A Stronger Workforce for America Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, and express great appreciation to Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott for moving this forward.

In 2014, I was proud to work with my colleagues on the Education and the Workforce Committee to pass the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WIOA, that made critical improvements to streamline the maze of Federal workforce development programs. At its core, the WIOA aims to connect people with the skills they need to be competitive in the modern workforce.

In our rapidly evolving world, the landscape of the workforce is constantly changing, as it should. Technological advancements, globalization, and shifting market trends mean that the skills needed today might not be the same as those required tomorrow. To thrive in this dynamic environment, it is imperative that individuals have the necessary skills and development opportunities that are aligned with the needs of local industries.

The bill we are considering today strengthens the law to further fuel innovation for a skills-based economy. A Stronger Workforce for America Act makes reforms to WIOA that will increase the amount of skills development provided under the law, strengthen the connections between employers and the workforce system, and streamline bureaucracy.

The bill also gives Governors a new tool to address the economic priorities of their States, allowing them to set aside additional funds for a critical industry skills fund to help employers upskill, hire, and retain workers in priority industries.

These critical reforms will equip America's workers with the skills to succeed in the modern economy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation to build a stronger American workforce.

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