119-HR-2870 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — 119-HR-2870

Headline Summary: Let private‑sector workers take paid time off (“comp time”) instead of overtime pay, under set safeguards and a five‑year trial period. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text - H.R.2870 (119th): Working Families…

What It Does: H.R. 2870 amends the Fair Labor Standards Act so eligible private‑sector employees can choose, by prior agreement, to bank 1.5 hours of paid time off for each overtime hour worked, up to 160 hours. Employers must cash out unused time annually (or on request within 30 days), pay the higher of the worker’s regular rate when earned or the final rate, and may not intimidate or coerce workers to take comp time. Employees can use banked time within a reasonable period unless doing so would unduly disrupt operations. The bill requires revised DOL notice, directs GAO reports, and sunsets after five years. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text - H.R.2870 (119th): Working Families…

• House Republicans on the Education & the Workforce Committee and sponsor Rep. Mary Miller (R‑IL) say the bill gives private‑sector workers the same option long available to public employees and more control over time and pay. [2]U.S. House Education & the Workforce Committee (Republicans) — @EdWorkforceCmte…
• Sen. Mike Lee (R‑UT) and several Senate Republicans back a companion measure, framing it as added flexibility for parents and caregivers. [4]Office of Sen. Mike Lee — Lee Introduces the Working Families Flexibility Act f…
• Employer and higher‑education HR groups (e.g., CUPA‑HR; NAICU and partners) have expressed support for allowing comp‑time arrangements in the private sector. [5]CUPA‑HR — House Education and Workforce Committee Holds Hearing on FLSA Moderni…[6]NAICU — Comp Time Bill Passes House Education Committee

• Labor unions, led by the AFL‑CIO, oppose the bill, arguing it would weaken overtime protections, pressure workers to forgo cash pay, and let employers delay or deny time‑off requests. [3]AFL-CIO — AFL-CIO letter opposing H.R. 2870, H.R. 2312, and H.R. 2299
• Some Democratic members have criticized the idea in hearings, warning it could mean longer hours with less predictable schedules and lower take‑home pay. [5]CUPA‑HR — House Education and Workforce Committee Holds Hearing on FLSA Moderni…

What’s Next: On November 20, 2025, the Education & the Workforce Committee advanced H.R. 2870; the bill now awaits possible House floor consideration, with floor timing not yet announced as of November 21. [2]U.S. House Education & the Workforce Committee (Republicans) — @EdWorkforceCmte…[7]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Markup of H.R. 2870, H.R. 2312, and H.R. 2…