Congress Moves Job Training Reform and Higher Education Bills

Congress Sends Job Training Reform Bill to President's Desk Legislation to update the Workforce Investment Act, overdue for reauthorization for more than a decade, is headed to the president’s desk following overwhelming bipartisan support from both houses of Congress. The Senate and House authors of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) applauded the passage of the bill, which seeks to update and improve the nation’s workforce development system. The legislation was approved this week by a vote of 415 to 6 by the House of Representatives; it was approved by the Senate last month by a vote of 95 to 3 and will be signed into law by President Obama.  "There is longstanding, bipartisan agreement that the current workforce development system is broken, and this bill turns that consensus into action,” said Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC). “The bipartisan, bicameral process through which the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was developed serves as an example of what we can accomplish when we work together. This legislation is important for the millions of Americans who are looking for work and for the employers who have 4.6 million job opportunities that remain unfilled due to the skills gap."  Read More. On Friday, bipartisan leaders gathered together as Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) signed the ​Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act​. To view photos of this important event, click here.    Committee Advances Bipartisan Bills to Strengthen Higher Education System The House Education and the Workforce Committee advanced three bipartisan bills to reform the nation’s higher education system. As part of an effort to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, the legislative proposals will support innovation, strengthen transparency, and enhance financial counseling. “We made important progress in our effort to strengthen the nation’s higher education system,” said Chairman John Kline (R-MN). “These bipartisan proposals will make a difference in the lives of students and families. My colleagues are to be commended for their hard work in making this a strong bipartisan endeavor. I look forward to House consideration of these proposals and the work that lies ahead.”  Read More. Follow NJECPAC on ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ YouTube ~ LinkedIn  Explore More at NJECPAC ~ Visit IECVotes.com Explore National Regulatory Affairs Here ~ Explore National Government Affairs Here  Explore New Jersey Government Affairs Here