High Country Times

The House has passed H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, a bipartisan legislation introduced by Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. The bill aims to make critical improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to enhance skills development, strengthen the relationship between employers and the workforce system, and pave the way for more Americans to secure successful careers.

Chairwoman Virginia Foxx emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "A skilled workforce is essential to fuel our nation’s competitiveness." She expressed gratitude to Ranking Member Scott and other Members for their collaboration on this transformative legislation.

Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott highlighted the need for updating the workforce development system, stating, "A Stronger Workforce for America Act delivers a long overdue update to the backbone of our workforce development system and will help ensure every American can benefit from our economic growth."

The A Stronger Workforce for America Act focuses on several key areas to improve the workforce development programs:

- Upgrading the skills of American workers by dedicating funding towards upskilling workers through individual training accounts and on-the-job learning.

- Delivering greater efficiency and accountability to WIOA programs by streamlining training provider lists and strengthening the performance accountability system.

- Strengthening pathways to economic opportunity by emphasizing work-based learning for youth and supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back to employment.

- Fueling innovation for a skills-based economy by establishing a demonstration authority to allow states and local workforce boards to innovate and facilitate skills-based hiring practices.

The bill aims to address shortcomings in the current workforce system and better meet the needs of both employers and job seekers. It seeks to build a more competitive economy by investing in the skills and development of the American workforce.

For more information on the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, a fact sheet, bill text, bill summary, and section-by-section summary can be accessed through the provided links.