[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 165 (Friday, October 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND JOBS PARITY ACT

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                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                    of the northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 18, 2019

  Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the Employment Services 
and Jobs Parity Act. This legislation would make long overdue 
amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act to include the Northern Mariana 
Islands and American Samoa.
   Presently, the Marianas and American Samoa are not eligible for the 
employment services formula grant that is currently awarded to all 
other states and insular areas. Congressional action is needed to 
ensure all Americans can get the help they need to develop the skills 
necessary to enter in-demand jobs and career paths. Special 
Representatives of the Marianas and the President recommend in 2017 
that the Department of Interior work cooperatively with DOL to extend 
the Wagner-Peyser Act to the Marianas.
   At a time when our island economies continue to recover from major 
natural disasters, the annual Wagner-Peyser grant would provide timely 
support to the Marianas and American Samoan workforce through skills 
assessment, career guidance, and referrals to training for job seekers.
   Now is the time to make things right and ensure parity for all 
Americans. The gentlewoman from American Samoa, Mrs. Radewagen is an 
original co-sponsor. This bill is important to the workers in the 
Marianas and American Samoa. I urge all my colleagues to support this 
bipartisan legislation.

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