[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 197 (Thursday, November 19, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H5950-H5982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 
1224, I call up the bill (H.R. 8294) to amend the National 
Apprenticeship Act and expand the national apprenticeship system to 
include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship 
registered under such Act, to promote the furtherance of labor 
standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices, and for 
other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on 
Education and Labor, printed in the bill, modified by the amendment 
printed in part A of House Report 116-593, is adopted and the bill, as 
amended, is considered read.
  The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows:

                               H.R. 8294

       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 ``National Apprenticeship Act 
     of 2020''.

[[Page H5951]]

  


     SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take 
     effect beginning on July 1, 2021.

     SEC. 3. AMENDMENT.

       The Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the 
     ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 
     29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       ``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `National 
     Apprenticeship Act'.
       ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     Act is as follows:

``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Definitions.
``Sec. 3. Programs under the national apprenticeship system.
``Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
``Sec. 5. Disaggregation of data.
``Sec. 6. Relation to other laws.

 ``TITLE I--PROMOTING PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM

 ``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency 
              Approval Process, and Interagency Agreement

``Sec. 111. The Office of Apprenticeship.
``Sec. 112. National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.
``Sec. 113. State apprenticeship agencies and State Offices of 
              Apprenticeship.
``Sec. 114. Interagency agreement with Department of Education.

  ``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship 
                                 System

``Sec. 121. Apprenticeable occupations standards.
``Sec. 122. Quality standards of programs under the national 
              apprenticeship system.
``Sec. 123. Apprenticeship agreements.
``Sec. 124. Registration of programs under the national apprenticeship 
              system.

                 ``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research

``Sec. 131. Program evaluations.
``Sec. 132. National apprenticeship system research.

                    ``Subtitle D--General Provisions

``Sec. 141. Authorization of appropriations.

  ``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 
                     21ST CENTURY GRANTS

``Sec. 201. Grant requirements.
``Sec. 202. Uses of Funds.
``Sec. 203. Grant evaluations.
``Sec. 204. Grant appropriations.

     ``SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       ``In this Act:
       ``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the 
     Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship established 
     under section 111(a).
       ``(2) Advisory committee.--The term `Advisory Committee' 
     means the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships 
     established under section 112.
       ``(3) Apprentice.--The term `apprentice' means a program 
     participant in an apprenticeship program.
       ``(4) Apprenticeship agreement.--The term `apprenticeship 
     agreement' means a written agreement under section 123 
     between--
       ``(A) an apprentice, a youth apprentice, or a pre-
     apprentice; and
       ``(B) a sponsor.
       ``(5) Apprenticeship hub.--The term `apprenticeship hub' 
     means a regional or sectoral qualified intermediary 
     recognized by a State apprenticeship agency or a State Office 
     of Apprenticeship as organizing and providing activities and 
     services related to the development of programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system.
       ``(6) Apprenticeable occupation.--The term `apprenticeable 
     occupation' means an occupation that the Administrator has 
     determined meets the requirements of section 121.
       ``(7) Apprenticeship program.--The term `apprenticeship 
     program' means a program that meets the standards described 
     in section 122(b) and is registered under this Act.
       ``(8) Competency.--The term `competency' means the 
     attainment of knowledge, skills, and abilities in a subject 
     area, as specified by an occupational skill standard and 
     demonstrated by an appropriate written or hands-on 
     proficiency measurement.
       ``(9) Department.--The term `Department' means the 
     Department of Labor.
       ``(10) Education and training provider.--The term 
     `education and training provider' means--
       ``(A) an area career and technical education school;
       ``(B) an early college high school;
       ``(C) an educational service agency;
       ``(D) a high school;
       ``(E) a local educational agency or State educational 
     agency;
       ``(F) a Tribal educational agency, Tribally controlled 
     college or university, or Tribally controlled postsecondary 
     career and technical institution;
       ``(G) a postsecondary educational institution;
       ``(H) a minority-serving institution (as described in any 
     of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)));
       ``(I) a provider of adult education and literacy activities 
     under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3271 et seq.);
       ``(J) a local agency administering plans under title I of 
     the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.), other 
     than section 112 or part C of that title (29 U.S.C. 732, 
     741);
       ``(K) a related instruction provider, including a qualified 
     intermediary acting as a related instruction provider as 
     approved by a registration agency; or
       ``(L) a consortium of entities described in any of 
     subparagraphs (A) through (K).
       ``(11) Eligible entity.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(i) a program sponsor;
       ``(ii) a State workforce development board or State 
     workforce agency, or a local workforce development board or 
     local workforce development agency;
       ``(iii) an education and training provider, or a consortium 
     thereof;
       ``(iv) if the applicant is in a State with a State 
     apprenticeship agency, such State apprenticeship agency;
       ``(v) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;
       ``(vi) an industry or sector partnership, a group of 
     employers, a trade association, or a professional association 
     that sponsors or participates in a program under the national 
     apprenticeship system;
       ``(vii) a Governor of a State;
       ``(viii) a labor organization or joint labor-management 
     organization; or
       ``(ix) a qualified intermediary.
       ``(B) Sponsor requirement.--Not fewer than one entity under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be the sponsor of a program under the 
     national apprenticeship system.
       ``(12) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms 
     `Indian Tribe' and `Tribal organization' have the meaning 
     given the terms (without regard to capitalization) in section 
     4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
     Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
       ``(13) Interim credential.--The term `interim credential' 
     means a credential issued by a registration agency, upon 
     request of the appropriate sponsor, as certification of 
     competency attainment by a program participant during 
     participation in a program under the national apprenticeship 
     system.
       ``(14) Journeyworker.--The term `journeyworker' means a 
     worker who has attained a level of skill, abilities, and 
     competencies recognized within an industry as having mastered 
     the skills and competencies required for the occupation.
       ``(15) National apprenticeship system.--The term `national 
     apprenticeship system' means the apprenticeship programs, 
     youth apprenticeship programs, and pre-apprenticeship 
     programs that meet the requirements of this Act.
       ``(16) Nontraditional apprenticeship population.--The term 
     `nontraditional apprenticeship population' means a group of 
     individuals (such as a group of individuals from the same 
     gender or race), the members of which comprise fewer than 25 
     percent of the program participants in an apprenticeable 
     occupation under the national apprenticeship system.
       ``(17) Nontraditional apprenticeship industry or 
     occupation.--The term `nontraditional apprenticeship industry 
     or occupation' refers to an industry sector or occupation 
     that represents fewer than 10 percent of apprenticeable 
     occupations or the programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system.
       ``(18) Outlying area.--The term `outlying area' means 
     American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
     Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
       ``(19) Pre-apprentice.--The term `pre-apprentice' means a 
     program participant in a pre-apprenticeship program.
       ``(20) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term `pre-
     apprenticeship program' means a training model or program 
     that--
       ``(A) prepares individuals for acceptance into an 
     apprenticeship program;
       ``(B) meets the standards described in section 122(c); and
       ``(C) is registered under this Act.
       ``(21) Program participant.--The term `program participant' 
     means an apprentice, a pre-apprentice, or a youth apprentice.
       ``(22) Qualified intermediary.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified intermediary' means 
     an entity that demonstrates expertise in building, 
     connecting, sustaining, and measuring the performance of 
     partnerships described in subparagraph (B) and serves program 
     participants and employers by--
       ``(i) connecting employers to programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system;
       ``(ii) assisting in the design and implementation of such 
     programs, including curriculum development and delivery for 
     related instruction;
       ``(iii) supporting entities, sponsors, or program 
     administrators in meeting the registration and reporting 
     requirements of this Act;
       ``(iv) providing professional development activities such 
     as training to mentors;
       ``(v) connecting students or workers to programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system;
       ``(vi) developing and providing personalized program 
     participant supports, including by partnering with 
     organizations to provide access to or referrals for 
     supportive services and financial advising;
       ``(vii) providing services, resources, and supports for 
     development, delivery, expansion, or improvement of programs 
     under the national apprenticeship system; or
       ``(viii) serving as a program sponsor.
       ``(B) Partnerships.--The term `partnerships described in 
     subparagraph (B)' means partnerships among entities involved 
     in programs under the national apprenticeship system, 
     including--
       ``(i) industry or sector partnerships;
       ``(ii) partnerships among employers, joint labor-management 
     organizations, labor organizations, community-based 
     organizations, industry associations, State or local 
     workforce development boards, education and training 
     providers, social service organizations, economic development 
     organizations, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, one-
     stop operators, or one-stop partners, in the State workforce 
     development system; or
       ``(iii) partnerships among one or more of the entities 
     described in clauses (i) and (ii).

