National Apprenticeship Act of 2021

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.

It is my distinct honor to be a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, and I am encouraged to see the consideration of this critical piece of legislation as a priority before the House so early in the 117th Congress.

Labor organizations and their apprenticeship programs are the backbone of northwest Indiana's economy. Time and time again, I have worked hand in hand with labor, civic groups, and faith-based organizations to get people who need a career into a union apprenticeship program.

For the past 15 years, as an administrator of emergency financial assistance, I have sat across the desk of neighbors, friends, and constituents who have an urgency for opportunity to provide for their families. This legislation creates life-changing economic opportunities. These types of programs are invaluable to provide all individuals with a lifelong skill set, a job that pays a family- supporting wage, a safe working environment, and secure retirement.

I appreciate the legislation that aims to increase diversity and equitable access for women to apprenticeship programs so that all individuals can have access to good-paying jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this, and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and the dignity of all workers.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, Washington, DC, February 1, 2021. Hon. Robert Scott, Chairman, U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Scott: On behalf of the 160,000 members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW), I write to endorse H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.

The original National Apprenticeship Act was enacted during the Great Depression and it helped struggling Americans by offering them an opportunity to learn a skilled trade while earning a middle-class wage. That was over 80 years ago, and a lot has changed since then. H.R. 447 is needed to update the law to reflect a 21st century economy and labor force ready to work during these unprecedented times.

Investing in our country's workforce by expanding the registered apprenticeship program is needed now more than ever. With record-high unemployment numbers across the country, registered apprenticeships offer people the opportunity to learn a high skilled trade while earning a family-supporting wage. H.R. 447 will not only strengthen current registered apprenticeship programs but also create programs to meet the demand.

The IW supports H.R. 447 and asks all the members of the Education and Labor Committee to vote for this bipartisan bill without any harmful amendments. Sincerely, Eric Dean, General President.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source