US Federal Senate Bill SJR152

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/26/26
• Refer: 3/26/26

Caption

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology.

Summary

SJR152 is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would disapprove a Department of Labor rule governing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for temporary H-2A nonimmigrant agricultural workers in non-range occupations. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the October 2, 2025 rule and prevent it from taking effect, meaning the Department of Labor could not use that rule as the basis for setting AEWR requirements. The resolution does not create a new wage standard or amend the underlying H-2A program directly; instead, it uses Congress’s disapproval authority to block a specific federal regulation. Its practical effect would be to preserve the prior regulatory framework for calculating wages for H-2A workers unless and until a new rule is issued or Congress enacts different statutory changes.

Impact

The bill would affect federal labor and immigration-related wage regulations, specifically the Department of Labor’s rules for calculating the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for H-2A workers in non-range agricultural jobs. By disapproving the rule, it would remove the rule’s legal force and effect under chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code, and would likely preserve the prior wage methodology in place before the 2025 rule. The bill does not amend state law directly, but it would influence employers, agricultural labor markets, farmworkers, and federal enforcement of H-2A wage requirements.

Sentiment

Based on the available context, the bill appears to be introduced as a targeted challenge to a federal labor rule rather than as a broadly negotiated policy change. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so no formal legislative sentiment can be measured from debate or roll call history. The filing itself suggests concern from the sponsor about the Department of Labor’s wage methodology, while the absence of recorded opposition or support leaves the broader chamber sentiment unclear.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the wage-setting methodology for H-2A agricultural workers: supporters of disapproval may view the rule as increasing labor costs or imposing an unfavorable wage formula on agricultural employers, while opponents may argue that the rule better protects domestic and guest farmworkers from wage suppression. The dispute centers on the balance between farm labor affordability for employers and wage protections for workers, especially in non-range agricultural occupations. No specific committee objections or vote-based divisions are available in the provided record.