Job Corps and Skilled Defense Workforce Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8925
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-20: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T08:05:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 8925 – Job Corps and Skilled Defense Workforce Act
Purpose
This legislation aims to connect the Job Corps program with the defense industrial base. It seeks to train skilled industrial workers for defense-related jobs, address workforce shortages in areas like shipbuilding and manufacturing, and provide alternative career paths for certain military recruits who do not qualify for enlistment.
Key Provisions
- Alignment with Defense Needs: The Secretary of Defense, through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills program, must inform military recruits ineligible for enlistment (under section 520 of title 10, United States Code) about Job Corps training. This training focuses on skills for defense industrial base jobs in the local area or where graduates plan to work. It also supports advanced career training programs at Job Corps centers near shipyards or defense suppliers.
- Support for Workforce Shortages: The Secretary must help Job Corps offer training that matches defense industrial base needs, including funding for curricula, equipment, and facilities.
- Extension of Incentives: Amends sections 8696(b)(2) and 8696(c)(2) of title 10, United States Code, to make the Job Corps program and its center operators eligible for shipbuilding workforce development special incentives.
- Reforms to Job Corps Operations: Updates section 158(f) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to allow acceptance of grants and charitable donations. It also permits direct, non-reimbursable transfer of acquired property to the Secretary, bypassing certain federal property rules under title 40, United States Code.
- Increased Local Flexibility: Amends section 151 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to give Job Corps center operators authority (within approved budgets) to hire staff, partner with schools and employers, and engage with stakeholders without prior approval from the Secretary.
- Streamlined Enrollment: Amends section 144(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to include certain members of the Armed Forces eligible for preseparation counseling (under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code) in streamlined enrollment processes alongside veterans.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands eligibility under title 10, United States Code, for defense workforce incentives to include Job Corps entities.
- Modifies the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to increase operational autonomy for Job Corps centers and broaden options for funding and property management.
- Introduces targeted coordination between the Department of Defense and the existing Job Corps framework to prioritize defense-related training.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires greater collaboration between the Department of Defense and agencies overseeing Job Corps (primarily under the Department of Labor). This could affect program administration, budgeting, and facility planning.
- Citizens: Provides new training and employment pathways for military recruits ineligible for service, veterans, and individuals seeking skills in defense industries. It may improve access to advanced career training near key defense locations.
- Defense Industrial Base: Aims to reduce skilled worker shortages in sectors like shipbuilding and manufacturing, potentially strengthening domestic production capacity.
- International Relations: Indirectly supports national security by bolstering the U.S. defense workforce, which could influence military readiness and industrial resilience.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense and its National Imperative for Industrial Skills program.
- Job Corps operators, centers, and enrollees.
- Veterans and separating service members.
- Defense contractors and suppliers in the industrial base.
- Educational partners and local communities near Job Corps facilities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill promotes interagency alignment without creating new constitutional concerns, as it builds on existing workforce and defense authorities.
- It grants limited local operational flexibility to Job Corps centers while maintaining federal oversight through budgets.
- Politically, it focuses on workforce development tied to national defense priorities, potentially affecting funding allocations and program priorities across agencies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2], Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-20: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-20: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-20: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Job Corps and Skilled Defense Workforce Act — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (6 pages)