[[Page H5952]]

       ``(23) 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), except that such term does 
     not include a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship.
       ``(24) Registration agency.--The term `registration agency' 
     means the State Office of Apprenticeship or State 
     apprenticeship agency in a State that is responsible for--
       ``(A) approving or denying applications from sponsors for 
     registration of programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system in the State or area covered by the registration 
     agency; and
       ``(B) carrying out the responsibilities of supporting the 
     youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship 
     programs registered by the registration agency.
       ``(25) Related instruction.--The term `related instruction' 
     means an organized and systematic form of instruction that 
     meets the requirements of section 122(b)(1)(C).
       ``(26) Related federal programs.--The term `related Federal 
     programs' means programs or activities under the following:
       ``(A) The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), including adult education and literacy 
     activities under such Act.
       ``(B) The Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.).
       ``(C) The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).
       ``(D) The Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et 
     seq.).
       ``(E) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
     U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).
       ``(F) Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
     720 et seq.).
       ``(G) Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3056 et seq.).
       ``(H) The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
     Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
       ``(I) Chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 
     U.S.C. 2271 et seq.).
       ``(J) Chapter 41 of title 38, United States Code.
       ``(K) Employment and training activities carried out under 
     the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et 
     seq.).
       ``(L) State unemployment compensation laws (in accordance 
     with applicable Federal law).
       ``(M) Section 231 of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34 
     U.S.C. 60541).
       ``(N) Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 
     U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
       ``(O) Employment and training activities carried out by the 
     Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department 
     of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Department of 
     Energy, the Department of Transportation, and the Small 
     Business Administration.
       ``(P) Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)).
       ``(Q) Educational assistance programs under chapters 30 
     through 36 of title 38, United States Code.
       ``(27) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Labor.
       ``(28) Sponsor.--The term `sponsor' means an employer, 
     joint labor-management organization, trade association, 
     professional association, labor organization, education and 
     training provider, or qualified intermediary that is applying 
     to administer and operate a program under the national 
     apprenticeship system.
       ``(29) State.--The term `State'--
       ``(A) has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102); 
     and
       ``(B) includes each of the outlying areas.
       ``(30) State apprenticeship agency.--The term `State 
     apprenticeship agency' means a State agency recognized as a 
     State apprenticeship agency under section 113.
       ``(31) State apprenticeship council.--The term `State 
     apprenticeship council' means an entity established under 
     section 113(b)(3) to assist the State apprenticeship agency.
       ``(32) State office of apprenticeship.--The term `State 
     office of apprenticeship' means the office designated by the 
     Administrator to administer programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system in such State and meets the 
     requirements of section 111(b)(3).
       ``(33) State or local workforce development boards.--The 
     terms `State workforce development board' and `local 
     workforce development board' have the meanings given the 
     terms `State board' and `local board', respectively, in 
     section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3102).
       ``(34) State workforce agency.--The term `State workforce 
     agency' means the State agency with responsibility for 
     workforce investment activities under chapters 2 and 3 of 
     subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121 et seq., 3131 et seq.).
       ``(35) CTE terms.--The terms `area career and technical 
     education school', `articulation agreement', `credit transfer 
     agreement', `postsecondary educational institution', 
     `Tribally controlled college or university', `Tribally 
     controlled postsecondary career and technical institution', 
     and `work-based learning' have the meanings given in section 
     3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act 
     of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
       ``(36) ESEA terms.--The terms `dual or concurrent 
     enrollment program', `early college high school', `education 
     service agency', `high school', `local educational agency', 
     `paraprofessional', and `State educational agency' have the 
     meanings given in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
       ``(37) Tribal educational agency.--The term `Tribal 
     educational agency' has the meaning given the term in section 
     6132 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 7452).
       ``(38) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `in-demand 
     industry sector or occupation', `individual with a barrier to 
     employment', `industry or sector partnership', `labor market 
     area', `local area', `one-stop center', `one-stop operator', 
     `one-stop partner', `supportive services' and `workforce 
     development system' have the meanings given in section 3 of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3102).
       ``(39) Youth apprentice.--The term `youth apprentice' means 
     a participant in a youth apprenticeship program.
       ``(40) Youth apprenticeship program.--The term `youth 
     apprenticeship program' means a model or program that meets 
     the standards described in section 122(d) and is registered 
     under this Act.

     ``SEC. 3. PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.

       ``Any funds appropriated under this Act shall only be used 
     for, or provided to, programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system, including any funds awarded for the 
     purposes of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, or 
     the development, implementation, or administration, of 
     program under the national apprenticeship system.

     ``SEC. 4. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

       ``The Secretary shall take such steps as are necessary to 
     provide for the orderly transition to the authority of this 
     Act (as amended by the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020) 
     from any authority under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly 
     referred to as the `National Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 
     664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), as in effect on the 
     day before the date of enactment of the National 
     Apprenticeship Act of 2020.

     ``SEC. 5. DISAGGREGATION OF DATA.

       ``The disaggregation of data under this Act shall not be 
     required when the number of program participants in a 
     category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable 
     information or when the results would reveal personally 
     identifiable information about a program participant or would 
     reveal such information when combined with other released 
     information.

     ``SEC. 6. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS.

       ``Nothing in this Act shall invalidate or limit the 
     remedies, rights, and procedures under any Federal law or the 
     law of any State or political subdivision of any State or 
     jurisdiction that provides greater or equal protection for 
     individuals based on race, color, religion, national origin, 
     sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or 
     disability than are afforded by this Act.

 ``TITLE I--PROMOTING PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM

 ``Subtitle A--The Office of Apprenticeship, State Registration Agency 
              Approval Process, and Interagency Agreement

     ``SEC. 111. THE OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP.

       ``(a) Establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship.--There 
     is established, in the Employment and Training Administration 
     of the Department of Labor, an Office of Apprenticeship 
     (referred to in this section as the `Office'), which shall be 
     directed by an Administrator who has demonstrated knowledge 
     of the national apprenticeship system necessary to head the 
     Office.
       ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Administrator shall be 
     responsible for the administration of this Act, including:
       ``(1) Promotion and awareness activities.--The 
     Administrator shall carry out promotion and awareness 
     activities, including the following:
       ``(A) Supporting the development or scaling of 
     apprenticeship models nationally, promoting the effectiveness 
     of youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and 
     apprenticeship programs, and providing promotional materials 
     to State apprenticeship agencies, State workforce development 
     systems or local workforce development systems, State 
     educational agencies or local educational agencies, 
     employers, trade associations, professional associations, 
     industry groups, labor organizations, joint labor-management 
     organizations, education and training providers, Federal and 
     State correctional facilities, and prospective apprentices in 
     such programs.
       ``(B) Promoting greater diversity in the national 
     apprenticeship system including by--
       ``(i)(I) promoting outreach to nontraditional 
     apprenticeship populations;
       ``(II) engaging minority-serving institutions and employers 
     from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations; 
     and
       ``(III) engaging small, medium-size, women-owned, and 
     minority-owned businesses, and employers in high-skill, high-
     wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations that are 
     nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations; and
       ``(ii) supporting the participation and retention of 
     apprentices and employers described in clause (i) in the 
     national apprenticeship system.
       ``(2) Technical assistance activities.--The Administrator 
     shall carry out technical assistance activities, including 
     the following:
       ``(A) Providing technical assistance to--
       ``(i) assist State apprenticeship agencies and sponsors in 
     complying with the requirements of this Act, including the 
     process and standards described in subtitle B and the 
     evaluation and research requirements described in subtitle C;
       ``(ii) receive and resolve comments or complaints from 
     youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, or apprentices, sponsors, 
     employers, State apprenticeship agencies, State local 
     workforce agencies or local workforce agencies, State 
     educational agencies or local educational agencies, qualified 
     intermediaries, labor organizations, joint labor-management 
     organizations, or other stakeholders;
       ``(iii) assist sponsors, employers, qualified 
     intermediaries, and education and training or related 
     instruction providers, or other entities interested in 
     becoming sponsors, or seeking support for developing programs 
     under the national

[[Page H5953]]

     apprenticeship system or effectively carrying out such 
     programs, including providing assistance for remote or 
     virtual learning or training, as necessary;
       ``(iv) assist those applying for or carrying out grants 
     under title II; and
       ``(v) share, through a national apprenticeship system 
     clearinghouse, high-quality materials for programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system, such as related instruction 
     or training materials.
       ``(B) Cooperating with the--
       ``(i) Secretary of Education in--

       ``(I) providing technical assistance for the development 
     and implementation of related instruction under the national 
     apprenticeship system that is aligned with State education 
     systems and education and training providers; and
       ``(II) supporting the stackability and portability of 
     academic credit and credentials earned as part of such 
     programs, including through articulation agreements and 
     career pathways; and

       ``(ii) State workforce development systems to promote 
     awareness of opportunities under the national apprenticeship 
     system.
       ``(3) State offices of apprenticeship.--
       ``(A) Establishment of offices.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall establish and 
     operate a State Office of Apprenticeship in a State described 
     in clause (ii) to serve as the registration agency for such 
     State.
       ``(ii) Applicable states.--A State described in this clause 
     is a State--

       ``(I) in which, as of the day before the date of enactment 
     of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, there is no State 
     Office of Apprenticeship; and
       ``(II) that has not applied for recognition as a State 
     apprenticeship agency under section 113, or for which such 
     recognition has not provided or has been withdrawn by the 
     Administrator under such section.

