02.04.22

Chairman Scott Remarks at America COMPETES Act Press Conference

WASHINGTON – Today, Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) delivered the following remarks at Speaker Pelosi’s press conference on H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act.

“In today’s global economy, America’s workers and employers are not just competing for jobs in nearby cities or even neighboring states.  Every local economy across the nation is engaged in competition with workers and businesses around the world.  We have a responsibility to make sure America stays a step ahead by providing proper education for future workers and strengthening our nation’s workforce.

“The America COMPETES Act will connect students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in high-tech industries while strengthening our economy’s competitiveness in the years ahead.  These investments will help expand access to computer science education and postsecondary STEM pathways—particularly for those who have historically been left behind.

“In my home state of Virginia, access to STEM education will help support world-class research facilities, like the Jefferson Lab, and local colleges and universities, creating opportunities for students, researchers, and scientists to conduct research that benefits all of us.  To that end, I am pleased that the America COMPETES Actalso invests in the continued work of the Department of Energy’s Office of Science and National Labs.

“The legislation also builds on the broad bipartisan support for apprenticeships.  Last year, over two dozen House Republicans joined Democrats in voting to pass a reauthorization of the National Apprenticeship Act, which would create nearly 1 million new Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.  The America COMPETES Act includes the provisions of this legislation along with key protections to ensure that the jobs we create will pay a decent wage.

“Helping workers gain in-demand jobs is vital to the prosperity of working families, businesses, and the nation.  Today, the House is taking a critical step in the right direction.  We are eager to work with our Senate colleagues to put a bipartisan bill on the President’s desk that will ensure a brighter future for workers in the 21st century global economy.”

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