Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7585
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-04T16:00:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2026 (H.R. 7585) aims to support workers in industries affected by automation and other rapidly evolving technologies. It seeks to expand federal funding for job training programs, helping dislocated workers (those who lose jobs unexpectedly) transition to new roles in growing sectors, such as technology. The bill emphasizes preparing the U.S. workforce for technological changes to boost economic productivity, wages, and global competitiveness, while addressing disparities impacting women, people of color, and low-wage earners.
Key Provisions
- Findings (Section 2): The bill outlines congressional findings based on reports from sources like the Government Accountability Office and World Economic Forum, highlighting underfunding of U.S. workforce training (less than 0.1% of GDP), declining training participation, job displacement risks from automation (projected to eliminate nearly 5 million more jobs than created by 2030), and the need for $72 billion more annually to match other industrial nations' investments.
- Definitions (Section 3): Key terms are defined, including:
- Automation: Self-operating devices or systems like robotics, AI data analytics, 3D printing, autonomous vehicles, or machinery.
- Covered population: Individuals facing employment barriers (e.g., low-income, disabled, or veterans, as defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or WIOA).
- Dislocated worker: Someone who loses a job due to business closure, relocation, or technological changes (per WIOA).
- Other terms include digital literacy (basic skills for using technology), eligible partnerships (collaborations between industries, educators, workforce boards, and economic groups), in-demand occupations (high-growth jobs), and training services (skills development, including digital skills).
- Grants for Training Projects (Section 4):
- The Secretary of Labor awards competitive grants starting in fiscal year 2027 to eligible partnerships for up to 4-year demonstration or pilot projects.
- Applications must describe project members, training plans (e.g., retraining for in-demand tech jobs, upskilling to avoid layoffs), goals for worker transitions, and support for covered populations.
- Priorities for funding: First, areas with high numbers of covered populations; then, regions with automation-impacted industries, plans for incumbent worker training (to retain or promote employees), partnerships offering benefits like stipends or child care, or shared training curricula.
- Uses of funds: Training services, staff support, equipment purchases, job placement help, stipends, or combined education/training programs.
- Reporting: Partnerships must submit reports on outcomes like number of workers trained, job placements, earnings, and best practices, disaggregated by demographics (age, gender, race).
- Funds must comply with WIOA's labor standards and anti-discrimination rules.
- Funding: Authorizes "such sums as necessary" for fiscal years 2027–2031.
- Expansion of Existing Programs (Section 5):
- Amends WIOA to include automation-related training in adult and dislocated worker programs.
- Updates national dislocated worker grants to cover job losses from automation (in addition to plant closures or mass layoffs) and authorizes an extra $40 million annually for fiscal years 2027–2031.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amendments to WIOA (29 U.S.C. §§ 3102, 3174, 3225): Adds explicit support for training dislocated workers due to automation, including tech-sector preparation, as a core allowable activity. Expands national grant triggers to include automation impacts and boosts dedicated funding beyond existing allocations.
- These changes build on WIOA's framework (a 2014 law for workforce development) by integrating technology-specific needs, without altering core structures like state/local board roles.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Labor (DOL) will oversee grant competitions, applications, and reporting, increasing administrative workload but enabling data-driven improvements in workforce programs. Additional funding could strain budgets if appropriations fall short.
- On Citizens: Dislocated workers, especially in vulnerable groups, gain access to targeted training, potentially leading to better jobs, higher wages, and reduced unemployment in automation-hit sectors (e.g., manufacturing). Covered populations may see equitable opportunities through prioritized funding.
- On International Relations: Indirectly enhances U.S. economic competitiveness by upskilling workers for tech-driven industries, helping match investments in other OECD countries and positioning the U.S. stronger in global markets.
- Overall, the bill could mitigate automation's job losses, fostering workforce adaptability and economic growth, though success depends on grant implementation and participation rates.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Workers: Primarily dislocated workers and covered populations (e.g., low-wage earners under $40,000, women, people of color) in automation-prone industries like manufacturing or transportation.
- Employers and Businesses: Benefit from upskilling programs to retain workers, avoid layoffs, and hire into backfilled roles; must partner in eligible collaborations.
- Eligible Partnerships: Industry groups, educational institutions (colleges/universities), workforce development boards (state/local), and economic development organizations responsible for project design and execution.
- Government Entities: DOL for grant administration; state/local workforce boards for program integration.
- Training Providers: Community colleges, vocational programs, and tech trainers offering services like coding or digital skills.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens WIOA's nondiscrimination (Section 188) and labor protections (Section 181) by requiring compliance, ensuring fair access. No new enforcement mechanisms, but reporting requirements promote accountability and evidence-based policy.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8) to fund workforce development; prioritizes equity for protected groups without violating equal protection principles.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan push for tech adaptation amid automation fears, potentially sparking debates on federal spending (total new authorizations exceed $200 million over 5 years) and industry-specific aid. Could influence future labor policies by highlighting gaps in U.S. training investments compared to global peers, without major controversies like privacy concerns in tech training.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-02-13: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-13 — PDF (14 pages)