Working On Rewarding and Keeping Employees Resilient Act or the WORKER Act
This bill addresses workforce development by advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, revising and implementing certain worker training, retention, and advancement programs, establishing the Distressed Community Investment Agency, and renaming the Department of Commerce as the Department of Innovation and Investment.
The bill requires (1) the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to eligible entities to implement certain formal and informal engineering education programs in elementary and secondary schools, and (2) the use of certain career and technical education program funds for supporting a hands-on learning approach.
The bill establishes in the Department of Labor an Office of Apprenticeship, including a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships, to promote apprenticeship programs.
Labor and ED must establish a voluntary Registered Apprenticeship-College Collaborative consisting of the sponsors carrying out registered apprenticeship programs, two- or four-year post secondary educational institutions, and organizations that represent such programs or institutions.
The bill requires states to provide a Labor-approved reemployment bonus program for individuals currently receiving unemployment benefits. It also allows states to use workforce development funds for a wage insurance program for individuals age 50 and over (age 45 and over for individuals in economically distressed communities) and establishes a training voucher program to assist workers in obtaining job skills training.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 594 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 594
To advance STEM education, provide for improved worker training,
retention, and advancement, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 28, 2021
Mr. Ryan introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on
Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation
and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources,
Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To advance STEM education, provide for improved worker training,
retention, and advancement, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Working On Rewarding and Keeping
Employees Resilient Act'' or the ``WORKER Act''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
TITLE I--ADVANCING STEM EDUCATION
Subtitle A--Expansion of Engineering Programs at Elementary and
Secondary Schools
Sec. 101. Grant program.
Sec. 102. Table of contents.
Subtitle B--Expansion of Maker Education and Makerspaces
Sec. 110. Definitions.
Sec. 111. Local uses of funds.
Sec. 112. Effective date.
TITLE II--WORKER TRAINING, RETENTION, AND ADVANCEMENT
Subtitle A--Leveraging Effective Apprenticeships To Rebuild National
Skills
Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Part 1--Promoting Registered Apprenticeships
Sec. 211. Promoting registered apprenticeship programs.
Sec. 212. Promoting integration with postsecondary education.
Part 2--Program Development and Enhancement
Sec. 221. Expanding registered apprenticeship programs.
Subtitle B--Reemployment
Sec. 231. Requirement to provide reemployment bonus program under State
unemployment compensation law.
Sec. 232. Coordinating State unemployment compensation programs with
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act.
Sec. 233. Permissible use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
funds for wage insurance.
Sec. 234. Training vouchers.
Sec. 235. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III--ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRESSED COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AGENCY
Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Distressed Community Investment Agency.
Sec. 303. Redesignation of Department of Commerce to Department of
Innovation and Investment.
Sec. 304. Redesignation of Secretary of Commerce to Secretary of
Innovation and Investment.
TITLE IV--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE I--ADVANCING STEM EDUCATION
Subtitle A--Expansion of Engineering Programs at Elementary and
Secondary Schools
SEC. 101. GRANT PROGRAM.
Part F of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7251 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 4601--
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by inserting ``(other than subpart 5)''
before ``part''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations for Subpart 5.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out subpart 5--
``(1) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023;
and
``(2) $21,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 and
2025.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``Subpart 5--Engineering Education
``SEC. 4651. GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated under section 4601(c),
the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible
entities to implement formal and informal engineering education
programs in elementary schools and secondary schools to--
``(1) teach students the overall analytical and
experimental approaches used in engineering and engineering
technology; and
``(2) increase participation of under-represented student
groups in the engineering and engineering technology pipeline.
``(b) Maximum Grant Amount.--A grant awarded under this subpart may
not exceed $1,000,000.
``(c) Matching Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under
this subpart shall provide non-Federal funds in amount equal to the
grant amount. Such non-Federal funds may include in-kind support (such
as equipment, supplies, materials, and participation of personnel in
the development and implementation of activities to be carried out
under the grant).
``(d) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a grant
under this subpart shall use such funds to carry out a program
that--
``(A) provides engineering instructional materials
based on review and analysis of the effectiveness of
existing formal, or informal research-based and
evidenced-based locally relevant instructional
materials;
``(B) provides professional development for pre-
service and in-service teachers to teach engineering;
``(C) provides instructions on engineering and
engineering technology during normal classroom hours or
after school;
``(D) incorporates evidence-based practices to
increase diversity of student groups participating in
the program;
``(E) encourages participation of engineers from
local private and public organizations to mentor the
teachers and students; and
``(F) encourages engineering faculty and students
from institutions of higher education as mentors for
the elementary school or secondary school students, and
teachers as appropriate.
``(2) Public-private partnerships.--Each eligible entity
awarded a grant under this subpart shall be encouraged to carry
out the program funded under the grant in partnership with one
or more of the following:
``(A) Elementary schools or secondary schools
receiving assistance under this subpart.
``(B) Institutions of higher education.
``(C) Private sector businesses.
``(D) Nonprofit organizations.
``(E) Community-based organizations.
``(F) Public or private entities with demonstrated
record of success in delivering educational support.
``(G) Summer school programs.
``(e) Applications.--An application for a grant under this subpart
submitted by an eligible entity shall demonstrate long-term commitment
for the proposed program through--
``(1) providing laboratory and instructional space;
``(2) establishing ongoing professional training programs
for pre-service and in-service teachers and teachers in-
residence; and
``(3) commitment to scaling successful programs for
engineering and engineering technology education in elementary
schools and secondary schools under the jurisdiction of the
eligible entity.
``(f) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subpart, the
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that serve under-
represented minorities in engineering.
``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a consortia of local educational agencies; or
``(B) a local educational agency that is not
receiving a subgrant under this subpart for the fiscal
year for which the agency is applying for a grant under
this subpart.
