September 23, 2025

New NFIB white paper analyzes federal proposals that would exacerbate labor issues for small businesses

Small businesses already face significant challenges competing with larger corporations for qualified workers, and additional government regulations only worsen the problem. NFIB’s white paper takes a deeper look at seven federal policy proposals that would directly affect the growth and autonomy of small businesses nationwide if action is not taken to stop these harmful mandates from passing.  

The seven federal policy proposals in Congress threatening small business: 

• The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 20 / S. 852)  

• The Warehouse Worker Protection Act (H.R. 4896 / S. 2613)  

• The Faster Labor Contracts Act (S. 844)  

• Minimum Wage Hikes  

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 2024 Proposed Heat Standard  

• The Department of Labor’s 2024 Independent Contractor Rule  

• The OSHA’s 2024 Worker Walkaround Rule  

Congress must stand against these anti-small business policies. These proposals would exacerbate the crippling labor challenges that small businesses across the country are facing. Moreover, the policies will complicate filling open positions, make sweeping wage increases in low cost of living areas, and further increase the challenge for small businesses competing for qualified workers. Read the full white paper here for an in-depth look at the major policies small businesses could be facing.    

Take Action: Small business owners oppose the PRO Act. Let Congress know how these harmful regulations could impact your small business!