       ``(B) State plan requirement.--Each State Office of 
     Apprenticeship shall be administered by a State Director who 
     shall prepare and submit a State plan that meets the 
     requirements of section 113(c).
       ``(C) Vacancies.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, in the case of a State Office of 
     Apprenticeship with a vacant position, the Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(i) make information on such vacancy available on a 
     publicly accessible website; and
       ``(ii) report to the Committee on Education and Labor of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, on the status 
     and length of such vacancy if such vacancy is not filled not 
     later than 90 days after such position has become vacant.
       ``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph 
     shall be construed to prohibit any State described in 
     subparagraph (A)(ii) from establishing an agency or entity to 
     promote programs under the national apprenticeship system in 
     such State, in coordination with the State Office of 
     Apprenticeship operating in the State, so long as such agency 
     or entity does not act as the registration agency in such 
     State.
       ``(4) Quality standards, apprenticeship agreement, and 
     registration review.--In order for the Secretary, acting 
     through the Administrator, to support the formulation and 
     furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the 
     welfare of program participants, and to extend the 
     application of such standards in apprenticeship agreements, 
     not later than 1 year after the effective date of the 
     National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, and at least every 3 
     years thereafter, the Administrator shall review, and where 
     appropriate, update the process for meeting the requirements 
     of subtitle B, including applicable regulations and 
     subregulatory guidance to ensure that such process is easily 
     accessible and efficient to bring together employers and 
     labor as sponsors or potential sponsors of programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system.
       ``(5) Apprenticeable occupations.--
       ``(A) Existing apprenticeable occupations.--The 
     Administrator shall regularly review and update the 
     requirements for each apprenticeable occupation to ensure 
     that such requirements are in compliance with requirements 
     under this Act.
       ``(B) New apprenticeable occupation.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall review and make 
     a determination on whether to approve an occupation as an 
     apprenticeable occupation not later than 45 days after 
     receiving an application from a person seeking such approval 
     from the Administrator.
       ``(ii) Estimated timeline.--If such determination is not 
     made within 45 days, the Administrator shall provide the 
     applicant with a written explanation for the delay and offer 
     an estimated timeline for a determination that does not to 
     exceed 90 days after the date of such written explanation.
       ``(C) Industry recognized occupational standards.--
       ``(i) In general.--From the funds appropriated under 
     section 141(a), the Administrator shall convene, on an 
     ongoing basis and taking into consideration recommendations 
     of the Advisory Committee under section 112(d)(4), the 
     industry sector leaders and experts described in clause (ii) 
     for the purposes of establishing or updating specific 
     frameworks of industry recognized occupational standards for 
     apprenticeable occupations (including potential 
     apprenticeable occupations) that--

       ``(I) meet the requirements of this Act; and
       ``(II) describe program scope and length, related 
     instruction, on-the-job training, recognized postsecondary 
     credentials, and competencies, and relevant timelines for 
     review of such frameworks.

       ``(ii) Industry sector leaders and experts.--The industry 
     sector leaders and experts are employers, industry 
     associations, joint labor-management organizations, labor 
     organizations, education and training providers, credential 
     providers, program participants, and other stakeholders 
     relevant to the sector or occupation for which the frameworks 
     are being established or updated, as determined by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(iii) Priority industry recognized apprenticeable 
     occupations.--In establishing frameworks under clause (i) for 
     the first time after the effective date of the National 
     Apprenticeship Act of 2020, the Administrator shall 
     prioritize the establishment of such standards in high-skill, 
     high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
       ``(D) Regulations.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, 
     the Secretary shall issue regulations that outline a process 
     for proactively establishing and approving standards and 
     requirements for apprenticeable occupations in consultation 
     with the industry sector leaders and experts described in 
     subparagraph (C)(ii).
       ``(6) Program oversight and evaluation.--The Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(A) monitor State apprenticeship agencies, State Offices 
     of Apprenticeship, grantees, and sponsors of programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system to ensure compliance with 
     the requirements of this Act;
       ``(B) provide technical assistance to assist such entities 
     with such compliance or program performance; and
       ``(C) conduct research and evaluation in accordance with 
     subtitle C.
       ``(7) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship 
     system.--The Administrator shall promote diversity and ensure 
     equal opportunity to participate in programs for apprentices, 
     youth apprentices, and pre-apprentices, including--
       ``(A) taking steps necessary to promote diversity in 
     apprenticeable occupations under the national apprenticeship 
     system, especially in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand 
     industry sectors and occupations in areas with high 
     percentages of low-income individuals;
       ``(B) ensuring programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system--
       ``(i) adopt and implement policies to provide for equal 
     opportunity in such programs, as described in section 30.3 of 
     title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on 
     January 31, 2020);
       ``(ii) do not engage in intimidation or retaliation as 
     prohibited under section 30.17 of title 29, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (as in effect on January 31, 2020); and
       ``(iii) are subject, for any violation of clauses (i) or 
     (ii), to enforcement action under this Act; and
       ``(C) supporting the recruitment, employment, and retention 
     of nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs 
     under the national apprenticeship system in high-skill, high-
     wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations, 
     including women, people of color, individuals with 
     disabilities, individuals impacted by the criminal and 
     juvenile justice system, and individuals with barriers to 
     employment, as applicable.
       ``(8) Grant awards.--The Administrator shall award grants 
     under title II.
       ``(9) National advisory committee.--The Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(A) regularly consult with the National Advisory 
     Committee on Apprenticeships under section 112; and
       ``(B) ensure that the required recommendations and other 
     reports of the Advisory Committee are submitted to the 
     Secretary and transmitted to the Committee on Education and 
     Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
       ``(10) Coordination.--The Administrator shall coordinate 
     and align programs under the national apprenticeship system 
     with related Federal programs.
       ``(c) Information Collection and Dissemination.--The 
     Administrator shall provide for data collection and 
     dissemination of information regarding programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system, including--
       ``(1) not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
     of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, establishing and 
     supporting a single information technology infrastructure to 
     support data collection and reporting from State 
     apprenticeship agencies, State Offices of Apprenticeship, 
     grantees under title II, program sponsors, and program 
     administrators under the national apprenticeship system by 
     providing for a data infrastructure that--
       ``(A) is developed and maintained by the Administrator, 
     with input from national data and privacy experts, is 
     informed by best practices on public provision of credential 
     information, and to the extent practicable, aligns with the 
     technology infrastructure for related Federal programs, such 
     as the technology infrastructure used under the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.);
       ``(B) best meets the needs of the national apprenticeship 
     system stakeholders reporting data to the Administrator or 
     State apprenticeship agencies, including through the 
     provision of technical assistance and financial assistance as 
     necessary to ensure reporting systems are equipped to report 
     into a single information technology infrastructure; and
       ``(C) is aligned with data from the performance reviews 
     under section 131(b)(1)(A);
       ``(2) providing for data sharing that includes making 
     nonpersonally identifiable apprenticeship data available on a 
     publicly accessible website that is searchable and 
     comparable, through the use of common, linked, open-data 
     description language, such as the credential transparency 
     description language or a substantially similar resource, so 
     that interested parties can become aware of apprenticeship 
     opportunities and of program outcomes that best meets the

[[Page H5954]]

     needs of youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, and apprentices, 
     employers, education and training providers, program 
     sponsors, and relevant stakeholders, including--
       ``(A) information on program offerings under the national 
     apprenticeship system based on geographical location and 
     apprenticeable occupation;
       ``(B) information on education and training providers 
     providing opportunities under such system, including whether 
     programs under such system offer dual or concurrent 
     enrollment programs, articulation agreements, and recognized 
     postsecondary credentials as part of the program offerings;
       ``(C) information about the educational and occupational 
     credentials and related competencies of programs under such 
     system; and
       ``(D) information based on the most recent data available 
     to the Office that is consistent with national standards and 
     practices.

     ``SEC. 112. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON APPRENTICESHIPS.