``(2) Instructional materials.--The term `instructional
materials' means materials that--
``(A) emphasize--
``(i) engineering fundamentals and
concepts, problem-based learning; and
``(ii) essential skills such as systems
thinking, creativity, teamwork, communication,
and ethical considerations;
``(B) are designed to introduce students to modern
engineering and engineering technology tools such as
computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing,
statistical analysis, codes and standards, human
factors, and reliability analysis; and
``(C) are aligned with and integrated into relevant
science, engineering, and mathematics standards that
may exist in the applicable State or may be developed.
``SEC. 4652. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.
``Not later than 1 year after the first grant is awarded under this
subpart, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall provide a report
to Congress on activities and results under this subpart. Such reports
shall describe--
``(1) the total number of grant applications received for
the preceding each year;
``(2) the number and geographic distribution of the grants
for such year and for all grants awarded under this subpart;
``(3) participation of minority-serving institutions of
higher education, such as historically Black colleges and
universities and Hispanic-serving institutions;
``(4) participation of under-represented and economically
disadvantaged student groups;
``(5) plans for collaboration among eligible entities
receiving a grant under this subpart;
``(6) overall program outcomes and issues of concern; and
``(7) recommendations for program revisions to achieve the
desired program outcome.''.
SEC. 102. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 4644 the following:
``subpart 5--engineering education
``4651. Grant program authorized.
``4652. Annual report to Congress.''.
Subtitle B--Expansion of Maker Education and Makerspaces
SEC. 110. DEFINITIONS.
Section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act
of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(56) Maker education.--The term `maker education' means a
hands-on learning approach that encourages students to imagine,
create, innovate, tinker, and collaborate through the process
of manufacturing, testing, and demonstrating their ideas.
``(57) Makerspace.--The term `makerspace' means a community
space that provides access to tools, technology, and knowledge
for learners and entrepreneurs, that result in the prototyping
or creation of physical goods, and which supports the
development of educational opportunities for personal growth,
workforce training, and early stage business ventures.''.
SEC. 111. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.
Section 135(b)(2)(I) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2355(b)(2)(I)) is amended by inserting
``, the application of maker education,'' after ``makerspaces''.
SEC. 112. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on July 1,
2021, and as if enacted as part of the Strengthening Career and
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
TITLE II--WORKER TRAINING, RETENTION, AND ADVANCEMENT
Subtitle A--Leveraging Effective Apprenticeships To Rebuild National
Skills
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Leveraging Effective
Apprenticeships to Rebuild National Skills Act'' or the ``LEARNS Act''.
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship appointed under
section 211(a).
(2) Career pathway.--The term ``career pathway'' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(3) Educational service agency.--The term ``educational
service agency''--
(A) has the meaning given the term in section 8101
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7801); and
(B) includes a collaborative of those agencies.
(4) High school.--The term ``high school'' means a
nonprofit institutional day or residential school that--
(A) provides secondary education, as determined
under State law;
(B) grants a diploma, as defined by the State; and
(C) includes, at least, grade 12.
(5) In-demand industry sector or occupation.--The term
``in-demand industry sector or occupation'' has the meaning
given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(6) Local and state workforce development boards.--The
terms ``local workforce development board'' and ``State
workforce development board'' have the meanings given the terms
``local board'' and ``State board'', respectively, in section 3
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3102).
(7) National apprenticeship system.--The term ``national
apprenticeship system'' means the collective group of
registered apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship
programs in the Nation (including the rules and regulations
governing the 2 types of programs).
(8) Postsecondary educational institution.--The term
``postsecondary educational institution'' means an institution
of higher education, as defined in section 102 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
(9) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term ``pre-
apprenticeship program'' means a program or set of strategies
that--
(A) is designed to prepare individuals to enter and
succeed in a registered apprenticeship program;
(B) is carried out by an eligible entity described
in section 211(b)(2)(C) that has an application
approved under section 211(b)(3) and that has a
documented partnership with at least 1 sponsor of a
registered apprenticeship program; and
(C) includes each of the following elements:
(i) Training (including a curriculum for
the training), aligned with industry standards
and reviewed and approved annually by sponsors
of the registered apprenticeships within the
documented partnership, that will prepare
individuals by teaching the skills and
competencies needed to enter one or more
registered apprenticeship programs.
(ii) Provision of hands-on training and
theoretical education to individuals that--
(I) accurately simulates the
industry and occupational conditions of
the registered apprenticeship program
described in subparagraph (B);
(II) is carried out in a manner
that includes proper observation of
supervision and safety protocols; and
(III) is carried out in a manner
that does not displace a paid employee.
(iii) A formal agreement with a sponsor of
a registered apprenticeship program that would
enable participants who successfully complete
the pre-apprenticeship program to enter
directly into the registered apprenticeship
program (if a place in the program is
available), and includes agreements concerning
earning credit recognized by a postsecondary
educational institution for skills and
competencies acquired during the pre-
apprenticeship program.
(10) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term
``recognized postsecondary credential'' has the meaning given
the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(11) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term
``registered apprenticeship program'' means a program
registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as
the ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663;
29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(12) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Labor, acting through the Administrator.
(13) Sponsor.--The term ``sponsor'' means an employer,
joint labor-management partnership, trade association,
professional association, labor organization, or other entity
that administers a registered apprenticeship program.
PART 1--PROMOTING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
SEC. 211. PROMOTING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) Establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship.--
(1) Office.--There is established, in the Employment and
Training Administration of the Department of Labor, an Office
of Apprenticeship.
(2) Administrator.--The Office shall be headed by an
Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship appointed by the
Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training. The Assistant
Secretary shall appoint an individual who has the demonstrated
knowledge of registered apprenticeship programs necessary to
serve as the Administrator.
