Congress Poised to Pass Bill Lowering Barriers to Work for Ex-Offenders

The U.S. Capitol dome is shrouded in early-morning mist, in Washington on Dec. 9, 2019. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters/File

WASHINGTON—The United States government would be prohibited from asking job applicants about their criminal history at the start of the hiring process under a bill that could become law this week, in a move that would lower a barrier for ex-offenders seeking work.

The legislation is tucked into a defense bill that cleared a procedural hurdle by a vote of 76-6 in the Senate on Monday, setting up a vote on final passage. President Donald Trump is expected to sign it into law as soon as the end of the week.