Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025

# Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would exempt Indian tribes and tribal businesses operating on tribal land from federal labor laws that currently apply to most U.S. employers. Specifically, it would remove the requirement that these employers follow the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which guarantees workers the right to form unions, negotiate collectively for better pay and conditions, and take collective action like strikes. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects Native American tribes, tribal-owned businesses and institutions, and their employees.

It would also potentially impact non-Native workers employed by tribal enterprises on tribal lands. **Current status:** The bill (HR 1723) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI) and is currently under committee review. It has not yet been voted on by the full House. Supporters argue tribal sovereignty—the right of tribes to self-govern—should extend to labor matters, while opponents contend it could reduce worker protections for a vulnerable population.