       ``(a) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is established, in the Department 
     of Labor, a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships.
       ``(2) Composition.--
       ``(A) Appointments.--The Advisory Committee shall consist 
     of 27 voting members described in subparagraph (B) appointed 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(B) List of individuals.--The individuals described in 
     this subparagraph are--
       ``(i) 9 representatives of employers or industry 
     associations who participate in an apprenticeship program, 
     including representatives of employers representing 
     nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations, and 
     other high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or 
     occupations, as applicable;
       ``(ii) 9 representatives of labor organizations or joint 
     labor-management organizations who have responsibility for 
     the administration of an apprenticeship program (including 
     those sponsored by a joint labor-management organization and 
     from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or 
     occupations), at least 1 of which represent employees 
     primarily in the building trades and construction industry;
       ``(iii) 1 representative of each from--

       ``(I) a State apprenticeship agency;
       ``(II) a State or local workforce development board with 
     significant expertise in supporting a program under the 
     national apprenticeship system;
       ``(III) a community organization with significant expertise 
     supporting such a program;
       ``(IV) an area career and technical education school or 
     local educational agency;
       ``(V) a State apprenticeship council;
       ``(VI) a State or local postsecondary education and 
     training providers that administers, or has not less than 1 
     articulation agreement with an entity administering, a 
     program under the national apprenticeship system;
       ``(VII) a provider of an industry-recognized credential;
       ``(VII) a national qualified intermediary; and
       ``(IX) an apprentice.

       ``(C) Ex officio nonvoting members.--The Advisory Committee 
     shall consist of ex officio nonvoting members from each of 
     the following departments, selected by the applicable 
     Secretary--
       ``(i) the Department of Labor;
       ``(ii) the Department of Commerce;
       ``(iii) the Department of Education;
       ``(iv) the Department of Energy;
       ``(v) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
       ``(vi) the Department of Transportation;
       ``(vii) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
       ``(viii) the Department of Health and Human Services;
       ``(ix) the Department of Justice; and
       ``(x) the Department of Defense.
       ``(D) Recommendations.--The Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of 
     Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the 
     Minority Leader of the Senate may each recommend to the 
     Secretary an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) of 
     subparagraph (B) for appointment under subparagraph (A) who 
     shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (3).
       ``(3) Qualifications.--An individual shall be selected 
     under paragraph (1) on the basis of the experience and 
     competence of such individual with respect to programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system.
       ``(4) Terms.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each voting member of the Advisory 
     Committee shall be appointed for a term of 4 years, except as 
     provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D).
       ``(B) Terms of initial appointees.--
       ``(i) In general.--The appointments of the initial members 
     of the Advisory Committee shall be made not later than 90 
     days after the effective date of the National Apprenticeship 
     Act of 2020.
       ``(ii) Staggering of terms.--As designated by the Secretary 
     at the time of the appointment, of the members first 
     appointed--

       ``(I) half of such members shall serve a 2-year term; and
       ``(II) half of such members shall serve a 4-year term.

       ``(C) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     occurring before the expiration of the term for which the 
     member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only 
     for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the 
     expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken 
     office. A vacancy in the Advisory Committee shall be filled 
     in the manner in which the original appointment was made, 
     except that such appointment shall be made not later than 90 
     days after the date of the vacancy. A member who fulfilled a 
     partial term as the result of a vacancy may, at the end that 
     term, be appointed to a full term.
       ``(D) Multiple terms.--A voting member of the Advisory 
     Committee may serve not more than 2 full terms on the 
     Advisory Committee.
       ``(b) Chairperson.--The Advisory Committee members shall 
     designate by vote one of the voting members described in 
     subsection (a)(2)(A) of the Advisory Committee to serve as 
     Chairperson of the Advisory Committee.
       ``(c) Meetings.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall meet at the 
     call of the Chairperson and hold not fewer than 4 meetings 
     during each calendar year.
       ``(2) Open access.--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 within 
     30 days of the meeting.
       ``(d) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall, at a minimum--
       ``(1) advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the 
     Administrator on matters relating to the administration of 
     this Act, including recommendations on regulations and 
     policies related to the administration of this Act;
       ``(2) annually prepare a set of recommendations for the 
     Administrator, to be shared with the Committee on Education 
     and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the Senate, to 
     improve the registration process under subtitle B to make the 
     process easily accessible and efficient for use by sponsors 
     while maintaining the requirements under subtitle B;
       ``(3) make recommendations on expanding participation of 
     nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system; and
       ``(4) review apprenticeable occupations and, based on 
     reviews of labor market trends and changes, make 
     recommendations to the Administrator on whether to--
       ``(A) make updates to apprenticeable occupations under 
     section 111(b)(5)(A); or
       ``(B) convene sector leaders and experts under section 
     111(b)(5)(C) for the establishing specific frameworks of 
     industry recognized occupational standards.
       ``(e) Personnel.--
       ``(1) Compensation of members.--
       ``(A) In general.--A member of the Advisory Committee who 
     is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall 
     be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the 
     annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the 
     Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
     States Code, for each day (including travel time) during 
     which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties 
     of the Advisory Committee.
       ``(B) Officers or employees of the united states.--Members 
     of the Advisory Committee who are officers or employees of 
     the United States may not receive additional pay, allowances, 
     or benefits by reason of their service on the Advisory 
     Committee.
       ``(2) Staff.--The Secretary shall supply the Advisory 
     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 carry out the duties described in subsection (d).
       ``(3) Data requests.--The Advisory Committee through its 
     Chairperson may request data from the Secretary as determined 
     necessary by the Advisory Committee to carry out its 
     functions as described in this section.
       ``(f) Permanent Committee.--The Federal Advisory Committee 
     Act (5 U.S.C. App.) (other than section 14 of such Act) shall 
     apply to the Advisory Committee.

     ``SEC. 113. STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCIES AND STATE OFFICES 
                   OF APPRENTICESHIP.

       ``(a) Recognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall recognize a 
     State agency as a State apprenticeship agency in accordance 
     with this section and cooperate with such State 
     apprenticeship agency regarding the formulation and promotion 
     of standards of apprenticeship under subtitle B.
       ``(2) Application.--A State desiring to have a State agency 
     recognized as a State apprenticeship agency under this 
     section shall submit an application at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Administrator 
     may require, including--
       ``(A) the initial State plan described in subsection 
     (c)(2)(A)(i);
       ``(B) a description of how the State apprenticeship agency 
     will meet the State plan requirements of subsection (c); and
       ``(C) a description of the linkages and coordination of the 
     State's proposed standards, criteria, and requirements with 
     the State's economic development strategies and workforce 
     development system and the State's secondary, postsecondary, 
     and adult education systems.
       ``(3) Review and recognition.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which a State submits an application under paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall notify the State regarding whether the agency 
     of the State is recognized as a State apprenticeship agency 
     under this section.
       ``(B) Duration of recognition.--
       ``(i) Duration.--The recognition of a State apprenticeship 
     agency shall be for a 4-year period beginning on the date the 
     State apprenticeship agency is notified under subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(ii) Notification.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall notify a State 
     apprenticeship agency not later than 180 days before the last 
     day of the 4-year period regarding whether the State 
     apprenticeship agency is in compliance with this section.
       ``(II) Compliance.--In the case of a State apprenticeship 
     agency that is in compliance with this section, the agency's 
     recognition under this section shall be renewed for an 
     additional 4-year period and the notification under subclause 
     (I) shall include notification of such renewal.

