmakers live in, but in reality, this bill will likely lead to increased costs for translation services, more bureaucratic red tape, and a whole lot of unnecessary paperwork.

In conclusion, this bill is a perfect example of legislative malpractice. It's a solution in search of a problem, designed to pander to xenophobic voters and distract from real issues. I give it two thumbs down, and a healthy dose of skepticism for anyone who thinks this will actually accomplish anything meaningful.

Related Topics

Military & Veterans Affairs
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$75,750
23 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$9,750
Committees
$0
Individuals
$66,000

No PAC contributions found

1
OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
1 transaction
$3,300
2
THE CHICKSAW NATION
2 transactions
$3,300
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$1,650
4
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
1 transaction
$1,500

No committee contributions found

1
HOSTETTER, BARBARA
2 transactions
$6,600
2
DUDA, JENNIFER
1 transaction
$3,300
3
JURVETSON, KARLA
1 transaction
$3,300
4
SCHUSTER, MARK
1 transaction
$3,300
5
STOVER, MATTHEW
1 transaction
$3,300
6
WALSH, MARK
1 transaction
$3,300
7
SCHIFFRIN, RICHARD
1 transaction
$3,300
8
HOSTETTER, AMOS
1 transaction
$3,300
9
SANDBERG, SHERYL
1 transaction
$3,300
10
SOROS, JONATHAN
1 transaction
$3,300
11
SAMUELSON, MARTHA S
1 transaction
$3,300
12
ELDRIDGE, SEAN S
1 transaction
$3,300
13
SCHMIDT, ERIC
1 transaction
$3,300
14
PIERCE, CHRISTOPHER
1 transaction
$3,300
15
LEIFER, ALAN
1 transaction
$3,300
16
TARPEY, THOMAS
1 transaction
$3,300
17
LEIFER, MARCIA
1 transaction
$3,300
18
GURAL, JEFFREY
1 transaction
$3,300
19
BEEUWKES, REINIER
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

ID: F000466

Top Contributors

22

1
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,500
Dec 31, 2024
2
STATA FAMILY OFFICE
Organization
$500
Apr 26, 2024
3
ASHER, ROBERT B.
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Oct 9, 2024
4
ASHER, ROBERT B.
ASHER CHOCOLATES • CHAIRMAN
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
LEVY, EDWARD JR
EDW C LEVY CO • CHAIRMAN
IndividualBIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
Feb 26, 2024
6
CROTTY, THOMAS
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
7
EVANS, ROGER
GREYLOCK PARTNERS • PARTNER EMERITUS
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
8
LEACH, RONALD
NPX ONE • CHAIRMAN & CEO
IndividualGENEVA, IL
$6,600
Feb 28, 2024
9
MCCLAIN, MARK
SAILPOINT • CEO
IndividualAUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Mar 2, 2024
10
CROTTY, THOMAS
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

ID: V000133

Top Contributors

27

1
WINRED
PACARLINGTON, VA
$6,781
Jan 26, 2024
2
WINRED
PACARLINGTON, VA
$868
Feb 16, 2024
3
ACE LISTENGER ENTERPRISES LLC
OrganizationLOUISVILLE, KY
$500
Sep 30, 2024
4
SPTWO LLC
OrganizationNORTH WILDWOOD, NJ
$500
Sep 30, 2024
5
TEC AEROSPACE, LLC
OrganizationCLAYTON, NJ
$500
Jun 30, 2024
6
FV REDEMPTION LLC
OrganizationCAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ
$500
Jun 27, 2024
7
CHARLES MARANDINO LLC
OrganizationMILMAY, NJ
$105
May 15, 2024
8
FORMAN, RICHARD P
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualCHERRY HILL, NJ
$6,600
Nov 29, 2023
9
HOLLANDER, SCOTT
PULSE VASCULAR • PHYSICIAN
IndividualMULLICA HILL, NJ
$6,600
Feb 16, 2024
10
LAUDEMAN, KEITH MR
COLD SPRING FISH • FISH DEALER
IndividualCAPE MAY, NJ
$6,600
May 8, 2023

Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]