(3) Responsibilities.--The Administrator, through the
Office of Apprenticeship, shall carry out responsibilities
including--
(A) determining whether an apprenticeship program
meets the requirements to become a registered
apprenticeship program and maintains the standards
necessary to remain a registered apprenticeship
program;
(B) managing the national apprenticeship system;
(C) carrying out activities under subsection (b) to
promote effective pre-apprenticeship programs;
(D) promoting awareness about registered
apprenticeship programs, including carrying out
activities under subsection (c);
(E) engaging in regular updates of the registration
process, ensuring that such process is easily
accessible and efficient for use by sponsors of
registered apprenticeship programs;
(F) regularly engaging with the National Advisory
Committee on Apprenticeships and ensure that the
required reports of the Committee are submitted to the
Secretary and transmitted to Congress;
(G) promoting greater diversity in registered
apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship
programs, including by promoting outreach to
underrepresented populations, youth, and veterans and
supporting the development of apprenticeship models;
(H) providing for evaluations and research, as
described in subsection (e);
(I) providing technical assistance to sponsors of
registered apprenticeship programs, entities who are
interested in developing and becoming sponsors of
registered apprenticeship programs, and eligible
entities carrying out pre-apprenticeship programs; and
(J) coordinating and aligning registered
apprenticeship programs with other Federal education
and training programs, including those authorized under
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3101 et seq.) and the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et
seq.).
(b) Supporting the Development of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs.--
(1) Support.--The Secretary shall support the development
of pre-apprenticeship programs.
(2) Grants.--
(A) In general.--Using funds available under
subsection (f), the Secretary shall make grants on a
competitive basis to eligible entities to provide the
Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that
support that development.
(B) Period.--The Secretary shall make initial
grants under this paragraph for periods of not more
than 3 years, except that if an eligible entity
demonstrates satisfactory performance under paragraph
(6) by the end of that third year, the Secretary may
extend the grant period up to an additional 1 year for
that entity.
(C) Eligible entity.--To be eligible to receive a
grant from the Secretary under this subsection, an
entity shall be a public-private partnership consisting
of--
(i) a local educational agency, high
school, area career and technical education
school (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)), educational service
agency (as defined in section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7801)), 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institution, or collaborative of
such entities;
(ii) in a State with a State entity
recognized by the Secretary of Labor to
register apprenticeship programs in that State,
that entity;
(iii) an industry or business, consisting
of an employer, a group of employers, a trade
association, a professional association, or an
entity that sponsors a registered
apprenticeship program;
(iv) a State workforce development board or
local workforce development board; and
(v) to the maximum extent practicable--
(I) a labor organization associated
with the industry or occupation related
to the pre-apprenticeship program
involved; and
(II) a community-based organization
that provides pre-apprenticeship
programs, as appropriate.
(3) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant from
the Secretary under this subsection, an entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require,
including--
(A) a description of the training and curriculum
described in section 203(9)(C)(i), and how the proposed
pre-apprenticeship program makes individuals who
successfully complete the pre-apprenticeship program
qualified to enter into an established registered
apprenticeship program;
(B) evidence that there are or will be sufficient
openings available in the registered apprenticeship
program referenced in subparagraph (A) to enable the
registered apprenticeship program sponsor to place into
a corresponding registered apprenticeship those
individuals who successfully complete the pre-
apprenticeship program;
(C) information about the entity that demonstrates
the existence of an active, advisory partnership
between the partners described in paragraph (2)(C) and
the capacity, of a training and education provider in
the entity, to provide the training and education
services necessary for a pre-apprenticeship program;
and
(D) information about the proposed pre-
apprenticeship program that demonstrates--
(i) that the program is in an in-demand
industry or occupation in the region in which
the project is located;
(ii) the use of integrated work-based and
academic learning that may include training in
the workplace;
(iii) the inclusion of career exploration
focused activities, such as job shadowing,
career information activities, and resume
preparation, in the program;
(iv) if the entity carrying out the project
includes a high school, that the model to be
used for the program leads to a high school
diploma for participants without such a
diploma;
(v) how the pre-apprenticeship program is
aligned with and leverages resources of career
and technical education programs, programs and
services authorized under the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101
et seq.), or activities of entities that
provide supportive services for participants in
pre-apprenticeship programs; and
(vi) that the project aligns with an
established registered apprenticeship program,
including that the model used for the program
leads to the attainment of skills and
competencies necessary for entrance into the
registered apprenticeship program for
participants.
(4) Use of funds.--
(A) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a
grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds
to carry out a project that implements a pre-
apprenticeship program.
(B) Required activities.--The eligible entity shall
use the grant funds--
(i) to pay for the cost of training or
education associated with the pre-
apprenticeship program;
(ii) for curriculum development that align
with the requirements of the appropriate
registered apprenticeship programs and learning
assessments;
(iii) to maintain a connection between the
pre-apprenticeship program and registered
apprenticeship program;
(iv) for assessments of potential
participants for, and enrollment of the
participants in, the pre-apprenticeship
program; and
(v) to conduct evaluations described in
paragraph (6)(B).
(C) Allowable activities.--The eligible entity may
use the grant funds for--
(i) teacher training, including providing
externship opportunities for teachers to learn
about the skill needs of the industry or
occupation that the pre-apprenticeship program
focuses on;
(ii) stipends for participants during work-
based training in the program; or
(iii) coordination of activities under this
subsection with activities carried out under
the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.)
or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).
(5) Federal share.--
(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost
described in paragraph (2)(A) shall be 75 percent.
(B) Non-federal share.--The eligible entity may
contribute the non-Federal share of the cost in cash or
in-kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment,
or services.
(6) Performance.--
(A) Measures.--The Secretary shall identify a set
of common measures that, at a minimum, include measures
of entry into a registered apprenticeship program and
that are aligned with performance accountability
measures described in section 116(c) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(c)) for
the local workforce development area (meaning a local
area, as defined in section 3 of that Act) and with
corresponding measures under the Carl D. Perkins Career
and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et
seq.), as appropriate.
(B) Evaluations.--Each eligible entity that
receives a grant to carry out a project under this
subsection shall arrange for another qualified entity
to conduct an evaluation, or shall participate in a
Department of Labor sponsored evaluation, of the
project using the identified common measures, and
shall, to the extent practicable, cooperate with the
evaluator in any evaluations of activities carried out
under this section.
