Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as "National Workforce Development Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 690

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Labor and Employment

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-09-24T16:20:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 690) aims to express congressional support for designating September 2025 as "National Workforce Development Month." It emphasizes the importance of workforce development—efforts to educate, train, and advance workers' careers—for strengthening the U.S. economy, addressing job shortages, and helping workers adapt to changes like technology and automation.

Key Provisions

• Background Rationale ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution outlines supporting facts, including:
• Workforce development is essential for U.S. global competitiveness.
• Collaboration among governments, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations drives effective training in traditional and emerging industries.
• Projections show a 23% rise in jobs needing skills beyond high school but not a four-year degree by 2030.
• As of July and August 2025, there are about 7.4 million unfilled jobs and 7.2 million unemployed people, with higher unemployment among Black and Hispanic adults and those without postsecondary education.
• 76% of business leaders want more skills training support; 44% of workers fear job loss from technology, and 50% would retrain if possible.
• References key laws like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA, which funds job training and supports 2.7 million people with barriers to employment, such as low-income individuals, the long-term unemployed, rural residents, ex-incarcerated people, and those with disabilities) and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (which aids programs blending academics and job skills for 12.3 million students).
• Highlights the role of over 550 workforce boards, 2,300 American Job Centers (providing apprenticeships and training, with 70% of participants finding jobs), community colleges, and programs under the Wagner-Peyser Act (offering career services to 2.5 million workers, including veterans and people with disabilities).
• Notes nearly 600,000 registered apprenticeships and the economic benefits of workforce programs, such as job creation, tax revenue, and reduced reliance on public aid.
• Core Resolution ("Resolved" Clause): The House of Representatives:
• Supports the designation of "National Workforce Development Month."
• Endorses federal initiatives to promote workforce development.
• Recognizes its role in aiding workers, boosting labor participation, and growing the economy.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It references laws like WIOA (reauthorized in 2014 and due for renewal) but does not amend them. Instead, it calls attention to their importance and the need for continued or improved implementation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May encourage agencies like the Department of Labor (overseeing WIOA and job centers) to prioritize workforce programs, potentially leading to better funding or outreach during September 2025, though without enforceable mandates.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of job training opportunities, benefiting workers (especially underserved groups like the unemployed, minorities, and those without advanced education) by highlighting resources like apprenticeships and community colleges. Could indirectly support economic mobility by promoting skills for in-demand jobs.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but by stressing U.S. workforce competitiveness, it underscores efforts to maintain economic strength against global rivals.
• Overall, impacts are largely symbolic, fostering dialogue on reauthorizing WIOA and expanding training to address labor shortages and automation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Workers and Job Seekers: Especially those facing barriers (e.g., low-income, unemployed, veterans, people with disabilities, rural residents, and ex-incarcerated individuals), who benefit from highlighted training programs.
• Businesses and Employers: Gain from reduced job vacancies and skilled hires, as noted by business leaders' support for skills development.
• Educational Institutions: Community colleges, technical schools, and career-technical education (CTE) programs, which train millions and could see increased visibility or partnerships.
• Government Entities: State/local governments, workforce development boards, Governors, and federal agencies implementing WIOA and related acts.
• Community Organizations: Non-profits, employment providers, and job centers that deliver services like apprenticeships and career pathways.
• Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Representatives Bonamici, Guthrie, and Thompson, reflecting cross-party interest.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature. It cannot create obligations or allocate funds but can influence future legislation, such as WIOA reauthorization.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting the general welfare (Article I, Section 8) through economic policy, without raising separation-of-powers issues.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on workforce issues, potentially building momentum for pro-worker policies amid economic challenges like job quits (47.4 million in 2021) and automation risks. It avoids controversy by focusing on awareness rather than specific mandates, but could spotlight disparities in unemployment rates among racial groups.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-09-10: Submitted in House
• 2025-09-10: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of September 2025 as "National Workforce Development Month". — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (6 pages)