Following the radical changes to many Americans’ work routines during the COVID-19 pandemic, some progressives are reinvigorating a push to an even more radical move: a shorter workweek. The current push for a reduced workweek is being spearheaded by Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), who introduced the 32-Hour Workweek Act in 2021. The bill would reduce the average workweek by lowering the 40-hour threshold for overtime compensation for nonexempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Thus, any time worked over 32 hours in a week would be subject to overtime compensation. Progressives say the move would improve work-life balance and…

As lawmakers consider legislation to fight climate change and lower energy prices, one idea that has emerged is imposing a carbon border tax. Advocates say that levying a fee on imports with a large carbon footprint would set an example for the rest of the world while also supporting American manufacturers. Opponents, however, argue that such a tax would be difficult to enact without setting a similar domestic border tax and that it could damage the country’s international work fighting climate change. The idea was first floated by Democrats in 2021 with support from the Biden administration. Those talks went…