(C) Extensions.--The Secretary shall use the
results of an evaluation for a project to determine
whether to extend the grant period, or renew a grant,
for the project under paragraph (2)(B).
(c) Promoting Awareness of Registered Apprenticeship Programs.--
(1) In general.--To promote awareness about registered
apprenticeship programs, the Secretary, in cooperation with the
Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Commerce, shall
ensure that timely, current information about the value of
registered apprenticeship programs in the labor market is made
available through a range of widely accessible formats and
venues. The information shall be made available to businesses,
trade associations, professional associations, students,
parents, workers, educational institutions, workforce and
economic development organizations, and State and local elected
officials.
(2) Information for state and local workforce development
boards.--To promote awareness about registered apprenticeship
programs within the workforce development system, the Secretary
shall disseminate information on the value of registered
apprenticeship programs, to State and local workforce
development boards described in subsection (b)(2)(C)(iv), which
information shall include--
(A) a list of registered apprenticeship programs in
the State involved;
(B) guidance for training staff of the workforce
development system within the State on the value of
registered apprenticeship programs, including relevant
placement, retention and earnings information, as a
training option for participants;
(C) guidance on how individual training accounts
under section 134(c)(3) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)) could be used by
participants for a registered apprenticeship program;
and
(D) guidance on how performance accountability
measures under section 116 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141) apply to
participants in registered apprenticeship programs,
including relevant placement, retention and earnings
information.
(3) Information for employers, trade associations,
professional associations, industry groups and labor
organizations.--To promote awareness about registered
apprenticeship programs to workers and employers, the
Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall
provide information about the value of registered
apprenticeship programs, including relevant placement,
retention and earnings information, through the one-stop
delivery systems described in section 121 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151), to employers,
trade associations, professional associations, industry groups,
and labor organizations, which information shall include, at a
minimum--
(A) a list of registered apprenticeship programs in
the State;
(B) information on how to develop a registered
apprenticeship program; and
(C) information on financial resources available to
assist with the establishment and implementation of
registered apprenticeship programs.
(4) Information for students and schools.--To promote
awareness about registered apprenticeship programs among
students and school staff, the Secretary, in cooperation with
the Secretary of Education, shall disseminate information on
the value of registered apprenticeship programs, including
relevant placement, retention and earnings information, to high
schools, area career and technical education schools (as
defined in subsection (b)(2)(C)(i)), 2- and 4-year
postsecondary educational institutions, and educational service
agencies, to enable, at a minimum--
(A) parents to understand registered apprenticeship
programs and their value in postsecondary education and
career pathways;
(B) students to understand registered
apprenticeship programs and their value in career
pathways;
(C) career and academic counselors to understand
registered apprenticeship programs as a valuable
postsecondary education option for students leading to
job placement in in-demand industries and occupations;
and
(D) school administrators, workforce and economic
development coordinators, and teachers and faculty to
assist with the development, implementation, and
continuation of registered apprenticeship programs.
(d) Secretary's National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.--
(1) Establishment.--
(A) In general.--There is established in the
Department of Labor a National Advisory Committee on
Apprenticeships, referred to in this section as the
``Advisory Committee''.
(B) Composition.--The Advisory Committee shall
have--
(i) 21 voting members appointed by the
Secretary, composed of--
(I) 7 representatives of employers
who participate in a registered
apprenticeship program, including
employers who participate in a
registered apprenticeship program
sponsored by a joint labor-management
partnership;
(II) 7 representatives of labor
organizations who have responsibility
for the administration of a registered
apprenticeship program sponsored by a
joint labor-management partnership;
(III) 7 representatives of State
apprenticeship agencies, community
organizations with significant
experience with a registered
apprenticeship program, and 2- or 4-
year postsecondary educational
institutions with at least one
articulation agreement with the entity
administering a registered
apprenticeship program; and
(ii) members who are ex officio nonvoting
representatives from the Departments of Labor,
Commerce, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban
Development, and Health and Human Services.
(C) Qualifications.--The members shall be selected
upon the basis of their experience and competence
concerning apprenticeships.
(D) Terms.--The Secretary shall appoint the members
for terms of 4 years.
(2) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall designate one of the
members of the Advisory Committee to serve as Chairperson of
the Advisory Committee.
(3) Meetings.--The Advisory Committee shall hold not fewer
than 2 meetings during each calendar year. All meetings of the
Advisory Committee shall be open to the public. A transcript
shall be kept of each meeting and made available for public
inspection.
(4) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall advise, consult
with, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters
relating to the administration of this part and the Act of
August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the ``National
Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50
et seq.).
(5) Personnel.--
(A) Procurement.--
(i) In general.--The Chairperson of the
Advisory Committee may procure the temporary
and intermittent services of voting members of
the Advisory Committee under section 3109(b) of
title 5, United States Code, at rates for
individuals that do not exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
prescribed for level V of the Executive
Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
(ii) Officers or employees of the united
states.--All members of the Advisory Committee
who are officers or employees of the United
States shall serve without compensation in
addition to that received for their services as
officers or employees of the United States.
(B) Staff.--The Secretary shall supply the
Committee with an executive secretary and provide such
secretarial, clerical, and other services as the
Secretary determines to be necessary to enable the
Advisory Committee to conduct its business.
(6) Permanent committee.--Section 14 of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
advisory committee.
