Blunt Rochester Amendment Adopted, National Apprenticeship Act Passes House

Press Release

Today, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester's (D-Del.) amendment to the National Apprenticeship Act was adopted, and the bill, as amended, passed the full House of Representatives. The Blunt Rochester amendment would ensure that more diverse populations are included in career pathways and opportunities through apprenticeship programs.

The National Apprenticeship Act would increase funding from $400 million in Fiscal Year 2022 to $800 million in Fiscal Year 2026 for apprenticeship programs and related activities, which would provide for nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities. The bill would also improve apprenticeship programs to ensure consistency in quality standards and worker protections, and ensure that all individuals have an opportunity to participate in programs under the national apprenticeship system.

"I'm pleased that my amendment to the National Apprenticeship Act was adopted and that the bill passed the House of Representatives today. Registered Apprenticeships are America's most successful federally-authorized workforce development program and this bill will help open those doors of opportunity and create pathways to good-paying jobs to more Americans," said Blunt Rochester. "I'm particularly pleased that the bill now includes my amendment to expand apprenticeship opportunities to populations traditionally underrepresented in apprenticeship programs, such as the Latino community and students attending Title I schools, to ensure that opportunity stretches to every corner of the American landscape. It's also incredibly important that, through my amendment, the websites to access these apprenticeship opportunities will now be accessible to those with disabilities. It's my sincere hope that the Senate will act quickly to pass the bill and send it to President Biden's desk."

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