The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act

Rep. Smucker (R-PA) reintroduced the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act.  In addition to Rep. Smucker, the bill is cosponsored by Reps. Amodei (R-NV), Ciscomani (R-AZ), Cuellar (D-TX), Davis (D-NC), Harris (R-MD), Kelly (R-PA), Kennedy (R-UT), McCormick (R-GA), Salazar (R-FL), and Suozzi (D-NY).  The act establishes a targeted, nonfarm, temporary worker visa program with protections to 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.