[[Page H5955]]

       ``(III) Noncompliance.--In the case of a State 
     apprenticeship agency that is not in compliance with this 
     section, the notification shall--

       ``(aa) specify the areas of noncompliance;
       ``(bb) require corrective action; and
       ``(cc) offer technical assistance.
       ``(iii) Renewal after correction.--If the Administrator 
     determines that a State apprenticeship agency has corrected 
     the identified areas of noncompliance under this subparagraph 
     not later than 180 days of notification of noncompliance, the 
     State apprenticeship agency's recognition under this section 
     shall be renewed for an additional 4-year period.
       ``(C) Transition period for state agencies.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, a 
     State agency that, as of the day before the date of enactment 
     of such Act, was recognized by the Secretary for purposes of 
     registering apprenticeship programs in accordance with this 
     Act shall submit an application under paragraph (2).
       ``(ii) Transition period.--A State agency described in 
     clause (i) shall be recognized as a State apprenticeship 
     agency under this section for a 4-year period beginning on 
     the date on which the Secretary approves the application 
     submitted by the State agency under paragraph (2).
       ``(b) Authority of a State Apprenticeship Agency.--
       ``(1) In general.--For the period during which a State 
     apprenticeship agency is recognized under subsection (a) and 
     to maintain such recognition, the State apprenticeship agency 
     shall carry out the requirements of this Act.
       ``(2) Program recognition.--With respect to a State with a 
     State apprenticeship agency, the State apprenticeship agency 
     shall have sole authority to recognize and register a pre-
     apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or apprenticeship 
     program in such State, which shall include--
       ``(A) determining whether such program is in compliance 
     with the standards for such program under section 122;
       ``(B) in the case of such a program that is in compliance 
     with such standards, recognizing the program and providing a 
     certificate of recognition for such program;
       ``(C) providing technical assistance to current or 
     potential sponsors; and
       ``(D) in the case of such a program that fails to meet the 
     requirements of this Act, providing for the withdrawal of 
     recognition of the program in accordance with section 131(b).
       ``(3) State apprenticeship council.--
       ``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency shall 
     establish and continue to use a State apprenticeship council, 
     which shall operate in compliance with the requirements of 
     this Act under the direction of the State apprenticeship 
     agency.
       ``(B) Composition.--A State apprenticeship council may be 
     regulatory or advisory in nature, and shall--
       ``(i) be composed of persons familiar with apprenticeable 
     occupations; and
       ``(ii) be fairly balanced, with an equal number of--

       ``(I) representatives of employer organizations, including 
     from nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations;
       ``(II) representatives of labor organizations or joint 
     labor-management organizations, including from nontraditional 
     apprenticeship industries or occupations; and
       ``(III) public members; and

       ``(iii) to the extent practicable, have not less than 1 
     member who is a member of the State workforce board.
       ``(C) Special rule.--A State apprenticeship council shall 
     not be eligible for recognition as a State apprenticeship 
     agency.
       ``(c) State Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--For a State apprenticeship agency to be 
     eligible to receive allotments under subsection (f) and to be 
     recognized under this section, the State apprenticeship 
     agency shall submit to the Secretary a State plan that meets 
     the requirements of this subsection.
       ``(2) Approval of state plan.--
       ``(A) Submission.--
       ``(i) Initial plan.--The first State plan of a State 
     apprenticeship agency shall be submitted to the Administrator 
     not later than 120 days prior to the commencement of the 
     first full program year of the State apprenticeship agency, 
     which shall include--

       ``(I) a description of any State laws, policies, or 
     operational procedures relating to the process of recognizing 
     programs under the national apprenticeship system that is 
     inconsistent with, or imposes requirements in addition to, 
     the requirements of this Act;
       ``(II) an assurance that the State will notify the 
     Administrator if there are any changes to the State laws 
     (including regulations), policies, or procedures described in 
     subclause (I) that occur after the date of submission of such 
     plan; and
       ``(III) an assurance that the State will make available on 
     a publicly available website a description of any laws 
     (including regulations), policies, and operational procedures 
     relating to the process of recognizing programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system that are inconsistent with, or 
     impose requirements in addition to, the requirements of this 
     Act.

       ``(ii) Subsequent plans.--Except as provided in clause (i), 
     a State plan shall be submitted to the Administrator not 
     later than 120 days prior to the end of the 4-year period 
     covered by the preceding State plan.
       ``(B) Approval.--A State plan shall be subject to the 
     approval of the Administrator and shall be considered to be 
     approved at the end of the 90-day period beginning on the 
     date that the plan is submitted under this paragraph, unless 
     the Administrator, during the 90-day period, provides the 
     State apprenticeship agency, in writing--
       ``(i) an explanation for why the State plan is inconsistent 
     with the requirements of this Act; and
       ``(ii) an opportunity for an appeal of such determination 
     to an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Labor 
     not later than 30 days after receipt of the notice of denial 
     from the Administrator.
       ``(C) Modifications.--
       ``(i) Modifications.--At the end of the first 2-year period 
     of any 4-year State plan, the State may submit modifications 
     to the State plan to reflect changes in labor market and 
     economic conditions or other factors affecting the 
     implementation of the State plan.
       ``(ii) Approval.--A modified State plan submitted for 
     review under clause (i) shall be subject to the approval 
     requirements described in subparagraph (B).
       ``(3) Technical assistance.--Each State Plan shall describe 
     how the State apprenticeship agency will provide technical 
     assistance for--
       ``(A) potential sponsors, employers, labor organizations, 
     joint labor-management organizations, qualified 
     intermediaries, apprentices, education and training 
     providers, credentialing bodies, eligible entities, industry 
     associations, or any potential program participant in the 
     national apprenticeship system in the State for the purposes 
     of recruitment, retention, program development, expansion, or 
     implementation, including supporting remote or virtual 
     learning or training, as necessary;
       ``(B) sponsors of programs registered in the State, 
     including sponsors that are not meeting performance goals 
     under subtitle C, for purposes of assisting sponsors in 
     meeting or exceeding such goals; and
       ``(C) sponsors of programs registered in that State for 
     purposes of assisting such sponsors in achieving State goals 
     in diversity and equal opportunity in apprenticeships in 
     accordance with paragraph (5).
       ``(4) Reciprocity.--Each State plan shall describe how the 
     State apprenticeship agency, in the case of a program 
     recognized by a registration agency in another State, shall 
     recognize such program in the State of such agency for 
     purposes of this Act by not later than 30 days after receipt 
     of an application for such recognition from a program 
     sponsor, as long as such program meets the wage and hour 
     provisions of the State granting reciprocity.
       ``(5) Promoting diversity in the national apprenticeship 
     system.--Each State plan shall include a plan for how the 
     State apprenticeship agency will--
       ``(A) promote diversity in apprenticeable occupations 
     offered throughout the State, and a description of how such 
     agency will promote the addition of apprenticeable 
     occupations in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry 
     sectors and occupations, and in nontraditional apprenticeship 
     occupations and sectors; and
       ``(B) promote diversity and equal opportunity in programs 
     under the national apprenticeship system by uniformly 
     adopting and implementing the requirements of subparagraphs 
     (B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
       ``(6) Complaints.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), each State 
     plan shall include a description of the system for the State 
     apprenticeship agency to receive and resolve complaints 
     submitted by program participants, the program participant's 
     authorized representative, sponsors, employers, or nonprofit 
     compliance organizations, such as complaints concerning equal 
     employment opportunity or discrimination, violations of the 
     apprenticeship agreement, or violations of requirements under 
     this Act.
       ``(B) Collective bargaining agreements.--Any controversy 
     arising under an apprenticeship agreement which is covered by 
     a collective bargaining agreement shall not be subject to the 
     system described in subparagraph (A), except that complaints 
     concerning discrimination or any matters described in 
     subparagraph (5)(B) shall be subject to such system.
       ``(7) State apprenticeship hubs.--Each State plan shall 
     describe how the State will support, in a manner that takes 
     into consideration geographic diversity, the creation and 
     implementation of apprenticeship hubs throughout the State 
     that shall work with industry and sector partnerships to 
     expand programs under the national apprenticeship system, and 
     apprenticeable occupations, in the State.
       ``(8) State apprenticeship performance outcomes.--Each 
     State plan shall--
       ``(A) in coordination with the Administrator, establish 
     annual State performance goals for the programs registered by 
     the State apprenticeship agency for the indicators 
     described--
       ``(i) in subparagraph (A) of section 131(b)(1); and
       ``(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii) of section 131(b)(1); and
       ``(B) describe how the State apprenticeship agency will 
     collect performance data from programs registered by the 
     agency; and
       ``(C) annually report on the outcomes of each such program 
     in relation to the State established goals under subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(9) Uses of funds.--Each State plan shall include a 
     description of the uses described in subsection (d) of the 
     allotment received by the State apprenticeship agency under 
     subsection (f).
       ``(10) Alignment of workforce activities.--Each State plan 
     shall include a summary of State-supported workforce 
     development activities (including education and training) in 
     the State, including--
       ``(A) a summary of the apprenticeship programs on the list 
     of eligible providers of training services under section 
     122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3152(d));

[[Page H5956]]