(e) Evaluations and Research.--
(1) Evaluations of programs and activities carried out
under this part.--For the purpose of improving the management
and effectiveness of the programs and activities carried out
under this part, the Secretary shall provide for the continuing
evaluation, by an independent entity, of the programs and
activities, including activities carried out under subsection
(a)(3)(C). Such evaluations shall address--
(A) the general effectiveness of such programs and
activities in relation to their cost, including the
extent to which the programs and activities--
(i) improve the skill and employment
competencies of participants in comparison to
comparably situated individuals who did not
participate in such programs and activities;
and
(ii) to the extent feasible, increase the
level of total employment and recognized
postsecondary credential attainment over the
level that would have existed in the absence of
such programs and activities;
(B) the impact of the programs and activities for
the participants, sponsors, and employers;
(C) the return on investment of Federal, State,
local, sponsor, employer, and other funding for
registered apprenticeships to capture the full level of
investment in, and impact of, registered
apprenticeships;
(D) the longitudinal outcomes for participants in
the programs and activities; and
(E) the impact of specific policies on the general
effectiveness of such programs and activities.
(2) Research.--The Secretary may conduct, through an
independent entity, research on best practices in registered
apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs and
other issues relating to such programs.
(3) Techniques.--Evaluations and research conducted under
this subsection shall utilize appropriate methodology and
research designs.
(4) Reports.--The independent entity carrying out the
evaluations described in paragraph (1) or research described in
paragraph (2) shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a final
report containing the results of the evaluations or research,
respectively, and including policy recommendations. The final
report shall be made available for public inspection. Not later
than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall produce a final report related to the return on
investment described in paragraph (1)(C).
(5) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the
completion of all the final reports described in paragraph (4),
the Secretary shall transmit the final reports to the Committee
on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate.
(6) Public access.--The Secretary shall develop a mechanism
to make research developed under this part publically available
in a timely manner.
(f) Reservation.--The Secretary shall reserve not less than 10
percent of the funds appropriated under subsection (g) for each fiscal
year for grants to States. A State that receives such a grant shall use
the grant funds for the purpose of assisting the Administrator in
carrying out the activities under this section, and may use the grant
funds to support the voluntary establishment of a State apprenticeship
office, if no such office exists in the State.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2022
and each subsequent year.
SEC. 212. PROMOTING INTEGRATION WITH POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Collaborative.--The term ``Collaborative'' means the
Registered Apprenticeship-College Collaborative established
under subsection (b)(1).
(2) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means the
Secretary of Labor, acting through the Administrator, working
jointly with the Secretary of Education, acting through the
Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and
Adult Education.
(b) Collaborative With 2- and 4-Year Postsecondary Educational
Institutions.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretaries shall establish and
maintain a voluntary Registered Apprenticeship-College
Collaborative. The Collaborative shall consist of the sponsors
carrying out registered apprenticeship programs, 2- or 4-year
postsecondary educational institutions, and organizations that
represent such programs or institutions, that agree to meet
certain criteria in order to support the purposes described in
paragraph (2).
(2) Purposes.--The Collaborative shall support the purposes
of--
(A) promoting stronger connections between the
registered apprenticeship programs involved and
participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational
institutions;
(B) promoting the translation of experience in a
registered apprenticeship program to academic credit at
participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational
institutions;
(C) facilitating the enrollment of an individual
who has completed a registered apprenticeship program
(referred to in this section as an ``apprentice'') at a
participating 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational
institution for the purpose of attaining academic
credit toward an associate's or more advanced degree;
(D) advancing the attainment of associate's and
more advanced degrees by apprentices;
(E) promoting the attainment of recognized
postsecondary credentials with value in the labor
market; and
(F) expanding awareness about the value of
registered apprenticeship programs as a postsecondary
education option.
(3) Participant requirements.--The Secretaries shall
establish criteria that any interested 2- or 4-year
postsecondary educational institution or sponsor shall meet in
order to participate in the Collaborative, which criteria shall
include, at a minimum--
(A) for a 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational
institution--
(i) agreement to recognize and accept the
academic credit (as assessed under subparagraph
(B)(i)) earned by an apprentice for, and the
assessment of the apprentice's learning in, a
registered apprenticeship program at another
participating institution;
(ii) agreement to have a formal
articulation agreement with a participating
sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program,
other than a 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institution; and
(iii) agreement to provide certain
information, as determined by the Secretaries,
to the Collaborative; and
(B) for a sponsor--
(i) agreement to participate in third-party
evaluations of the quality and rigor of the
program offerings in order to determine the
value of academic credit for learning during a
registered apprenticeship program;
(ii) agreement to have a formal
articulation agreement with a participating 2-
or 4-year postsecondary educational
institution; and
(iii) agreement to provide certain
information, as determined by the Secretaries,
to the Collaborative.
(4) Memorandum of understanding.--
(A) In general.--In order to participate in the
Collaborative, interested 2- or 4-year postsecondary
educational institutions and sponsors shall agree to
meet certain conditions determined by the Secretaries.
(B) Conditions.--Such conditions shall address, at
a minimum--
(i) how learning during a registered
apprenticeship program, including related
instruction and on-the-job training, will be
assessed for academic credit;
(ii) how programs and procedures,
especially those related to admissions, credit
transfer, and recognition of such learning will
be structured to support accessibility for
apprentices;
(iii) how the structure and scheduling of
courses will be developed in a way that
supports the matriculation of apprentices; and
(iv) how residency requirements will
support the transferability of credit earned by
apprentices.
(5) Publicly available information.--The Secretaries shall
maintain a publicly accessible website identifying, at a
minimum--
(A) the participating members of the Collaborative
in each State;
(B) a model for articulation agreements, and copies
of some exemplary articulation agreements for
illustrative purposes; and
(C) such other information as the Secretaries
determine to be necessary to promote awareness of the
Collaborative and its members.
(6) Use of funds.--
(A) Administrative.--The Secretaries shall use 30
percent of the funds appropriated under subsection (c)
to establish and maintain the Collaborative and the
website referred to in paragraph (5), to support the
advisory committee referred to in paragraph (6), and
for technical assistance, evaluation, and research
activities.
