U.S. Rep. Yakym introduces bill to protect unemployment benefits for those truly without work

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Wednesday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) introduced the Securing Help for Involuntary Employment Loss and Displacement (SHIELD) Act (H.R. 4424), legislation that ensures individuals who voluntarily go on strike are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

“Choosing not to work is just that, a choice,” Rep. Yakym said. “While far-left states like Oregon and Washington are busy handing out unemployment checks like participation trophies to anyone who walks off the job, the SHIELD Act puts an end to that nonsense. These radical policies disrupt the labor market, let workers walk off the job without consequences, and leave small businesses high and dry. If you choose to strike, you don't get to collect a check from hardworking Americans, plain and simple.”

The SHIELD Act has already received strong support, including from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and eight original co-sponsors: Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), David Rouzer (NC-07), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Blake Moore (UT-01).

“The SHIELD Act restores fairness to the unemployment system by ensuring benefits go to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed,” Tyler Dever, Vice President of Government Relations at NFIB said. “It brings balance to the employer-employee relationship and supports small businesses struggling to fill open positions. NFIB urges Congress to pass this legislation to protect the integrity of the system and strengthen the small business economy.”

Full bill text can be found here.

Background:

This year, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek both signed bills that would allow striking workers, including those striking by choice, to collect unemployment benefits.