ID: T000193

Top Contributors

20

1
LA, TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE
N/A • N/A
IndividualMARKSVILLE, LA
$5,000
Feb 7, 2024
2
DINKLER, AYAME MS.
CRANE STRATEGIC, LLC • OWNER
IndividualNEW ORLEANS, LA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
3
REEVES, JAMES
SELF • ATTORNEY
IndividualBILOXI, MS
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
4
WISMEIER, MOLLY
RESTAURANT R'EVOLUTION • DIRECTOR OF WINE AND SPIRITS
IndividualNEW ORLEANS, LA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
5
STAFFORD, MARK MR.
DRC EMERGENCY SERVICES • CHIEF OF OPERATIONS
IndividualBALA CYNWYD, PA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
6
ASHY, ALTON MR.
ADVANCED STRATEGIES • PRESIDENT
IndividualBATON ROUGE, LA
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
7
LA, TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE
N/A • N/A
IndividualMARKSVILLE, LA
$3,300
Dec 27, 2023
8
INDIANS, AGUA CALIENTE BAND O
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Dec 27, 2023
9
LAMPTON, WILLIAM
ERGON, INC. • VP PUBLIC AFFAIRS & GOVERNMENT RELATIO
IndividualJACKSON, MS
$3,300
Oct 27, 2023
10
WALTON, JAMES
SELF • WALTON ENTERPRISES
IndividualBENTONVILLE, AR
$3,300
Feb 7, 2024

Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]

ID: R000617

Top Contributors

20

1
SIBLANI, ALI EL
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualDEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI
$6,600
Nov 11, 2023
2
ROGERS, JOHN
ARIEL INVESTMENTS LLC • CHAIRMAN
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$6,600
Jun 29, 2023
3
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
AYAZZ CONSTRCTION LLC • CEO
IndividualMOKENA, IL
$5,600
Nov 19, 2023
4
REHMAN, MOHAMMED
HUBCOM • IT
IndividualNAPERVILLE, IL
$5,000
Nov 19, 2023
5
REZNICK, DEBORAH
POLK BROS FOUNDATION • PROGRAM OFFICER
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$5,000
Dec 28, 2023
6
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
AYAZZ CONSTRCTION LLC • CEO
IndividualMOKENA, IL
$4,000
Nov 19, 2023
7
ALNOBANI, ABDUL
IndividualMOKENA, IL
$4,000
Dec 4, 2023
8
AKHTER, REHAN
OPTIMA LAB • PRESIDENT
IndividualLAKE FOREST, IL
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
9
ANWAR, NAVEED
GILLONS INC • MANUFACTURER
IndividualORLAND PARK, IL
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
10
HORNSTEIN, NORBERT
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Sep 10, 2024

Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]

ID: G000592

Top Contributors

29

1
PENOBSCOT INDIAN NATION
OrganizationINDIAN ISLAND, ME
$3,300
Oct 19, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Feb 8, 2024
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Mar 13, 2024
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
5
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI
OrganizationFULTON, MI
$2,000
Oct 15, 2024
6
PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBE AT INDIAN TOWNSHIP
OrganizationPERRY, ME
$1,000
Oct 28, 2024
7
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
Oct 31, 2024
8
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$1,000
Jun 27, 2024
9
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$1,000
Sep 26, 2024
10
KIRK, GARRETT JR
SELF EMPLOYED • INVESTOR
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Nov 2, 2024

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

ID: C001078

Top Contributors

22

1
FOR SENATE, MARSDEN
MARSDEN FOR SENATE COMMITTEE • SENATOR
COMBURKE, VA
$250
Mar 19, 2024
2
HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP
OrganizationRICHMOND, VA
$2,900
Jun 22, 2023
3
HERSHMAN, MICHAEL J.
THE FAIRFAX GROUP • PRESIDENT
IndividualDELRAY BEACH, FL
$3,300
Dec 24, 2024
4
TRONE, DAVID
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • REPRESENTATIVE
IndividualPOTOMAC, MD
$3,300
Dec 9, 2024
5
MISENER, PAUL E
SELF-EMPLOYED • LAWYER
IndividualGREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Sep 21, 2023
6
PUNARO, ARNOLD
PUNARO GROUP • CONSULTANT
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
7
PUNARO, ARNOLD
PUNARO GROUP • CONSULTANT
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
8
PUNARO, JULIA
RETIRED • NONE
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
9
PUNARO, JULIA
RETIRED • NONE
IndividualMCLEAN, VA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
10
RABAUT, TOM W
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualGREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Sep 27, 2023

