Sanders, Takano reintroduce 32-hour workweek bills in Congress

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) have reintroduced bills in the Senate and House to reduce the standard workweek to 32 hours for nonexempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The measures, S. 5384 and H.R. 10323, would require overtime pay for covered workers beyond 32 hours per week.

Bill Provisions

The legislation targets nonexempt employees and amends the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act. Workers covered under the bills would receive overtime compensation after 32 hours. The bills were reintroduced to address changes in work driven by technology and productivity gains, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Sponsors’ Positions

Sanders stated in a Sept. 8 press release that the bills aim to ensure financial gains from artificial intelligence and robotics benefit working families rather than only corporate executives. Takano noted that productivity has risen substantially since 1979 while wages have not kept pace, and said labor standards must update to reflect current work conditions.

Prior Legislative Efforts

Takano first introduced a 32-hour workweek bill in 2021 and again in 2023; neither advanced from committee. The current House bill has been referred to the House Education and Workforce Committee. Sanders introduced a similar measure in 2024 that did not advance; the new Senate bill has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Current Status

The bills remain in the referenced committees as of the October 2, 2026 report from Safety+Health Magazine. No further committee action has been reported on either measure.