Ryan Mackenzie

Mackenzie Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Equity Compensation for Workers

Position: Congressman Mackenzie introduced legislation to clarify that restricted stock units (RSUs) are not counted toward an employee's regular rate of pay when calculating overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act, aiming to expand employer access to equity compensation as a tool for worker financial security and retention.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, introduced the Valuing Employee Stock Today Act, which modernizes federal labor law and expands access to equity compensation for workers. The bill updates the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify that restricted stock units (RSUs)—a common form of employee compensation—are not counted toward an employee’s regular rate of pay when calculating overtime. “Workers should have the opportunity to benefit from the success of the companies they work for,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “This bill makes a straightforward update to federal law so employers can offer equity compensation like restricted stock units without creating additional regulatory burdens, helping workers build long-term financial security and supporting job retention.” "The Valuing Employee Stock Today Act updates federal law to better serve today’s workplace by making equity compensation more accessible. Most importantly, it removes unnecessary barriers so more workers can share in the success they help create. That means stronger retention, smarter compensation, and more opportunities for workers to build real financial security," said Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI). “This bill provides much-needed clarity under the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure that employer equity awards—including restricted stock units—can continue to be offered without creating unintended overtime-calculation distortions or litigation uncertainty. Equity is a critical tool for helping workers share in the value they help build, strengthening retention, engagement, and long-term wealth creation. The CHRO Association supports this targeted clarification so employers can responsibly expand access to equity compensation while maintaining clear, consistent wage-and-hour compliance,” said Chatrane Birbal, SVP, Public Policy & Government Relations, CHRO Association. While federal law already excludes certain types of equity compensation, such as stock options and employee stock purchase programs, RSUs were not explicitly included when the law was last updated. The Valuing Employee Stock Today Act brings RSUs in line with those existing benefits by ensuring they are treated consistently under overtime rules. By making this clarification, the legislation will: Encourage more employers to offer equity-based compensation Provide workers with additional tools to build financial stability Support workforce retention and long-term employment Bill text is available HERE.

Congressman Mackenzie Applauds Elimination of Carveout for Pesticide Manufacturers

Position: Congressman Mackenzie supported an amendment to the Farm Bill that eliminated a provision protecting pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits related to warning labels, arguing that states and localities should retain authority to regulate pesticide labeling to protect public health.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, helped to pass an amendment to the Farm Bill today that eliminated a handout for manufacturers of pesticides, including glyphosate. The passage of the amendment to remove this handout follows Congressman Mackenzie’s continued advocacy to House leadership including an earlier introduction of a similar amendment which would have also removed the language. The original language of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act (better known as the “Farm Bill”) contained a section that protected pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits stemming from their refusal to apply warning labels that go beyond what is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In effect, the provision would have made it impossible for states and localities to require additional labels, such as ones corresponding with warnings made by bodies other than the EPA. “The people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos want to see Congress stand up for health, safety, and accountability — not special interests,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Protecting the ability of states and localities to regulate the chemicals that enter their food, soil, and groundwater is the right choice for preserving public health and abiding by the Constitution. That’s why I introduced an amendment striking the corporate carveout for pesticide manufacturers, and why I joined my colleagues in eliminating this language.” ###

Mackenzie, Pettersen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Require Reimbursement for Strollers Damaged during Air Travel

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, introduced the Babies on Board Act today alongside Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO). This bipartisan legislation closes the stroller loophole in air travel. Every airline in the United States operates with a contract of carriage, which details reimbursements by the airline for damages to luggage during air travel. However, major U.S. airlines often don’t provide any reimbursements for damage to strollers, which are necessary for parents when traveling and often expensive. Congressman Mackenzie’s bill requires airlines to provide up to $2,175 in reimbursement for damage to strollers and also mandates the use of baggage tags indicating that strollers are fragile. “As the father of two young children, I know that air travel for families is already hard enough without worrying about damage to strollers,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Parents count on strollers when they’re traveling, and the stress and cost of damage can turn short trips into major headaches. That’s why we’re introducing legislation that holds airlines accountable for these damages, just like we already do for other pieces of luggage.” “As a mom, I travel a lot with my two boys, and I can tell you that traveling with kids is already stressful enough. This bill will make just one part of that experience much easier for families, making sure that their equipment isn’t lost or broken, so parents aren’t left to worry about how they will safely travel with their kids,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “At a time when so many families already have so much to worry about, I’m happy to partner with Representative Mackenzie on this commonsense, bipartisan solution that will ease just one of the burdens that moms and dads routinely face when traveling.” Bill text available HERE Issues: Supporting Working Families

Mackenzie Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Early Intervention and Prevent Veteran Suicide

Position: Congressman Mackenzie supports legislation establishing a pilot grant program through the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop data-driven tools for identifying at-risk veterans and connecting them with mental health care before crisis occurs.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, alongside Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), today introduced the Data-Driven Suicide Prevention and Outreach Act — legislation aimed at helping identify at-risk veterans and connect them with care before a crisis occurs. The legislation directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot grant program through 2029 to support the development of new tools that can better identify risk factors associated with veteran suicide. The bill includes clear guardrails to ensure tools are developed responsibly, protect veterans’ privacy, are clinically useful, and meet VA standards. Veteran suicide remains one of the most urgent challenges facing the country. More than half of veterans who die by suicide were not engaged with VA health care in the years leading up to their death—highlighting the need for better outreach and earlier identification of risk. “This is about making sure we’re connecting veterans with care earlier,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Right now, too many warning signs are missed, and too many veterans aren’t connected to care until it’s already a crisis. This bill takes a commonsense approach, giving providers better tools to identify risk earlier, support existing work, and help ensure more veterans get the support they need and deserve.” "Far too many of our veterans are suffering in silence. Too often, by the time the signs become visible, we've already lost them. That’s unacceptable,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This bipartisan, commonsense bill is about using smart, data-driven tools to identify risk earlier, reach veterans where they are, and get them the care they’ve earned before a crisis hits. We have a responsibility to get our veterans’ backs. That means being proactive, not reactive, when it comes to their mental health.” The legislation has received support from leading veterans organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, the Secure Families Initiative, and Wounded Warrior Project. “As a military spouse, I know this isn’t just about data—it’s about trust, dignity, and saving lives. Information isn’t just numbers; it can mean the difference between isolation and intervention for families like mine who serve alongside our service members. We are not on the sidelines—we are part of the support system, and access to this information is essential to the well-being of those we love. When information is accessible, accountability strengthens and outcomes improve,” said Brandi Jones, M.Ed, Organizing Director of the Secure Families Initiative. In the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, the need for action is especially clear. Carbon County is home to a large veteran population, with veterans making up over 8% of the county’s population. The county also has one of the highest rates of veteran suicide in Pennsylvania. Congressman Mackenzie has consistently worked to support veterans and improve access to care, including efforts to streamline VA scheduling systems and strengthen coordination of services. ###