Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno is making headlines with newly introduced legislation aimed at curbing the outsourcing of American jobs. Dubbed the “Halting International Relocation of Employment Act,” or the “HIRE Act,” this bill seeks to impose a 25% tax on what are termed “outsourcing payments.” These payments involve any funds transferred by U.S. companies to foreign workers whose labor benefits American consumers.
The bill embraces a straightforward, no-nonsense strategy: penalize companies that ship jobs overseas while simultaneously directing the resulting funds back into American job creation. Companies that choose to outsource will find that the legislation includes comprehensive anti-abuse provisions designed to close potential loopholes. The requirement that businesses disclose all outsourcing payments and contracts will enhance transparency and accountability. Furthermore, companies will not be able to deduct any of these outsourcing payments, hitting their bottom lines directly.
Senator Moreno emphasizes the urgency of this issue, stating, “While college grads in America struggle to find work, globalist politicians and C-Suite executives have spent decades shipping good-paying jobs overseas in pursuit of slave wages and immense profits—those days are over.” This strong proclamation signals a commitment to prioritize the American workforce over foreign labor.
The funds raised from this new tax initiative won’t merely vanish; they will be redirected toward apprenticeship programs and workforce development efforts in the United States. This is a critical investment in the future of American workers, providing them with the skills and tools necessary for success in a competitive job market.
Additionally, the legislation would prevent companies from categorizing these outsourcing payments as base erosion payments when calculating their tax obligations under the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax. This regulatory measure aims to further discourage the practice of outsourcing and ensure that American companies make the right choices regarding their labor force.
Moreno’s bill emerges during a significant moment of economic change, as there are reports indicating a notable shift in job growth dynamics. The Trump administration’s recent efforts have highlighted a surge in jobs for American-born individuals, with nearly 2 million new positions created over the past year. The statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics illustrate a clear trend: while job opportunities for American citizens have expanded, those for foreign-born workers have seen a decline. In fact, the number of foreign-born workers employed in the U.S. dropped by nearly half a million between July 2024 and July 2025, marking a decline of 1.39 percent.
“It’s time to fight for working-class Americans and ensure they can work and retire with dignity,” Moreno declared. His remarks reflect a growing concern over the treatment of domestic workers in an increasingly competitive global economy. This sentiment resonates loudly as American citizens seek stability and growth within their own borders.
As the conversation around job outsourcing continues, Moreno’s proposed legislation seeks to hold companies accountable and protect opportunities for American workers. The long-term goal remains clear: to shift the focus back to fostering a robust American workforce and rejecting the trend of prioritizing cost-cutting measures that have decimated job stability in many sectors over time.
If successful, the HIRE Act could mark a turning point for American labor, encouraging companies to invest in their own communities rather than profit margins abroad. The path ahead is undoubtedly fraught with challenges, but the stakes have never been higher for the working-class citizens who rely on good-paying jobs to support their families and build a secure future.
"*" indicates required fields