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

ID: B001298

Top Contributors

27

1
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
2
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
3
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Jun 27, 2023
5
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Jun 30, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$2,000
Jun 27, 2023
7
REPUBLICAN MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Jul 11, 2024
8
CARSON, RUSSELL S.
THE CARSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST • PHILANTHROPY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Apr 24, 2024
9
FRANK, JIM
2FILLC • EXEC
IndividualWINNETKA, IL
$6,600
Apr 23, 2024
10
DANIELS, BRANDON
EXIGER • CEO
IndividualRICHMOND, VA
$6,600
Apr 21, 2024

Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]

ID: M001220

Top Contributors

22

1
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Oct 26, 2024
2
LA CASITA CENTER
OrganizationLOUISVILLE, KY
$154
Oct 16, 2023
3
CALOBRACE, BRADLEY
SELF • PHYSICIAN
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$6,600
Oct 18, 2024
4
BROWN, CAMPBELL
BROWN-FORMAN • PRESIDENT OLD FORESTER
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
5
MEHROTRA, LOPA
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualGLENVIEW, KY
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
6
MEHROTRA, RISHABH
AVIONTE • CEO
IndividualGLENVIEW, KY
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
7
HELM, NELSON
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
8
ROTH, EVAN
BBR PARTNERS • CO-CEO
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 18, 2023
9
CHRISTENSEN, JOSH
NORTON HEALTHCARE • PHYSICIAN
IndividualLOUISVILLE, KY
$3,300
Dec 3, 2023
10
SISCOVICK, TALIA
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualSTAMFORD, CT
$3,300
Oct 31, 2023

Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]

ID: P000597

Top Contributors

37

1
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$5,000
Aug 6, 2024
2
MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION
OrganizationMASHANTUCKET, CT
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Jun 5, 2023
4
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Jun 11, 2024
5
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Jun 18, 2024
6
MOORETOWN RANCHERIA
OrganizationOROVILLE, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
7
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$1,700
Sep 19, 2024
8
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationDURANT, OK
$1,650
Sep 30, 2023
9
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$1,000
Oct 18, 2024
10
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK
$1,000
Dec 26, 2023

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]

ID: K000385

Top Contributors

22

1
CROKE FOR ILLINOIS
OrganizationCHICAGO, IL
$1,000
Feb 28, 2024
2
COMMITTEE TO ELECT JUSTICE COBBS
OrganizationMATTESON, IL
$500
Feb 28, 2024
3
KELLY, MELINDA
IndividualOAK LAWN, IL
$4,400
Oct 23, 2024
4
AUSTRIACO, AURORA
VALENTINE AUSTRIACO AND BUESCHEL • ATTORNEY
IndividualPARK RIDGE, IL
$4,000
Dec 4, 2023
5
AUSTRIACO, AURORA
IndividualPARK RIDGE, IL
$4,000
Dec 5, 2023
6
ROGERS, LARRY R
POWER ROGERS, L.L.P. • ATTORNEY
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,407
Oct 21, 2024
7
ANTUNOVICH, JOSEPH
ANTUNOVICH ASSOCIATES • ARCHITECT
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,407
Sep 28, 2023
8
BONGARD, BETH A.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualOLYMPIA FIELDS, IL
$3,300
Mar 18, 2024
9
LEWIS, KATRICE
SELF EMPLOYED • MANAGER
IndividualSOUTH HOLLAND, IL
$3,300
Mar 18, 2024
10
MARQUIS, D.L
MARQUIS ENERGY • PRESIDENT & CEO
IndividualPEORIA, IL
$3,300
Mar 4, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 67 nodes and 70 connections

Total contributions: $70

Top Donors - Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount

4 Orgs19 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 harmed.

  • Section 2(3) adds a new subsection (b) to Section 5905 of title 38, United States Code, which imposes penalties for charging unauthorized fees relating to claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, potentially affecting for-profit education institutions that charge veterans for services related to their benefits claims.

