Congress moves to double overtime pay for hourly workers
H.R. 9216 — Double the Wage for Overtime Act of 2026 · Filed by Gregorio Casar (D-TX) · 30 cosponsors · Introduced Jun 9, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to increase the overtime pay multiplier from 1.5× to 2× an employee's regular hourly rate. Employees working overtime would earn double their normal wage instead of time-and-a-half, effective 180 days after enactment. Employers would pay significantly more for overtime hours; workers would receive substantially higher compensation for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative mechanism is a direct increase in the statutory overtime multiplier, raising employer labor costs and worker compensation simultaneously. It is a straightforward wage-protection measure with no hidden provisions or carve-outs.
What the text implies
- Small businesses and labor-intensive sectors (retail, hospitality, manufacturing) may face disproportionate cost pressure relative to capital-intensive or high-margin industries.
- Employers may respond by reducing overtime hours, shifting work to automation, or raising consumer prices — effects not directly addressed in the bill.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
hourly workers and non-exempt employees (wage earners); labor unions and worker advocacy organizations