(B) For program participants.--The Secretaries
shall use 70 percent of the appropriated funds to carry
out, directly or by grant or contract with an eligible
entity, activities consisting of--
(i) providing funding to Collaborative
participants to support the development of
articulation agreements with other
Collaborative participants;
(ii) providing funding to the Collaborative
to support the assessment of learning during a
registered apprenticeship program, for academic
credit;
(iii) providing funding to the
Collaborative to support third-party
evaluations of the quality and rigor of program
offerings, referred to in paragraph (3)(B)(i),
which evaluations shall be conducted by an
entity that meets minimum criteria as
established by the Secretaries;
(iv) providing curriculum development, for
participating institutions and sponsors; and
(v) carrying out other purposes that will
help participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary
educational institutions and sponsors meet the
requirements of paragraphs (3) and (4).
(C) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a
grant or contract under subparagraph (B), an entity
shall be a partnership comprised of--
(i) at least 1-, 2-, or 4-year
postsecondary educational institution
participating in the Collaborative; and
(ii) at least 1 sponsor of a registered
apprenticeship program participating in the
Collaborative.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2022
and each subsequent year.
PART 2--PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT
SEC. 221. EXPANDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide payments of assistance
for eligible sponsors of new (as of the date of submission of an
application under subsection (b)) registered apprenticeship programs,
or for eligible sponsors of existing registered apprenticeship programs
that add employers as new (as of such date) partners, which may include
joint labor-management registered apprenticeship programs.
(b) Applications.--To be eligible to receive payments under this
section for a registered apprenticeship program, a sponsor shall submit
an application to the Secretary including information demonstrating
that (as of the date of submission)--
(1)(A) for a new registered apprenticeship program, the
program received recognition as a registered apprenticeship
program within the 36 months preceding that date; or
(B) for an existing registered apprenticeship program
(which may include joint labor-management registered
apprenticeship programs), employers were added as new partners
within the 36 months preceding that date;
(2) the sponsor offered jobs that lead to economic self-
sufficiency, as determined by a local workforce development
board located in the same local workforce development area
(meaning a local area, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102));
(3) the sponsor has demonstrated success in enrolling,
instructing, advancing, and graduating individuals in the
relevant registered apprenticeship program, and in the
employment of such individuals after completion of the program;
and
(4) the sponsor had not received a payment under subsection
(d) for that registered apprenticeship program.
(c) Use of Funds.--In providing assistance under this section, the
Secretary shall arrange to provide payments as described in subsection
(a) for eligible sponsors, as funds are available under this section.
Funds made available through such a payment shall be used to reimburse
an eligible sponsor for the allowable costs of establishing or
expanding the registered apprenticeship program involved. The maximum
total payment to any one sponsor may not exceed $25,000 or 50 percent
of the allowable costs.
(d) Disbursement.--The Secretary shall enter into arrangements with
State workforce development boards to make disbursements through the
local workforce development boards described in subsection (b)(2) to
provide the payments to the eligible sponsors.
(e) Evaluations.--Sponsors receiving grants under this section
shall, to the extent practicable, cooperate with the Secretary in the
conduct of evaluations of the activities carried out under this
section.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and
each subsequent year.
(2) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve 5 percent of
the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year
for distribution to the State workforce development boards and
local workforce development boards, to pay for the costs of the
boards associated with making determinations under subsection
(b)(2) and disbursements under subsection (d), and as funds
remain available, other costs of administration and management,
technical assistance, research, and evaluation under this
subtitle.
Subtitle B--Reemployment
SEC. 231. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE REEMPLOYMENT BONUS PROGRAM UNDER STATE
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION LAW.
(a) In General.--Section 303 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
503) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(n)(1) For purposes of subsection (a), the State law of a State
must provide for a reemployment bonus program, to be approved by the
Secretary of Labor, under which a reemployment bonus, in an amount
specified under paragraph (2), shall be paid, immediately following the
end of the 16-week period described in subparagraph (B), to any
individual described in paragraph (3) who--
``(A) becomes employed by an employer other than the
individual's most recent employer not later than 12 weeks after
the date of the individual's initial claim for unemployment
compensation; and
``(B) remains employed by such employer for a period of at
least 16 consecutive weeks.
``(2) The amount of a reemployment bonus paid to an individual
under paragraph (1) shall be an amount equal to \1/2\ of the difference
between the total amount of regular compensation that would be payable
to the individual during the benefit year under the State law if the
individual were not employed in any week of such benefit year and the
total amount of such regular compensation paid to the individual during
the benefit year prior the week in which the individual becomes
employed as described in paragraph (1)(A).
``(3) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual
who--
``(A) is eligible for unemployment compensation for the
week before the week in which the individual becomes employed
as described in paragraph (1)(A); and
``(B) has been identified under subsection (j) as an
individual likely to exhaust regular compensation.
``(4) In this subsection, the terms `regular compensation' and
`benefit year' have the meanings given such terms in section 205 of the
Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C.
3304 note).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall,
with respect to a State, apply to certifications for payment under
section 302(a) of the Social Security Act in years beginning after the
end of the 26-week period beginning on the first day of the first
regularly scheduled session of the State legislature beginning on or
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 232. COORDINATING STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAMS WITH
THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.
(a) Referrals to WIOA Services.--Section 303(j)(1)(B) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(j)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``job
search assistance services'' and inserting ``job search assistance,
training assistance, job relocation support, and income support
services,''.
(b) Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments.--Section
306(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 306(b)(3)) is amended
by striking ``program integration and service delivery'' and inserting
``program integration, service delivery, support services, and
availability of training assistance''.
SEC. 233. PERMISSIBLE USE OF WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT
FUNDS FOR WAGE INSURANCE.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 of subtitle B of title I of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3171 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 135. PERMISSIBLE USE OF FUNDS FOR WAGE INSURANCE.
``(a) Wage Insurance for State Unemployment Compensation
Recipients.--A State may use funds allotted to the State under this
chapter to provide a wage insurance program for individuals who file a
claim under any State unemployment compensation law.