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Homeland Security

Moderate
Vector: 63%
Pages: 177-179AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 DHS section emphasize strengthening immigration standards—specifically, using English proficiency as a criterion for naturalization and aligning USCIS operations with a merit‑based, enforcement‑focused system. However, the bill’s broader official‑language mandate extends beyond the immigration‑focused goals outlined in the excerpt."

Key themes:naturalizationEnglish language requirementUSCIS reformmerit‑based immigrationimmigration enforcement

— 144 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise prosecuting criminal and civil denaturalization cases, in combination with the Department of Justice, for aliens who obtained citizenship through fraud or other illicit means. Additionally, USCIS should create a criminal enforcement compo- nent within the agency to investigate immigration benefits fraud under Title 8 (perhaps requiring additional legislative and regulatory authorities for the offi- cers themselves) and to prosecute cases through Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) with substantive knowledge in the field. Particular attention should be given to addressing increasing incidents of forced labor trafficking in temporary work visa programs. While the Biden regulatory agenda has focused on at least two major rules—the credible fear rule and the public charge rule—USCIS has utilized other policy and internal procedural mechanisms to extend employment authorization to large groups of people who are in the country without legal status. The agency has taken quiet steps to cut corners and lessen adjudicatory standards. During a tran- sition period, a complete audit of agency policies, memoranda, and management directives issued during the Biden Administration should be completed, and rescis- sion documents should be prepared for issuance within the first few days of the incoming Administration. Additionally, regulatory documents should be drafted to review or reverse all regulations promulgated during the Biden Administration. New Policies To advance the national interest, the three core immigration agencies—USCIS, ICE, and CBP—should remerge and have immigration elements outside of DHS (such as ORR of HHS) included. The fragmented immigration enforcement frame- work that developed in the wake of the Homeland Security Act has weakened each agency and should be remediated. Combining these critical agencies would strengthen their capabilities, ensure cooperation, and promote information-shar- ing. Agency responsibilities and the delineation of authorities, such as inconsistent use of deferred action and issuance of NTAs by each agency, have long been a point of contention that would be addressed much more easily if they were recombined into a single entity. Alternatively, new policies for USCIS as it currently exists should focus on mat- ters that can be addressed through administrative action. l The workforce should be realigned and, as necessary, retrained on base eligibility and fraud detection rather than speed in processing. l Training should be returned to Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), which would underscore the enforcement role of USCIS as a vetting agency, and be rebranded accordingly. — 145 — Department of Homeland Security l Management Directives and policies should realign to ensure that the workforce, while adaptable and able to handle the bulk of the USCIS mission, is not allowed to be pulled off mission work to focus on unlawful programs (DACA, mass parole for Afghans, Ukrainians, Venezuelans, etc.), which divert resources away from nuclear family and employment programs. The regulatory agenda should include the immediate submission of notices of proposed rulemaking for the Trump Administration’s public charge rule (includ- ing aspects from its original notice of proposed rulemaking), temporary work visa reform, employment authorization reform rules, asylum bars rule, and a third-country transit rule. At a minimum, an enhanced regulatory agenda should include rules strengthening the integrity of the asylum system, parole reform, and U visa reform that prioritizes relief for victims of heinous crimes and ensures that we protect the truest and most deserving victims of crime. Not all policy changes require formal rulemaking, however, as internal guidance documents are generally exempt under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).7 In this subregulatory space, USCIS policy memos and operational guidance should reduce the validity of employment authorization documents and end the COVID flexibilities, including the reliance on biometrics reuse. USCIS should also enforce existing regulations by rejecting incomplete applications and petitions, ensuring both that they are completed before accepted for filing and that FDNS signs off on all approved applications and petitions before approval notices are sent to the alien or petitioner. Other efforts should be focused on adjudication standards returning to nearly 100 percent interview requirements for all appropriate cases. The incoming Administration should spearhead an immigration legislative agenda focused on creating a merit-based immigration system that rewards high- skilled aliens instead of the current system that favors extended family–based and luck-of-the-draw immigration. To that end, the diversity visa lottery should be repealed, chain migration should be ended while focusing on the nuclear family, and the existing employment visa program should be replaced with a system to award visas only to the “best and brightest.” Internal efforts to limit employment authorization should be matched by con- gressional action to narrow statutory eligibility to work in the United States and mitigate unfair employment competition for U.S. citizens. The oft-abused H-1B program should be transformed into an elite program through which employers are vying to bring in only the top foreign workers at the highest wages so as not to depress American opportunities. Additionally, Congress should: l Improve the integrity of the temporary work visa programs; l Repeal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations;

Department of Labor and Related Agencies

Weak
Vector: 64%
Pages: 645-647AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on establishing English as the official language and related naturalization requirements, while the Project 2025 labor section emphasizes hiring preferences for Americans, visa fraud enforcement, and international labor standards; there is only tangential overlap concerning immigration and workforce integration."