       ``(B) the degree to which the programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system in the State are aligned with and 
     address the skill needs of the employers in the State 
     identified by the State workforce development board; and
       ``(C) a description of how apprenticeship programs will 
     receive expedited consideration to be included on the list of 
     eligible providers of training services under section 122(d) 
     of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3152(d)).
       ``(11) State strategic vision.--Each State plan shall 
     include a summary of the State's strategic vision and set of 
     goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and for 
     meeting the skilled workforce needs of employers, including 
     in existing and emerging in-demand industry sectors and 
     occupations as identified by the State, and how the programs 
     registered by the State apprenticeship agency in the State 
     will help to meet such goals.
       ``(12) Strategy for any joint planning, alignment, 
     coordination, and leveraging of funds.--Each State plan shall 
     provide a description of the State apprenticeship agency's 
     strategy for joint planning, alignment, coordination, and 
     leveraging of funds--
       ``(A) with the State's workforce development system, to 
     achieve the strategic vision and goals described in paragraph 
     (11), including the core programs defined in section 3 of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) and 
     the elements related to system alignment under section 
     102(b)(2)(B) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3112(b)(2)(B));
       ``(B) for programs under the national apprenticeship system 
     in the State with other Federal education programs, including 
     programs under--
       ``(i) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
       ``(ii) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
       ``(iii) the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
     Act of 2006; and
       ``(iv) the Higher Education Act of 1965; and
       ``(C) to provide information about access to available 
     State assistance or assistance under related Federal 
     programs, including such assistance under--
       ``(i) section 6(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008;
       ``(ii) subsection (c)(1) of section 3672 of title 38, 
     United States Code;
       ``(iii) section 231 of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (34 
     U.S.C. 60541); and
       ``(iv) the State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 
     programs under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act.
       ``(13) State apprenticeship council.--Each State plan shall 
     provide for a description of the composition, roles, and 
     responsibility of the State apprenticeship council, and how 
     the Council will comply with the requirements of subsection 
     (b)(3).
       ``(d) State Apprenticeship Agency Funding.--A State 
     apprenticeship agency shall use funds received under clauses 
     (i) and (ii) of subsection (f)(1)(A) according to the 
     following requirements:
       ``(1) Program administration.--The State apprenticeship 
     agency shall use such funds to support the administration of 
     programs under the national apprenticeship system across the 
     State, including for--
       ``(A) staff and resources;
       ``(B) oversight and evaluation as required under this Act;
       ``(C) technical assistance to program sponsors, program 
     participants, employers, labor organizations, joint labor-
     management organizations, education and training providers, 
     and qualified intermediaries;
       ``(D) pre-apprenticeship, youth, and apprenticeship program 
     recruitment and development, including for--
       ``(i) engaging potential providers of such programs such as 
     employers, qualified intermediaries, related instruction 
     providers, and potential program participants;
       ``(ii) publicizing apprenticeship opportunities and 
     benefits; and
       ``(iii) engaging State workforce and education systems for 
     collaboration and alignment across systems;
       ``(E) supporting the enrollment and apprenticeship 
     certification requirements to allow veterans and other 
     individuals eligible for the educational assistance programs 
     under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38, United States Code, 
     and any related educational assistance programs under laws 
     administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to use 
     such assistance for the apprenticeship program, including the 
     requirement of designating a certifying official; and
       ``(F) supporting the retention and completion of program 
     participants in such programs, such as by assisting with the 
     costs--
       ``(i) related to enrolling in such programs; or
       ``(ii) of assessments related to obtaining a recognized 
     postsecondary credential.
       ``(2) Educational alignment.--The State apprenticeship 
     agency shall use not less than 10 percent of such funds to 
     engage with the State education system to provide technical 
     assistance and best practices regarding--
       ``(A) alignment of youth apprenticeship programs with the 
     secondary education programs in the State, including support 
     for career exploration, career pathways, education and career 
     planning, and engagement with youth apprenticeship programs 
     for teachers, career guidance and academic counselors, school 
     leaders, administrators, and specialized instructional 
     support personnel and paraprofessionals;
       ``(B) alignment of related instruction provided under the 
     national apprenticeship system in the State with academic 
     credit granting postsecondary programs (including developing 
     career pathways, articulation agreements, and prior learning 
     assessments); and
       ``(C) the joint planning, alignment, coordination, and 
     leveraging of funds described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of 
     subsection (c)(12).
       ``(3) Workforce alignment.--The State apprenticeship agency 
     shall use not less than 10 percent of such funds to engage 
     with the State workforce development system to provide 
     technical assistance and best practices regarding--
       ``(A) alignment with the State's workforce activities and 
     strategic vision in accordance with paragraphs (10), (11), 
     and subparagraphs (A) and (C) of paragraph (12) of subsection 
     (c);
       ``(B) guidance for training staff of the workforce 
     development system, including the vocational rehabilitation 
     agencies, within the State on the value of programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system as a work-based learning 
     option for participants, including participants of programs 
     authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) such as Job Corps under subtitle C 
     of title I of such Act and YouthBuild under section 171 of 
     such Act;
       ``(C) providing a list of programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system that are offered in the State, 
     including in the State's high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand 
     industry sectors or occupations;
       ``(D) alignment of funding received and reporting required 
     under this Act, including relevant placement, retention, and 
     earnings information, with the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), and technical 
     assistance in how individual training accounts under section 
     134(c)(3) of such Act could be used to pay for the costs of 
     enrolling and participating in programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system;
       ``(E) partnerships with State or local workforce 
     development boards, State workforce agencies, and one-stop 
     centers and one-stop operators that assist program 
     participants in accessing supportive services to support--
       ``(i) the recruitment, retention, and completion of 
     programs under the national apprenticeship system;
       ``(ii) transitions from youth apprenticeships and pre-
     apprenticeships to apprenticeship programs; and
       ``(iii) the placement into employment or further education 
     upon program completion; and
       ``(F) expanding the list of eligible providers of training 
     services under section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act to include programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system in the State (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)).
       ``(4) Leadership activities.--
       ``(A) In general.--A State apprenticeship agency may 
     reserve not more than 15 percent of the funds received under 
     subsection (f) in support of State apprenticeship initiatives 
     described in this paragraph.
       ``(B) Diversity.--Not less than 5 percent of the amount 
     reserved under subparagraph (A) shall be used by the State 
     apprenticeship agency for supporting and expanding diversity 
     in apprenticeable occupations under the national 
     apprenticeship system in the State and program participant 
     populations in the State.
       ``(C) Incentives for employers.--A State apprenticeship 
     agency may use funds reserved under subparagraph (A) to 
     incentivize employers to participate in programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system, such as costs related to 
     program development, staffing for mentors and supervisors, 
     related instruction, or the creation of industry or sector 
     partnerships to support employer participation.
       ``(D) State-specific initiatives.--A State apprenticeship 
     agency may use funds reserved under subparagraph (A) for 
     State-specific initiatives, such as the development or 
     expansion of youth apprenticeship programs or apprenticeship 
     programs in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry 
     sectors and occupations.
       ``(5) State match for federal investment.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except in the case of exceptional 
     circumstances, as determined by the Administrator, in order 
     to receive a full allotment under subsection (f), a State 
     apprenticeship agency shall use matching funds from non-
     Federal resources to carry out the activities of the agency 
     under this Act in an amount not less than 25 percent of such 
     allotment.
       ``(B) Transition period.--The requirement under this 
     paragraph shall take effect with respect to a State 
     apprenticeship agency on the date that is 1 day after the 
     date on which the transition period for such agency under 
     subsection (a)(3)(C)(ii) ends.
       ``(e) Derecognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may withdraw recognition 
     of a State apprenticeship agency before the end of the 
     agency's 4-year recognition period under subsection (a)(2)(B) 
     if the Secretary determines, after notice and an opportunity 
     for a hearing, that the State apprenticeship agency has 
     failed for one of the reasons described in paragraph (2), and 
     has not been in compliance with the performance improvement 
     plan under paragraph (3) to remedy such failure.
       ``(2) Derecognition criteria.--The recognition of a State 
     apprenticeship agency under this section may be withdrawn 
     under paragraph (1) in a case in which the State 
     apprenticeship agency fails to--
       ``(A) adopt or properly enforce a State plan;
       ``(B) properly carry out its role as the sole registration 
     agency in the State;
       ``(C) submit a report under section 131(b)(1)(B) for any 
     program year;
       ``(D) meet the State levels of performance as described in 
     subsection (c)(8)(A) or demonstrate improvements in 
     performance for 3 consecutive program years; or
       ``(E) otherwise fulfill or operate in compliance with the 
     requirements of this Act.
       ``(3) Derecognition process.--
       ``(A) In general.--If a State apprenticeship agency fails 
     for any of the reasons described in paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall provide technical assistance to such agency 
     for corrective

[[Page H5957]]

     action to remedy such failure, including assistance in the 
     development of a performance improvement plan.
       ``(B) Reduction of funds.--Except in the case of 
     exceptional circumstances as determined by the Administrator, 
     in a case in which such a State apprenticeship agency 
     continues such failure after the provision of the technical 
     assistance under subparagraph (A)--
       ``(i) the percentage of the funds to be allotted to the 
     State apprenticeship agency under subsection (f) for each 
     fiscal year following the fiscal year in which such failure 
     has been identified shall be reduced by 5 percentage points; 
     and
       ``(ii) the Administrator shall provide notice to the State 
     apprenticeship agency that the agency's recognition under 
     this section may be withdrawn if the agency fails to remedy 
     the failure.
       ``(C) Termination of proceedings.--If the Administrator 
     determines that the State apprenticeship agency's corrective 
     action under subparagraph (A) has addressed the agency's 
     failure identified under paragraph (2), the Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(i) restore the agency's full funding allocation under 
     this title for the next full fiscal year; and
       ``(ii) notify the State apprenticeship agency that the 
     agency's recognition will not be withdrawn under this section 
     for the reason for which the agency's funding under this 
     title was most recently reduced.
       ``(D) Opportunity for hearing.--
       ``(i) In general.--In a case in which a State 
     apprenticeship agency fails to remedy a failure identified 
     under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall--

       ``(I) notify, in writing, the State apprenticeship agency 
     of the failure of the State apprenticeship agency, including 
     a description of such failure and an explanation that the 
     agency's recognition under this section may be withdrawn as a 
     result of such failure; and
       ``(II) offer the State apprenticeship agency an opportunity 
     to request a hearing not later than 30 days after the date of 
     such notice.

