The Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025 (H.R. 6213) is a proposed law that aims to prevent the U.S. Department of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a specific rule designed to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses. This rule, proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on August 30, 2024, sought to establish guidelines for employers to safeguard employees working in high-temperature environments, both indoors and outdoors. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 20, 2025, by Representative Mark B. Messmer and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Supporters of H.R. 6213 argue that the proposed OSHA standard would impose burdensome regulations on businesses, particularly small enterprises, potentially leading to increased operational costs and administrative challenges. They contend that existing workplace safety measures are sufficient and that additional federal mandates are unnecessary. Proponents believe that the bill will protect businesses from overregulation and preserve economic stability.
Opponents of the bill express concern that blocking the OSHA standard could leave workers vulnerable to heat-related health issues, especially as climate change leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves. They argue that the proposed standard is based on extensive medical and workplace research and is essential for ensuring worker safety. Critics fear that the bill prioritizes business interests over the health and well-being of employees.
The analysis of H.R. 6213: Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025 indicates no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor, Mark Messmer's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. While there is lobbying activity in related areas, such as healthcare and refrigerants, the disclosed amounts do not suggest a significant financial influence on the bill's provisions. The largest lobbying contribution comes from Marshfield Clinic Health System at $60,000, which does not directly correlate with the heat workforce standards. The other contributions are either undisclosed or relatively minor, indicating that the potential for conflicts of interest is low. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists, it does not appear to create a direct financial incentive for the sponsor to favor specific donor interests in this legislation.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION | NATIONAL ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION | $150,000 |
| MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | $60,000 |
| SOUTHERN IONICS | KEY IMPACT STRATEGIES | $30,000 |
| COALITION FOR THE USE OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT REFRIGERANTS | WILLIAMSON LAW + POLICY PLLC | $20,000 |
| NATIONAL CONSUMER REPORTING ASSOCIATION | NATIONAL CONSUMER REPORTING ASSOCIATION | $5,000 |
| HEALING LODGE OF THE SEVEN NATIONS | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| PUEBLO OF SANTA ANA | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| TIGERSWAN | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| LWRC INTERNATIONAL, LLC | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| NATIVE VILLAGE OF EYAK | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | undisclosed |
| RMS OF GEORGIA, LLC D/B/A CHOICE REFRIGERANTS | WILLIAMSON LAW + POLICY PLLC | undisclosed |
| BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH CORP | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| COUNCIL OF ATHABASCAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| ALEUTIAN PRIBILOF ISLANDS ASSOCIATION | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