Key themes:immigrationworkforce integrationemploymentnaturalization

— 613 — Department of Labor and Related Agencies l Congress must amend the law so that employers can again have the freedom to make hiring Americans a priority. Despite the significant advantages that preferring citizens over (work-authorized) aliens in hiring would provide to American workers, businesses, and the country at large, such a practice has been illegal since 1986.25 This makes no sense. Alternative View Some conservatives believe that the government has a duty to limit its spending in order to limit how much it takes from American families. This means that when the government spends money, it must find the most econom- ical and effective way to do so. Excessive government spending will be borne by American workers and families through reduced incomes and purchasing power. There may be good reasons to require a certain percentage of American workers on federal contracts, but those decisions should be based on economy and efficiency as opposed to arbitrary quotas. Visa Fraud. American businesses that commit visa fraud and hire illegal immi- grants should not be the beneficiaries of federal spending. But a 2020 report by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) examined the depart- ment’s process for excluding employers who commit visa fraud and abuse from federal contracts and found much to be desired. l To protect the American workforce from unscrupulous immigration lawyers, employers, and labor brokers, the department must follow the recommendations of the OIG and institute more robust investigations for suspected visa fraud and speedier debarments for those found guilty. INTERNATIONAL LABOR POLICY Leveling the International Playing Field for Workers. As recent decades of intense import competition and offshoring have made clear, American workers suffer when the U.S. opens its markets to foreign nations’ minimal labor standards and exploitative conditions. While federal law already prohibits the importation of goods produced with forced labor, the prohibitions are toothless without effective means of enforcement and cover only the most basic of workers’ rights. The Trump Administration and its United States Trade Representative (USTR) took unprece- dented steps to redress the issue for workers. The U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) contained the strongest and most far-reaching labor provisions of any free trade agreement (FTA), with protections and commitments to reduce labor abuses and raise wages. It also established new modes of enforcement. For future FTAs, the USTR should replicate the labor provisions of USMCA, especially the provisions to: — 614 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l Eliminate all forms of forced or compulsory labor. l Protect workers’ rights to organize and participate voluntarily in a union without employer interference or discrimination. l Create a rapid-response mechanism to provide for an independent panel investigation of denial of labor rights at covered facilities. l Shift the burden of proof by presuming that an alleged violation affects trade and investment, unless otherwise demonstrated. For future authorizations of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the President should urge Congress to: l Create mechanisms for supply-chain transparency. l Institute a general prohibition on forced labor conditions. Investigate Foreign Labor Violations That Undermine American Work- ers. The United States’ embrace of globalization has exposed American workers to unfair competition from nations with cheap, abundant, and often exploited labor. American workers have, as a consequence, seen their earning power erode. While negotiating stronger trade agreements with robust labor provisions should be the primary tool with which to regulate international labor competition, the federal government can also take steps to identify the worst labor abuses and rule breakers. DOL’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) plays a critical role in monitor- ing and enforcing the labor provisions of U.S. trade agreements and trade preference programs as well as investigating child labor and human trafficking violations. l The next Administration should focus ILAB investigations on foreign labor violations that do the most to damage American workers’ earning power, specifically regimes that engage in child and forced labor, fail to protect workers’ organizing rights, and permit hazardous or otherwise exploitative working conditions. Alternative/Additional View. Conservatives share a belief in protecting and pro- moting American workers and their families and orienting international policies with Americans’ interests first. Some conservatives believe that the best way to put Amer- ica first is by making America more attractive. In addition to restrictions imposed on other countries, removing existing barriers to American manufacturing, employ- ment, and commerce can help American workers, entrepreneurs, and families.

