H.R.876 - To amend the Defense Base Act to exclude Guam. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 876 proposes to amend the Defense Base Act to exclude Guam from the definition of 'Territory or possession outside the continental United States.' This would alter the applicability of the Defense Base Act's provisions regarding worker's compensation for those working on military bases in Guam. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Moylan and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 876 would mean that the Defense Base Act's worker's compensation provisions would no longer automatically apply to employees working on military bases in Guam. This could potentially shift the responsibility for worker's compensation to other systems, such as Guam's local laws or private insurance. The change could affect both employers and employees on Guam-based defense installations.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings for the federal government if Guam's worker's compensation system is less expensive than the Defense Base Act.
- Increased autonomy for Guam to manage its own worker's compensation system.
- Possible alignment of worker's compensation with local economic conditions and wage levels.
- Could lead to the development of a more tailored worker's compensation system specific to Guam's needs.
- May reduce administrative burden associated with federal oversight of worker's compensation on Guam.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential reduction in benefits for workers on Guam-based defense installations if Guam's system offers less comprehensive coverage.
- Increased costs for employers if Guam's system is more expensive or if they need to obtain additional private insurance.
- Possible legal challenges and uncertainty during the transition period.
- Could create disparities in worker's compensation benefits between Guam and other U.S. territories.
- May negatively impact the attractiveness of working on defense installations in Guam if benefits are perceived as less favorable.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. This includes the power to legislate regarding territories and military bases. However, the potential impact on individual rights and equal protection should be considered to ensure full compliance with constitutional principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).