       ``(ii) Referral to office of administrative law judges.--In 
     a case in which the State apprenticeship agency requests a 
     hearing under clause (i)(II), the Administrator shall refer 
     the matter to the Office of Administrative Law Judges for a 
     recommended decision by the Administrative Review Board for 
     final agency action.
       ``(4) Requirements regarding withdrawal of recognition.--
       ``(A) Office of apprenticeship.--
       ``(i) Prior to order.--Prior to the withdrawal of the 
     recognition of a State apprenticeship agency under this 
     section, the Administrator shall--

       ``(I) provide to the State apprenticeship agency an order 
     withdrawing recognition of such agency under this section; 
     and
       ``(II) establish a State Office of Apprenticeship; and

       ``(ii) After order.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
     of such order, provide notification of the withdrawal to the 
     sponsors of the programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system in such State that were registered with the State 
     apprenticeship agency to enable each such sponsor to be 
     registered with the Administrator (acting through the State 
     Office of Apprenticeship established under clause (i)(II)).
       ``(B) State apprenticeship agency requirements.--A State 
     agency whose recognition as a State apprenticeship agency 
     under this section has been withdrawn under paragraph (3) 
     shall--
       ``(i) provide to the Administrator program standards, 
     apprenticeship agreements, completion records, cancellation 
     and suspension records, performance metrics, and any other 
     documents relating to the State's programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system in the State;
       ``(ii) cooperate fully during the transition period 
     beginning on the date of the order withdrawing such 
     recognition and ending on the date on which the Administrator 
     establishes a State Office of Apprenticeship in the State; 
     and
       ``(iii) return any unused funds received under this Act.
       ``(5) Reinstatement of recognition.--A State apprenticeship 
     agency that has had its recognition withdrawn under this 
     section may have such recognition reinstated upon 
     presentation of adequate evidence that the State 
     apprenticeship agency has--
       ``(A) submitted an application under subsection (a)(2), and
       ``(B) demonstrated the ability to operate in compliance 
     with the requirements of this Act.
       ``(f) Reservation and State Allotments.--
       ``(1) State allotments.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the amount appropriated under 
     subsection (g) for a fiscal year--
       ``(i) 33 \1/3\ percent shall be equally distributed among 
     each State Office of Apprenticeship, outlying area, and 
     eligible State; and
       ``(ii) 66 \2/3\ percent shall be allotted to eligible 
     States on the basis described in subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Formula.--
       ``(i) In general.--Of the amount available under 
     subparagraph (A)(ii)--

       ``(I) 25 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the 
     relative share of program participants in each eligible 
     State, as determined on the basis of the most recent 
     satisfactory data available from the Administrator, compared 
     to the total number of program participants in all eligible 
     States, as determined on such basis;
       ``(II) 25 percent shall be allotted on the basis of the 
     relative share of program participants who have completed a 
     program under the national apprenticeship system in each 
     eligible State during the most recent 5-year period, as 
     determined on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data 
     available from the Administrator, compared to the total 5-
     year average of program participants who have completed a 
     program in all eligible States, as determined on such basis; 
     and
       ``(III) 50 percent shall be allotted on the basis described 
     in clause (ii).

       ``(ii) Allotments based on bls and acs data.--Of the amount 
     available under clause (i)(III)--

       ``(I) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of the 
     relative share of individuals in the civilian labor force in 
     each eligible State, compared to the total number of 
     individuals in the civilian labor force in all eligible 
     States;
       ``(II) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of 
     the relative share of individuals living below the poverty 
     line in each eligible State, compared to the total number of 
     individuals living below the poverty line in all eligible 
     States; and
       ``(III) 33\1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis of 
     the relative number of unemployed individuals in each 
     eligible State, compared to the total number of unemployed 
     individuals in all eligible States.

       ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection--
       ``(A) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a 
     State (as defined in section 2) that has a State 
     apprenticeship agency.
       ``(B) Poverty line.--The term `poverty line' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 3 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
       ``(C) Unemployed individual.--The term `unemployed 
     individual' has the meaning given such term in section 3 of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3102).
       ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
       ``(1) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
       ``(2) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
       ``(3) $95,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
       ``(4) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
       ``(5) $115,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.

     ``SEC. 114. INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH DEPARTMENT OF 
                   EDUCATION.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     effective date of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, in 
     order to cooperate with the Secretary of Education and 
     promote awareness and adoption of apprenticeship programs, 
     the Secretary (acting through the Administrator) shall--
       ``(1) enter into an interagency agreement with the 
     Secretary of Education to promote and support integration and 
     alignment of programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system with secondary, postsecondary, and adult education, 
     through the activities described in this section; and
       ``(2) submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions of Senate, such agreement and 
     any modifications to such agreement.
       ``(b) Alignment for Youth Apprenticeships.--In order to 
     promote alignment between youth apprenticeship programs and 
     high school graduation requirements, the interagency 
     agreement under subsection (a) shall describe how the 
     Secretaries will work to provide--
       ``(1) information and resources to--
       ``(A) parents and students to promote a better 
     understanding of programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system and their value in secondary and postsecondary 
     education and career pathways by not later than middle 
     school; and
       ``(B) school leaders (working with academic counselors, 
     teachers, and faculty) about the value of such programs and 
     information on how to effectively align youth apprenticeship 
     programs with secondary and career and technical education 
     programs; and
       ``(2) technical assistance on how to--
       ``(A) align related instruction and apprenticeable 
     occupation skills and competencies to high school graduation 
     requirements;
       ``(B) offer related instruction through dual and concurrent 
     enrollment programs and other accelerated learning programs, 
     as described in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV));
       ``(C) facilitate transitions for youth apprentices who have 
     completed their youth apprenticeships into further education, 
     including an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree, 
     and related apprenticeship opportunities; and
       ``(D) align activities carried out under this Act with 
     eligible funding from, and planning processes for, the Carl 
     D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
     U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the Elementary and Secondary Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Individuals with 
     Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
       ``(c) Apprenticeship College Consortium.--In order to 
     support the establishment of a college consortium of 
     postsecondary educational institutions, related instruction 
     providers, sponsors, qualified intermediaries, employers, 
     labor organizations, and joint labor-management organizations 
     for the purposes of promoting stronger connections between 
     programs under the national apprenticeship system and 
     participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational 
     institutions, the interagency agreement under subsection (a) 
     shall include a description of how the Secretaries will--
       ``(1) support data sharing systems that align education 
     records and records of programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system regarding whether program participants 
     who receive financial aid under title IV of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 enroll in, or complete, postsecondary 
     coursework while participating in a program under such 
     system;
       ``(2) provide guidance on how to align eligible funding 
     from, planning processes for, and the requirements of the 
     Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 
     (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 
     the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) 
     with this Act;

[[Page H5958]]