Department of Labor and Related Agencies

Weak
Vector: 62%
Pages: 648-650AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on establishing English as the official language and setting English requirements for naturalization, which tangentially relates to immigration and labor market integration but does not directly address the Project 2025 goals of improving visa-related labor-market monitoring, relocating OFLC, or preferring American workers in hiring."

Key themes:immigrationnaturalizationlabor marketvisaEnglish proficiency

— 616 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Improve Visa-Related Labor-Market Monitoring DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification plays an important role in the approval of H-visa applications, but it is currently housed in the Employment and Training Administration, which is DOL’s primary grant-making division. l OFLC should be moved out of ETA and made directly accountable to the Secretary with a politically accountable Director. CONCLUSION The good of the American family is at the heart of conservative labor policy recommendations. The longstanding tradition of a strong work ethic in American culture must be encouraged and strengthened by policies that promote family-sus- taining jobs. By eliminating the policies promoted by the DEI agenda, promoting pro-life policies that support family life, expanding available apprenticeship programs including by encouraging the role of religious organizations in appren- ticeships, making family-sustaining jobs accessible, simplifying employment requirements, and allowing employers to prefer American citizens when making hiring decisions, among the other policy recommendations discussed above, we can begin to secure a future in which the American worker, and by extension the American family, can thrive and prosper. AUTHOR’S NOTE: Many contributors, listed at the front of this volume, deserve credit for this work, but Oren Cass, Rachel Greszler, Rachel Morrison, Caleb Orr, and Jonathan Wolfson deserve special mention. The author alone assumes responsibility for the content of this chapter, and no views expressed herein should be attributed to any other individual. — 617 — Department of Labor and Related Agencies ENDNOTES 1. Gretchen Livingston and Anna Brown, “Intermarriage in the U.S. Fifty Years after Loving v. Virginia,” Pew Research Center, May 18, 2017, https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2017/05/18/intermarriage-in-the- u-s-50-years-after-loving-v-virginia/ (accessed March 4, 2023). 2. President Lyndon B. Johnson, Executive Order 11246, “Equal Employment Opportunity,” https://www. presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/executive-order-11246-equal-employment-opportunity (accessed March 7, 2023). 3. Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, Public Law, 95-555. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 4. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Public Law No. 117-328, div. II, 136 Stat. 4459 (2022). 5. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. 6. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, No. 19-1392, June 24, 2022, https://www.supremecourt.gov/ opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf (accessed March 7, 2023). 7. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. Ch. 18 § 1001 et seq. 8. Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, 42 U.S.C. Ch. 21B § 2000bb et seq. 9. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, 29 U.S.C. § 203. 10. Department of Labor, Promoting Regulatory Openness Through Good Guidance, Federal Register, Vol. 85, No. 168, August 28, 2020, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-08-28/pdf/2020-18500.pdf (accessed March 7, 2023). 11. Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. Ch. 5, subchapter 1, § 500 et seq. 12. Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. Ch. 6 § 601 et seq. 13. Donald J. Trump, Executive Order 13932, “Modernizing and Reforming the Assessment and Hiring of Federal Job Candidates,” Federal Register, Vol. 85, No. 187 (July 1, 2020) pp. 39457–39459, https://www.federalregister. gov/documents/2020/07/01/2020-14337/modernizing-and-reforming-the-assessment-and-hiring-of-federal- job-candidates (accessed March 7, 2023). 14. Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act, Public Law 113-128. 15. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, S.3548, 116th Congress, 2nd Sess. 16. Federal Unemployment Tax Act, I.R.C., Ch. 23. 17. American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2. 18. Teamwork for Employees and Managers (TEAM) Act of 2022, S. 3585, 117th Congress, 2nd Sess. 19. Worker’s Choice Act of 2019, H.R. 5147, 116th Congress, 1st Sess. 20. F. Vincent Vernuccio, “Back to Business,” October 8, 2020, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/ back-to-business (accessed March 4, 2023). 21. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, 29 U.S.C. § 203. 22. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. Ch. 15 § 651 et seq. 23. Davis–Bacon Act of 1931, Public Law 71-798. 24. Social Security Act of 1935, 42 U.S.C. Ch. 7. 25. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603.

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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