DSA Advocacy Drives Historic Committee Vote: H.R. 3495 Advances as Entrepreneurs Rally on Capitol Hill
Most Significant Federal Step Since 1982 Comes as DSA-Led Delegation Meets with 100+ Lawmakers to Defend Independent Work
Direct Selling Association (DSA) announced today that the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-5), successfully moved The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act out of committee, marking the most significant legislative victory for the direct selling channel in decades.
The milestone vote coincided with DSA’s annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill, where 85 direct sellers and executives from 14 DSA member companies from across the country are meeting with more than 100 elected officials to highlight the channel’s impact and advocate for independent entrepreneurs.
H.R. 3495 would explicitly define direct sellers and real estate agents as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), harmonizing federal law with the Internal Revenue Code, which has recognized this classification since 1982. The bill provides clarity and protection for millions of Americans who build businesses in these industries, reducing legal uncertainty and strengthening entrepreneurial opportunity.
“This is proof that advocacy works,”
said Dave Grimaldi, CEO of the Direct Selling Association.
“We brought entrepreneurs from across the U.S. to Capitol Hill to share their stories and explain the real-world value of this channel. Today’s committee vote is a historic win for independent workers and shows the power of collective voices. DSA and its members have pushed for this clarity for decades, and this milestone brings us closer than ever to protecting the freedom to work independently and build businesses on your own terms.”
Direct Selling Day is led by DSA to connect entrepreneurs directly with policymakers and reinforce the economic significance of direct selling, which includes $34.7 billion in annual retail sales, $111 billion in total U.S. economic impact, and $15.5 billion in tax revenue. Delegates are presenting lawmakers with research and policy briefings developed by DSA, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner to Congress and state officials.
The advancement of H.R. 3495 will amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify the definition of employee as it relates to direct sellers and real estate agents. This momentum reflects DSA’s long-term leadership, coalition-building, and commitment to protecting micro-entrepreneurs and consumers alike.
About Direct Selling Association (DSA)
We are the collective voice of the visionaries, entrepreneurs, trailblazing women, and innovators comprising the most powerful, people-driven distribution channel in the world. Our mission is to advance a policy and regulatory environment that embraces innovation, protects consumers, and empowers entrepreneurs across America and the globe to build businesses on their own terms.
For more information, visit www.dsa.org
Disclaimer: At BFH, we strive to keep all content—articles, press releases, data—as accurate and current as possible. However, treat this content as a guide, not as definitive authority for business decisions. Publishing a press release does not imply Business For Home BV endorses a company or individual, nor guarantees its claims. No warranties or representations, expressed or implied, are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of information provided on this website. All content is provided “as-is,” without liability for errors or usage. Always fact-check and conduct your own due diligence. BFH publishes press releases for the global Direct Selling / Network Marketing / Home Business community. Laws governing Direct Selling can vary greatly by country; BFH does not warrant that any company or content is in full compliance with various local or country-specific laws; it’s up to the reader to research, verify and comply with all applicable local regulations.