``(b) Benefits.--The wage insurance program provided for in
subsection (a) may pay, for a period not to exceed 2 years, to a worker
described in subsection (c), up to 50 percent of the difference
between--
``(1) the average of the wages received by the worker over
the last twelve months of employment; and
``(2) the wages received by the worker from reemployment.
``(c) Individual Eligibility.--The benefits described in subsection
(b) may be paid to an individual who is a claimant for unemployment
compensation at the time such individual obtains reemployment and who--
``(1) is at least 50 years of age, or 45 years of age if
such individual lives in a distressed community;
``(2) earns not more than $50,000 per year in wages from
reemployment;
``(3) is employed on a full-time basis as defined by the
law of the State; and
``(4) is not employed by the employer from which the
individual was last separated.
``(d) Total Amount of Payments.--A State shall establish a maximum
amount of payments per individual for purposes of payments described in
subsection (b) during the eligibility period described in such
subsection. An employee shall report an increase in wages during the
two-year period of participating in the wage insurance program and
their total amount of payments shall reflect any modification.
``(e) Non-Discrimination Regarding Wages.--An employer shall not
pay a worker described in subsection (c) less than such employer pays
to another worker in the same or substantially equivalent position.
``(f) Distressed Community Defined .--The term `distressed
community' means a geographic unit, as defined by the Secretary of
Commerce, with--
``(1) a low per capita income;
``(2) an unemployment rate below the national average; or
``(3) actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic
adjustment problems.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 136 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3181) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(d) Wage Insurance Activities.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the activities described in section 135 such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year
thereafter.''.
SEC. 234. TRAINING VOUCHERS.
(a) Reference.--In this section, any reference to a section or
other provision shall be a reference to the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).
(b) Functions of the State Board.--Section 101(d)(3) (29 U.S.C.
3111(d)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the semicolon and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) the development of strategies to promote the
integration of workforce development services to
unemployment insurance claimants.''.
(c) Programs and Activities in State Plans.--Section 103(a)(2) (29
U.S.C. 3113(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(L) The employment and training assistance
authorized in this Act.
``(M) The job search support services authorized in
this Act.''.
(d) Local Plans.--Section 108(b) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (21), by striking ``; and'' and inserting
a semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (22), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(23) a description of how training assistance will be
administered.''.
(e) Required Local Employment and Training Activities for Adults
and Dislocated Workers.--
(1) Training vouchers.--Section 134(c)(3) (29 U.S.C.
3174(c)(3)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i)--
(i) by inserting ``a voucher for'' after
``used to provide''; and
(ii) by redesignating subclauses (II),
(III), and (IV) as subclauses (III), (IV), and
(V), and after subclause (I) the following:
``(II) who select programs of
training services that are linked to
employment opportunities.'';
(B) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) in clause (iii), by deleting the clause
heading and inserting ``Training vouchers.--''
and by striking ``through an individual
training account'' and inserting ``through a
training voucher''; and
(ii) in clause (iv), by striking
``coordinate funding for individual training
accounts with funding from other Federal,
State, local, or private job training programs
or sources'' and inserting ``and arrange for
payment for such services through a training
voucher. Such payments may not exceed $8,000
for up to two years.''; and
(C) in subparagraph (G)(i), by striking
``individual training accounts'' and inserting
``training vouchers''.
(2) Income support.--Section 134(d)(1)(B) (29 U.S.C.
3174(d)(1)(B)) is amended--
(A) in clause (i), by inserting ``provide income
support for those adults and dislocated workers
participating in a training program'' after ``enhancing
employment''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) Duration and amounts.--The income
support provided under clause (i) to
individuals who are enrolled in training a
weekly income stipend for up to 78 weeks after
such individual exhausts unemployment insurance
benefits, to help cover training-related costs
like childcare or transportation. A
participant's weekly stipend will be equal to
100 percent or 50 percent of their unemployment
insurance weekly benefit amount depending on
whether, at the time of participation, their
household income is below or above 130 percent
of the Federal poverty level.''.
SEC. 235. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 136 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 2872), as amended by section 233(b) of this subtitle, is further
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``and'' after ``2019,''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, and such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``and'' after ``2019,''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, and such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025''.
TITLE III--ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRESSED COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AGENCY
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given that
term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Distressed community.--The term ``distressed
community'' means a geographic unit, as defined by the
Secretary of Commerce, with--
(A) a low per capita income;
(B) an unemployment rate below the national
average; or
(C) actual or threatened severe unemployment or
economic adjustment problems.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any
possession of the United States.
SEC. 302. DISTRESSED COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AGENCY.
(a) In General.--There is established the Distressed Community
Investment Agency within the Department of Commerce one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act with the mission of promoting,
establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in
distressed communities, including expenses of grants, contracts, and
other agreements with public or private entities.
(b) Functions.--The Distressed Community Investment Agency shall--
(1) coordinate the plans, programs, and operations of the
Federal Government which affect or may contribute to the
promotion, establishment, and strengthening of venture capital
investment in distressed communities;
(2) promote the mobilization of activities and resources of
State and local governments, businesses and trade associations,
institutions of higher education, foundations, professional
organizations, and volunteer and other groups towards the
promotion, establishment, and strengthening of venture capital
investment in distressed communities;
(3) facilitate the coordination of the efforts of groups
described in paragraph (2) with those of agencies;
(4) establish satellite centers in distressed communities
across the United States for the development, collection,
summarization, and dissemination of information helpful to
persons, State and local governments, businesses and trade
associations, institutions of higher education, foundations,
professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups in
undertaking or promoting venture capital investment in
distressed communities;
(5) make grants, including contracts and cooperative
agreements, to any State government or any agency thereof, any
regional entity, any State-chartered development, any
institution of higher education, or to any entity formed by two
or more of the above entities to assist in establishing the
satellite centers described in paragraph (4);
(6) provide technical and management assistance to public
or private entities or organizations engaged in promoting,
establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in
distressed communities through workforce development and
retention, attracting businesses and industries, fostering
innovation, accelerating entrepreneurship and business growth,
and marketing local, State, and regional ecosystems; and
(7) defray all or part of the costs of pilot or
demonstration projects conducted by public or private entities
or organizations which are designed to overcome the unique
challenge of promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture
capital investment in distressed communities, or otherwise to
further the purposes of this Act.
