Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2026 strengthens oversight of the H-2B temporary worker program by granting the Labor Secretary authority to investigate violations and penalize non-compliant employers through back wages, damages, and program disqualification for up to five years or permanently for repeat offenses. The bill establishes a formal complaint process allowing workers or organizations to report violations within two years and prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report problems or participate in investigations. It also requires federal agencies to share compliance information to improve program enforcement. The legislation applies to temporary nonimmigrant workers and their employers, as well as to U.S. citizens and authorized workers competing for the same jobs, creating a framework to protect both domestic and temporary workers from exploitation and ensure fair labor practices.
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