Associated Builders and Contractors Applauds Reintroduction of the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act

Associated Builders and Contractors applauds Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., for the reintroduction of the bipartisan H.R. 5494, the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act.

In addition to Rep. Smucker, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, Don Davis, D-N.C., Andy Harris, R-Md., Mike Kelly, R-Pa., Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, Rich McCormick, R-Ga., Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., and Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.    

Act details

The act establishes a targeted, nonfarm, temporary worker visa program with built-in safeguards to protect both employers and employees. The bill ensures that jobs remain open and available to American workers first, while giving businesses a legal, reliable pathway to fill long-standing vacancies. It strengthens border security, incorporates strict oversight to prevent abuse and closes loopholes in the asylum system—all while providing flexibility for industries like construction that are struggling with severe workforce shortages.