What do a real estate agent and a direct seller have in common?
At first glance, not much. One helps families buy homes. The other might sell wellness products, cosmetics, or household goods. But dig a little deeper, and the connection becomes clear: both are independent entrepreneurs who build businesses on their own terms. They set their own schedules, choose their own goals, and rely on their own drive to succeed.
It’s that freedom—and the economic opportunity it makes possible—that’s now at risk.
That’s why the Direct Selling Association (DSA) strongly supports H.R. 3495, the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act. This bill would align federal labor law with federal tax law, ensuring that individuals already recognized as independent contractors under the Internal Revenue Code are treated the same under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It’s a simple clarification—but it protects something fundamental.
According to the 2025 DSEF Growth & Outlook Report, 6.2 million Americans are engaged in direct selling. More than 40% cite flexibility as the main reason they joined. One in three relies on it for supplemental income. Most work part-time. But behind every data point is a person: a stay-at-home parent contributing to the family budget. A caregiver earning income while supporting a loved one. A retiree staying active in their community. A military veteran embracing civilian life by building something of their own.
These are the voices that lawmakers need to hear—not from lobbyists or trade groups, but directly from the individuals whose livelihoods depend on maintaining their independence. Their message is simple: “I chose this work. Don’t take that choice away.”
DSA’s support for H.R. 3495 is rooted in those real-world experiences. These individuals don’t need to be reclassified—they need to be respected. Their status as independent contractors is already recognized by tax law and many state laws. This bill ensures labor law reflects that same reality, preventing misinterpretation and legal threats that could upend their livelihoods.
When Congress listens to the Americans who choose this path—parents, veterans, caregivers, retirees—they’ll see a workforce defined not by job titles, but by resilience, determination, and choice. H.R. 3495 protects that choice. It deserves their support.
Now is the time to make those voices heard.
DSA urges all member companies to send delegations to Washington, D.C., for Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill, September 17, 2025. There is no substitute for real stories, told directly by the people living them.
