Committee Advances Two Key Bipartisan Workforce Development Priorities
Committee Democrats Oppose Two Partisan Anti-Worker Bills
WASHINGTON – Today, the Education and the Workforce Committee reported out two bipartisan workforce development bills—the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act (H.R. 6585) and A Stronger Workforce for America Act (H.R. 6655)—that would help workers, students, and businesses benefit from our nation’s economic growth. The Committee also advanced two partisan bills—H.J. Res. 98 and H.R. 3400—that would undermine workers’ rights.
Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act (H.R. 6585)
H.R. 6585—led by Ranking Member Scott (VA-03), Chair Foxx (NC-05), Rep. Stefanik (NY-21), and Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Ranking Member DeSaulnier (CA-10)—would expand opportunities for students and workers looking to gain skills in high-demand fields by allowing Pell Grants to support students enrolled in high-quality, short-term education programs that will lead to career advancement.
“Currently, students cannot use a Pell Grant on a short-term training program, such as IT or welding courses. As a result, many adults cannot afford to attend or complete courses that will help them get good-paying jobs and compete in the modern economy. This is a disservice to our students, workers, and employers,” said Ranking Member Scott. “We have been trying to expand the use of Pell Grants for years, and I am excited that we finally reached a bipartisan agreement with solid quality assurance measures to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used on high-quality programs.”
Read the fact sheet and section by section summary for the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act.
A Stronger Workforce for America Act (H.R. 6655)
H.R. 6655, led by Ranking Member Scott (VA-03) and Chair Foxx (NC-05), makes critical updates to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs—the backbone of our workforce development system—that will expand and improve skills development, strengthen connections between employers and the workforce system, and put more Americans on the pathway to a successful career.
“[The bill] will ensure that workers displaced from their jobs can access robust development services, including through individual training accounts. It creates an emphasis on employer-led initiatives that equip workers with the skillsets they need to fill jobs in critical industries and help the currently employed workforce upskill to avoid displacement and advance their careers. And, finally, it streamlines the eligible training provider list to ensure programs are aligned with the skills and hiring demands and that state and local workforce boards are held accountable for achieving positive outcomes for program participants,” said Ranking Member Scott.
Read the fact sheet and section by section summary for A Stronger Workforce for America Act.
Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval for the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) “Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status” (H.J. Res. 98)
H.J. Res. 98, led by Rep. James (MI-10), would repeal the NLRB’s joint employer rule and, if enacted, would reinstate the deficient Trump-era rule that narrowed the joint employer standard and weakened workers’ ability to exercise their rights. The NLRB’s joint employer rule ensures that workers hired through subcontractors, temporary staffing agencies, and other intermediaries can hold all entities that control their working conditions accountable for their right to collectively bargain for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces.
Small Businesses before Bureaucrats Act (H.R. 3400)
H.R. 3400, led by Rep. Good (VA-03), would significantly increase the revenue threshold under which businesses fall within the NLRB’s jurisdiction. The bill’s author has said that, when implemented, more than 50 percent of retail and non-retail businesses will be exempt and relieved from NLRB jurisdiction.
Read Ranking Member Scott’s opening statement here.
Read Democratic amendments and letters of support and opposition to the bills here.
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