A Stronger Workforce for America Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act.

I was very pleased to see this move out of the Education and the Workforce Committee in a bipartisan manner. I congratulate Ranking Member Scott and Chairwoman Foxx for putting this bill on the floor today.

This bill is a big priority not only of mine, but for the district that I represent, for employers in the district there, and will help many workers achieve a better life through connection with a great job and a great career.

Mr. Speaker, I mention several things in the bill that are important to my constituents. One, reducing red tape to help qualified training providers have access to the Eligible Training Provider List, through which they can receive WIOA funding.

Additionally, this bill includes significant portions of my bipartisan bill to codify and strengthen the reentry program, which helps those exiting the justice system find stable employment and reintegrate into their communities.

The bill before us today also includes a piece of legislation that I co-led with Mr. Moran of Texas, which allows in-school youth to access individualized training accounts, through which they can participate in training programs and get a jump start on their careers.

Finally, H.R. 6655 clarifies that online training providers are eligible to participate in WIOA, as long as they meet rigorous outcome requirements.

The A Stronger Workforce for America Act includes meaningful reforms that will make the WIOA system more impactful and would develop a new generation of workers who can meet the economic needs of our communities.

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