Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act of 2025

Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act of 2025

This bill would make permanent a federal workplace safety program called the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), which is run by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The VPP recognizes employers and workers at companies that go above and beyond standard federal safety requirements. Currently, this program exists through agency policy rather than law, so this bill would officially write it into federal law, giving it a more stable legal foundation. The bill is named after the late Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming, who was a longtime supporter of workplace safety initiatives.

Under the VPP, companies that apply and are approved must demonstrate that they have strong safety and health management systems in place — ones that exceed what federal regulations already require. In return, these worksites receive recognition from OSHA and are generally exempt from routine OSHA inspections, though they can still be investigated if an incident or complaint occurs. To stay in the program, participating companies must continue meeting high safety standards and undergo periodic reviews.

This bill would affect employers and workers at companies who choose to participate in the VPP. Participation is entirely voluntary — no business is required to join. Supporters of programs like this generally argue it encourages companies to invest in safety beyond the minimum required by law. The bill passed out of the House Committee on Education and Workforce on a close party-line vote (19-16) and has been placed on the calendar for a full House vote.