(c) Responsibilities of the Secretary of Commerce.--The Secretary
of Commerce, to enable the Distressed Community Investment Agency to
better execute the functions described in this section and with the
participation of the Economic Development Administration and other
agencies, as appropriate, shall--
(1) develop comprehensive plans and specific program goals
for the Distressed Community Investment Agency;
(2) establish regular performance monitoring and reporting
systems to assure that goals are being achieved;
(3) evaluate the impact of Federal support in achieving the
objectives established by this title;
(4) require a coordinated review of all proposed Federal
training and technical assistance activities in support of
promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital
investment in distressed communities to assure consistency with
the program goals of the Distressed Community Investment Agency
and to avoid duplication;
(5) convene, for purposes of coordination, meetings of the
heads of agencies, or their designees, whose programs and
activities may affect or contribute to the purposes of this
title;
(6) convene economic development organizations, venture
capitalists, startup founders, entrepreneurs, chambers of
commerce, and other representatives of the private sector who
are engaged in growing venture capital investment in distressed
communities or who could contribute to this growth to propose,
evaluate, and coordinate governmental and private activities in
furtherance of the objectives of this title;
(7) confer with and advise officials of State and local
governments;
(8) provide the managerial and organizational framework
through which joint or collaborative undertakings with agencies
or private organizations can be planned and implemented; and
(9) recommend appropriate legislative or executive actions.
(d) Responsibilities of Other Agencies.--
(1) Cooperation.--The head of each agency, or a
representative designated by such head, when and in the manner
so requested by the Secretary of Commerce, shall furnish
information, assistance, and reports to, and shall otherwise
cooperate with, the Distressed Community Investment Agency.
(2) Designation of agency contact.--The head of each agency
shall, when so requested by the Secretary of Commerce,
designate the official to have primary and continuing
responsibility for the participation and cooperation of that
agency in matters related to promoting, establishing, and
strengthening venture capital investment in distressed
communities.
(3) Agency contact duties.--Each official designated
pursuant to paragraph (2), when so requested, shall keep the
Secretary of Commerce informed of all proposed budgets, plans,
and programs of the agency of that official related to
promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital
investment in distressed communities.
(4) Continuing role of agencies.--Each agency shall
continue all efforts to promote, establish, and strengthen
venture capital investment in distressed communities, and shall
cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce in increasing the
total Federal effort.
(e) Reports.--
(1) Reports required by satellite centers.--Not later than
September 30 of each year, each satellite center shall submit
to the Secretary of Commerce a report on the activities of the
center, including the following:
(A) The center's performance in implementing the
plans and meeting the specific program goals set for
the prior fiscal year.
(B) The plans and specific program goals of the
center for the next fiscal year.
(C) Completed and ongoing joint and collaborative
undertakings with the groups described in subsection
(b)(2).
(D) The services most used by the center.
(E) Recommendations for improving the quality,
utility, and delivery of services offered by the
Distressed Community Investment Agency.
(F) Any other information requested by the
Secretary of Commerce.
(2) Reports by the secretary of commerce.--Not later than
one year after the date of the enactment of this title and
every March 31 thereafter, the Secretary of Commerce shall
submit to Congress a report on the following:
(A) The activities of the Distressed Community
Investment Agency.
(B) The location of new and existing satellite
centers.
(C) The performance of the Distressed Community
Investment Agency in implementing the plans and meeting
the specific program goals set for the prior fiscal
year.
(D) The plans and specific program goals for the
next fiscal year.
(E) Expenses of grants, contracts, and other
agreements with public or private entities.
(F) Completed and ongoing joint or collaborative
undertakings with agencies and the groups described in
subsection (b)(2).
(G) Meetings convened by the Secretary with heads
of agencies, representatives of the private sector, or
officials of State and local governments.
(H) A review and evaluation of the impact of
Federal support in achieving the objectives established
by this title.
(I) Recommendations for legislation or other action
determined to be desirable to promote the purposes of
this title.
(3) Reports by other agencies.--The head of each agency
shall--
(A) develop and implement systematic data
collection processes to provide the Distressed
Community Investment Agency current data helpful in
evaluating efforts to promote, establish, and
strengthen venture capital investment in distressed
communities; and
(B) not later than September 30 of each year,
submit to the Secretary of Commerce a report on efforts
to promote, establish, and strengthen venture capital
investment in distressed communities through workforce
development and retention, attracting businesses and
industries, fostering innovation, accelerating
entrepreneurship and business growth, and marketing
local, State, and regional ecosystems.
(f) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--Section 12 of the Act of
February 14, 1903 (15 U.S.C. 1511), is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by inserting a semicolon at the end;
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(3) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) Distressed Community Investment Agency; and''.
SEC. 303. REDESIGNATION OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO DEPARTMENT OF
INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT.
(a) In General.--The Department of Commerce is hereby redesignated
the Department of Innovation and Investment.
(b) References.--Any reference to the Department of Commerce in any
law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other
official paper in force on the date of the enactment of this title
shall be considered to refer and apply to the Department of Innovation
and Investment.
SEC. 304. REDESIGNATION OF SECRETARY OF COMMERCE TO SECRETARY OF
INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce is hereby redesignated
the Secretary of Innovation and Investment.
(b) References.--Any reference to the Secretary of Commerce in any
law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other
official paper in force on the date of the enactment of this title
shall be considered to refer and apply to the Secretary of Innovation
and Investment.
TITLE IV--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Labor
and the Secretary of Education such sums as may be necessary to carry
out each's responsibilities to carry out this Act.
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Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
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Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 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.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.