A bill that would give workers the option to be paid for their work is in the works in the U.S. House, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told CNNMoney on Monday.
The measure, H.R. 662, was introduced in the House by Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., who said it would make it easier for workers to earn paychecks and avoid overtime.
“The Senate version is too restrictive, so we need a change to the House bill,” Cohen told CNN Money.
“I think we should be doing the same thing.
It’s time to do it.”
The Senate is considering a bill that includes a provision that would allow workers with union contracts to be awarded paychecks, but only when they work more than 10 hours per week.
Cohen said he believes the House is trying to impose the rule that he wants to get rid of.
“That’s a total mistake,” he said.
“We’re in this together.
I believe in that union.
We’re not out to destroy the union, but we are in this for the same reason we have the American people.”
The bill is backed by the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of private sector unions.
“This legislation will help workers who work for small businesses, small businesses with fewer than 50 workers, to earn their living while keeping their jobs,” the group said in a statement.
“By making it easier to receive paychecks for their hard work, it will help small businesses thrive and grow.”
CNNMoney reached out to the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J., but did not receive a response.
