Supporting Knowledge and Investing in LIfelong Skills Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act and the critical job training programs

that help unemployed and underemployed Americans find work and get back on their feet. No investment is more critical than investment in our human capital. These job training programs make opportunity real. They benefit families and working people who need help, people who have played by the rules. Businesses rely on these programs to fill vacant positions with qualified and skilled workers.

This bill, the product of many years of bipartisan negotiations, takes what is already working and improves on it. It streamlines and provides stability to these critical programs, while including important protections for workers with disabilities. It encourages partnerships between the workforce system and our community colleges while enhancing adult education and encouraging innovation in adult training.

Members of both parties have understood the vital role of the government in helping people help themselves by providing access to workforce development. The bill is a good compromise. It makes good on a critical promise to our workers and businesses. I urge my colleagues to support it.

I thank Mr. Tierney, Mr. Miller, and those on the other side of the aisle for coming together and passing this very important piece of legislation.

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