Schakowsky, Casar Reintroduce Legislation to Ensure Federal Contractors Treat Workers Fairly
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Greg Casar (TX-35) reintroduced the Patriotic Corporations of America Act, legislation to ensure federal taxpayer dollars support companies that treat their workers fairly, respect workers’ rights, protect the environment, and pay their fair share.
The legislation would establish high-road standards for companies seeking federal contracts, requiring contractors to meet baseline standards on wages, workers’ rights, and environmental responsibility. It would also give preference in the federal contracting process to companies that demonstrate strong records on collective bargaining, retirement benefits, CEO-to-worker pay ratios, and diversity in leadership.
“Taxpayer dollars should help create good jobs and strengthen communities, not reward corporations that cut corners at the expense of working people,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “If a company wants to do business with the federal government, it should be held to a higher standard. Our legislation makes clear that federal contracts should go to companies that respect their workers, protect their rights, pay their fair share, and invest in the communities they serve.”
"Taxpayer dollars shouldn't bankroll corporations that bust unions, dodge taxes, and replace workers with AI," said Congressman Greg Casar. "The Patriotic Corporations of America Act sets a simple rule: if you want a federal contract, you have to do right by working people. Anything less is not patriotic, and not acceptable."
"The AFL-CIO welcomes the introduction of the Patriotic Corporations of America Act of 2026 that would guarantee that U.S. taxpayer dollars go to employers that are headquartered in the United States, play by the rules, ensure fair wages and treat workers with respect," said AFL-CIO Policy Director Candace Archer. "We applaud Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Greg Casar for introducing this important legislation that will promote family- and community-sustaining jobs right here at home."
Under the Patriotic Corporations of America Act, companies would be required to meet standards including:
- Pay Fair Wages: Pay workers at least $15 per hour or 110 percent of the federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- Commit to Unions: Agree to remain neutral during union organizing campaigns and not hire replacement workers or close a business in response to a work stoppage.
- Respect Workers’ Rights: Demonstrate that the company has not been found in violation of, or settled claims involving, workers’ labor rights.
- Protect the Environment: Demonstrate that the company has not paid a penalty or settled a claim involving an EPA violation in the previous five years.
The bill would also give preference in the federal contracting process to companies that:
- Maintain a CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio of no more than 100-to-1.
- Contribute at least 5% of payroll to a portable pension fund.
- Have a collective bargaining agreement with their workers.
- Have women and people of color make up at least 40% of top executives and board members.
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