A Stronger Workforce for America Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, a critical piece of legislation that addresses the pressing needs of our workforce development system.

I thank Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott for their work on this bipartisan legislation and for their responsiveness to the input from Members of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

I am especially proud that this reauthorization includes my language that addresses a concerning gap in our current workforce funding mechanisms. As included in A Stronger Workforce for America Act, my provision specifically amends the distribution of Federal dollars, allowing States to reallocate funds as performance incentives to workforce boards that have either met or exceeded their performance targets.

Additionally, recaptured funds that are awarded as performance incentives are not subject to the 50 percent training requirement that applies to the adult and dislocated worker programs.

This will help entities who are meeting their targets reinvest in programs that work.

It also ensures that our taxpayer dollars are effectively allocated to entities that are best serving our communities and helping individuals access the skills and education they need for meaningful employment.

I am proud to have been involved in the drafting of this version of the Stronger Workforce for America Act as it enhances accountability, quality, and efficiency within our workforce system, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

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