Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) reintroduced legislation to develop America’s workforce and strengthen our economy.

The USA Workforce Investment Act and the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act create opportunities for American workers to advance their skills and obtain quality jobs, while helping American businesses fill available roles necessary for success.

“Job creation and job preparation must go hand-in-hand,” Rep. Smucker said. “Investing in opportunities to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy is a win-win for American workers and businesses.”

The USA Workforce Investment Act (H.R. 5493) would encourage charitable donations for community-based apprenticeship initiatives, career and technical education, workforce development, and K-12 educational preparedness. Eligible nonprofits include educational institutions, community organizations, training institutes, community colleges, scholarship groups, and labor union-affiliated nonprofits. This legislation was previously advanced by the Committee on Ways and Means last session.

Cosponsors for the USA Workforce Investment Act include Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Max Miller (R-OH-07), and Adrian Smith (R-NE-03).

Rep. Smucker made the following statement on the introduction of the USA Workforce Act:

“Thanks to this administration’s pro-growth agenda, Main Street is thriving and the demand for skilled jobs is growing. This legislation will prepare American workers with the necessary skills to succeed and help businesses thrive by meeting workforce demands. A strong workforce is critical for success, and when small businesses thrive our economy thrives.”

Trade associations representing skilled workers support Rep. Smucker’s legislation:

“Tax incentives for contributions supporting workforce development encourages donors to maximize their gifts to programs that improve the lives of the American people. The USA Workforce Investment Act will foster an environment ensuring apprenticeship programs have the resources to provide first-class instruction for students acquiring skills for success in the building trades. We urge Congress to pass the USA Workforce Act without delay,” said Dan Callies, President, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association. 

The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 5494) is a bipartisan solution to address critical workforce shortages, while safeguarding employment opportunities for American workers.

The legislation responds to pressing labor shortages in essential industries by creating a market-driven temporary worker program that adapts to economic conditions. The bill creates a new H-2C nonimmigrant visa, available to employers who prove their positions have gone unfilled for three consecutive months and in areas where the unemployment rate is 7.9% or less.

Rep. Smucker made the following statement on the introduction of the bipartisan Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act:

“The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act is a commonsense, bipartisan, and market-driven solution that addresses workforce shortages in key industries while ensuring American workers are prioritized. This guest worker program will help employers fill positions that have remained vacant for months and grow our economy.”

Cosponsors of Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act include Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Mark Amodei (R-NV-02), Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Don Davis (D-NC-01), Rich McCormick (R-GA-07), and Mike Kennedy (R-UT-03) are cosponsors of the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act.

The legislation enjoys broad support among national industry leaders.

“People are the restaurant industry’s greatest asset. This year, restaurant operators are forecast to create 200,000 new jobs, but with a shortage of people in the U.S. workforce, it will be a challenge to fill those jobs. There is no silver bullet that will solve the industry’s recruitment challenge, but the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act creates one opportunity to address the issue. We appreciate Rep. Smucker’s leadership introducing EWEA and for his commitment to restaurant operators and the restaurant industry,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association.

“Workforce shortages are the single biggest challenge facing the roofing industry,” said Duane Musser, NRCA’s vice president of government relations. “NRCA strongly supports this bipartisan legislation that will secure our industry workforce and boost economic growth.”

“America’s hotel industry proudly welcomes millions of guests each year, creating unforgettable experiences and supporting local economies. But finding enough workers to fill job openings in the industry has become a growing challenge. ’The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act offers a vital, bipartisan solution—creating a seasonal H-2C nonimmigrant visa program to help hotels and hospitality businesses meet staffing needs during high-demand times. This commonsense legislation supports small businesses, strengthens our workforce, and ensures we can continue delivering world-class service. We’re grateful to Representative Smucker for his leadership and commitment to the hospitality industry,” said American Hotel and Lodging Association President and CEO Rosanna Maietta.

For a full list of supportive quotes of industry leaders, click here.

The following groups have endorsed the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act: National Immigration Forum, Critical Labor Coalition, Associated General Contractors of America, Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, National Roofing Contractors Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, National Restaurant Association, LIBRE Initiative, American Hotel and Lodging Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Leading Builders of America, Construction Leadership Council, National Retail Federation, National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Roundtable, International Sanitary Supply Association, Secure Growth Initiative, Business Roundtable, Tree Care Industry Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, and Workplace Solutions Association.

Background:

USA Workforce Investment Act: 

• The USA Workforce Investment Act would provide individuals with a tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for cash donations to eligible nonprofit organizations that offer workforce development or apprenticeship training programs.
• This policy would encourage charitable contributions to community-based apprenticeship initiatives, career and technical education, and workforce development programs offered by educational institutions, community organizations, and labor union-affiliated nonprofits.

• The Federal Government currently spends $111.3 billion annually on traditional 4-year college degree programs compared to only $28.2 billion on career and technical college and training.

  • 40% of business leaders say college graduates are unprepared to enter the workforce.

  • Only 11% of postsecondary students report feeling very prepared to enter the workforce.

Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act: 

• The EWEA will provide temporary visas for workers that will be valid for 3 years along with two potential 3-year visa renewals.

• In its first year, EWEA will offer 65,000 visas. During subsequent years, the number of available visas may fluctuate between 45,000 and 85,000 visas depending on economic and market conditions.

• There are several restrictions to participation in the H-2C program, which ensure that American workers are not deprived of employment opportunities:
  • Program participation is only eligible in areas where the unemployment rate is 7.9% or less.
  • Employers must demonstrate that a certain position has gone unfilled for three consecutive months or is open for 60 days within a 90-day period.
  • Employers must use E-Verify.
• To qualify for H-2C classification, interested employee applicants must:
  • Receive an offer of employment from EWEA registered employers.
  • Pass a criminal or national security background check.
  • Not bring any family members into the U.S., ensuring the program is tightly controlled and prevents chain migration.
  • Not be from a country that supports international terrorism as determined by the Secretary of State.