Workforce
Expand Workforce Development Opportunities
From health care, to construction, to manufacturing, nearly every industry is experiencing a significant worker shortage that is limiting our economic growth. Contributing to this workforce shortage is a mismatch between the education students receive and the skills employers are looking for when they hire. During my time in Congress and as Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, I have worked to ensure everyone has access to the best educational opportunities, which in turn will help workers develop the right skills needed to keep our nation competitive. I was a strong supporter of legislation to reauthorize and make important updates to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act – legislation that has strengthened career training and technical skills programs for over 30 years. Additionally, the Perkins reauthorization contained language from my bill, H.R.2155, New Hope Act, which gives states additional flexibility to identify, consolidate, or eliminate licensing requirements that pose an unnecessary barrier to entry for aspiring workers and provide limited consumer protection.
More recently, I have been supportive of efforts to strengthen skills development programs so more workers have the opportunity to gain the in-demand skills that employers are desperately seeking in the modern economy.
Additionally, for too long federal policies have disproportionately pushed the notion that a four-year postsecondary education is the best path to success. While many people have undoubtedly benefited from a college degree, that is not the only path to success. For some a short-term credential is the first step towards success and lifelong learning. For that reason, I was proud to support the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law by President Trump on our nation’s 249th birthday. Under my leadership as Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, the legislation expanded Pell Grant eligibility to individuals who are enrolling in high-quality, short-term career programs. This will provide equal opportunities for students and workers to gain skills in high-demand fields as those enrolling in a four-year degree program.
Promoting Worker Freedom, Balance and Fairness
Congress should be empowering American workers to make their own decisions about how best to earn a living for their unique situation. However, many of our workforce laws are not keeping pace with the changing workforce demands. I continue to work toward advancing a bold, pro-growth agenda that reduces the regulatory burden on small businesses, strengthens the economy and provides more freedom and flexibility to workers. For this reason, I am proud to support efforts that push back on overly restrictive Independent Contractor and Joint Employer rules that would impede individuals wishing to pursue independent work as well as harm entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country.