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119-s-1761119th CongressWALLET
Ending Unemployment Payments to Jobless Millionaires Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced
Summary
Bars federal unemployment payments to anyone who earned $1 million or more during the base period. It would force states to collect income self‑certifications, verify wages, allow audits, and recover any improper payments.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Block federal unemployment for millionaires
If enacted, the bill would bar Federal funds from paying unemployment benefits to anyone who earned $1,000,000 or more in their base period. It would also bar Federal funds from paying administrative costs tied to those payments. States would have to add a form or checkbox for applicants to certify they earned less than $1,000,000 and use available systems to verify wages. The Department of Labor or the GAO could audit those certifications, and states must recover any overpaid amounts. The bill would preserve state power to disqualify high‑wage claimants and lists which Federal unemployment programs the rule covers.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
IA • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
UT • R
Sponsored 5/14/2025
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 6/17/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov