Conservatives and liberals tend to agree that occupational licensing requirements are often unnecessary and burdensome — and that they stand in the way of upward mobility. But despite this broad agreement, attempts at reform at the national level have been rare, and those reforms that have been pursued have had little impact. Much more could be done. While it is true that most far-reaching reforms must take place at the state level, there are many ways the federal government can reduce licensing barriers while paving the way for states to take further steps.