       ``(3) require all participants of the apprenticeship 
     college consortium to enter into agreements to--
       ``(A) have an articulation agreement with a participating 
     sponsor of an apprenticeship program, which may include a 2- 
     or 4-year postsecondary educational institution;
       ``(B) create or expand the awarding and articulation of 
     academic credit for related instruction completed and 
     credentials awarded to program participants as part of a 
     program under the national apprenticeship system; and
       ``(C) support the creation or expansion of electronic 
     transcripts for apprenticeship programs and all academic 
     content, including related instruction and on-the-job 
     training;
       ``(4) provide technical assistance on eligible uses of 
     financial aid, including the Federal work study program under 
     part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1087-51 et seq.), for related instruction for programs 
     under the national apprenticeship system;
       ``(5) provide to consortium participants or potential 
     participants information regarding--
       ``(A) a list of apprenticeship programs in related 
     occupations offered in the State or available under the 
     Office of Apprenticeship that may become part of the 
     consortium;
       ``(B) information on how to develop an apprenticeship 
     program;
       ``(C) information on Federal, State, and local financial 
     resources available to assist with the establishment and 
     implementation of apprenticeship programs; and
       ``(D) information on related qualified intermediaries or 
     industry or sector partnerships supporting apprenticeship 
     programs, as applicable; and
       ``(6) support information regarding the apprenticeship 
     consortium being made available on a publicly accessible 
     website, including--
       ``(A) a list of participating members of the consortium, 
     apprenticeship programs provided, credentials awarded with 
     each program, and available apprenticeable occupations; and
       ``(B) models of articulation agreements, prior learning 
     assessments, and competency-based curriculum for related 
     instruction for illustrative purposes.
       ``(d) Best Practice Development and Sharing.--
       ``(1) Dissemination.--Such interagency agreement shall 
     require that the Secretaries disseminate information on the 
     value of programs under the national apprenticeship system, 
     including relevant placement, retention, and earnings 
     information, labor market data from the local area, and 
     sector forecasts to determine high-skill, high-wage, or in-
     demand industry sectors or occupations of such programs, to 
     local education and training providers, labor organizations, 
     or joint labor-management organizations (including those 
     representing teachers).
       ``(2) Clearinghouse.--Such agreement shall require the 
     Secretaries to create a clearinghouse of best practices--
       ``(A) for improving performance and increasing alignment of 
     education and programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system, including career pathways; and
       ``(B) publicly disseminate information and resources on--
       ``(i) replicable related instruction and on-the-job 
     learning; and
       ``(ii) how to build an understanding of apprenticeship 
     opportunities available to students.
       ``(e) Data Sharing Agreement.--The Secretaries shall 
     disseminate best practices for the alignment of education 
     records and records of programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system, including information on program 
     participants who enroll in, complete, and receive academic 
     credit for postsecondary coursework while participating in 
     such a program.
       ``(f) Secretaries Defined.--In this section, the term 
     `Secretaries' means the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary 
     of Education.

  ``Subtitle B--Process and Standards for the National Apprenticeship 
                                 System

     ``SEC. 121. APPRENTICEABLE OCCUPATIONS STANDARDS.

       ``For an occupation to be an apprenticeable occupation 
     under this Act, a person seeking approval for such occupation 
     to be an apprenticeable occupation shall submit an 
     application to the Administrator that demonstrates that such 
     apprenticeable occupation is in-demand and will prepare 
     individuals for the full range of skills and competencies 
     needed for such occupation by describing how such 
     apprenticeable occupation shall--
       ``(1) meet the industry-recognized occupational standards 
     under section 111(b)(5)(C); or
       ``(2) involve the progressive attainment of skills, 
     competencies, and knowledge that are--
       ``(A) clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout 
     the relevant industry or occupation;
       ``(B) customarily learned or enhanced in a practical way 
     through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job 
     supervised learning and related instruction to supplement 
     such learning; and
       ``(C) offered through a time-based, competency-based, or 
     hybrid model as described in section 122(b)(1)(E).

     ``SEC. 122. QUALITY STANDARDS OF PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL 
                   APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Administrator, shall formulate and promote the furtherance of 
     quality standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of 
     apprentices, pre-apprentices, and youth apprentices.
       ``(b) Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to the 
     standards described in subsection (e), an apprenticeship 
     program shall meet the following standards:
       ``(1) The program has an organized and clearly written 
     plan, developed by the sponsor, that includes, at a minimum, 
     the following information:
       ``(A) The employment and training to be received by each 
     apprentice participating in the program, including--
       ``(i) an outline of the work processes or the plan in which 
     the apprentice will receive supervised work experience, on-
     the-job training, and on-the-job learning;
       ``(ii) the allocation of the approximate amount of time 
     that will be spent in each major work process by the 
     apprentice;
       ``(iii) a description of the mentoring that will be 
     provided to the apprentice; and
       ``(iv) a description or timeline explaining the periodic 
     reviews and evaluations of the apprentice's performance on 
     the job and in related instruction.
       ``(B) A process for maintaining appropriate progress 
     records, including the reviews and evaluations described in 
     subparagraph (A)(iv).
       ``(C) A description of the organized related instruction 
     the apprentice will receive in technical subjects related to 
     the occupation, which--
       ``(i) for time-based or hybrid apprenticeship programs as 
     described in paragraph (E), shall include not less than 144 
     hours for each year of apprenticeship, unless an alternative 
     requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that 
     reflects industry standards and is accepted by the 
     registration agency;
       ``(ii) may be accomplished through classroom instruction, 
     occupational or industry courses, instruction provided 
     through electronic media, or other instruction approved by 
     the registration agency;
       ``(iii) shall be provided by one or more qualified 
     instructors that--

       ``(I)(aa) meet technical instructor requirements of the 
     applicable education agency in the State of registration; or
       ``(bb) are subject matter experts, defined for purposes of 
     this subparagraph as individuals recognized within an 
     industry as having expertise in a specific occupation; and
       ``(II) have training in teaching techniques and learning 
     styles, or will obtain such training before providing the 
     related technical instruction; and

       ``(iv) where appropriate and to the extent practicable, 
     shall be aligned to a career pathway.
       ``(D) A progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule 
     of wages to be paid to the apprentice that is--
       ``(i) consistent with measurable skill gains; and
       ``(ii) ensures the entry wage is not less than the greater 
     of--

       ``(I) the minimum wage required under section 6(a) of the 
     Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)); or
       ``(II) the applicable wage required by other applicable 
     Federal or State laws (including regulations) or collective 
     bargaining agreements.

       ``(E) The term of the apprenticeship program, which may be 
     measured using--
       ``(i) a time-based model, which requires the completion of 
     the industry standard for on-the-job learning hours, which in 
     no case shall be less than a cumulative 2,000 hours, unless 
     an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and 
     sponsor from a nontraditional apprenticeship industry or 
     occupation as of the date of the enactment of the National 
     Apprenticeship Act of 2020 that reflects industry standards 
     and the relative hazards of the occupation, and is accepted 
     by the Secretary and registration agency;
       ``(ii) a competency-based model, which requires the 
     attainment of competency in the occupation; or
       ``(iii) a hybrid model, which blends the time-based and 
     competency-based approaches.
       ``(F) The methods used to measure an apprentice's skills 
     and competencies, which may include an initial diagnostic 
     assessment or assessment of credentials that verify an 
     individual's foundational knowledge and skills that would be 
     needed to succeed in an apprenticeship program, and which 
     shall include--
       ``(i) in the case of a time-based apprenticeship described 
     in subparagraph (E)(i), the individual apprentice's 
     completion of the required hours of on-the-job learning as 
     described in a work process schedule; or
       ``(ii) in the case of a competency-based model described in 
     subparagraph (E)(ii), the individual apprentice's successful 
     demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge through 
     appropriate means of testing and evaluation for such 
     competencies, and by requiring apprentices to complete a paid 
     on-the-job learning component of the apprenticeship;
       ``(iii) in the case of a hybrid apprenticeship described in 
     subparagraph (E)(iii), a combination of a specified minimum 
     number of hours of on-the-job learning and the successful 
     demonstration of competency, as described in subparagraph 
     (E)(i) and a work process schedule.
       ``(2) The program equally grants advanced standing or 
     credit to all individuals applying for the apprenticeship 
     with demonstrated competency or acquired experience, 
     training, or skills, and provides commensurate wages for any 
     progression in standing or credit so granted, including for 
     veterans' service-acquired skills and experiences.
       ``(3) The program has minimum qualifications for 
     individuals desiring to enter the apprenticeship program, 
     with an eligible starting age for an apprentice of not less 
     than 16 years.
       ``(4) In the case of a program that chooses to issue an 
     interim credential, the program--
       ``(A) clearly identifies each interim credential;
       ``(B) only issues an interim credential for recognized 
     components of an apprenticeable occupation and demonstrates 
     how each interim credential specifically links to the 
     knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such 
     components; and
       ``(C) establishes the process for assessing an individual 
     apprentice's demonstration of competency and measurable skill 
     gains associated with the particular interim credential.

[[Page H5959]]

       ``(c) Pre-apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition to 
     the standards described in subsection (e), a pre-
     apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards:
       ``(1) The program is designed to assist individuals who do 
     not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program 
     as described in subsection (b) and prepare them to enter and 
     succeed in such an apprenticeship programs, including by 
     providing the skills and competency attainment needed to 
     enter the apprenticeship program.
       ``(2) The program--
       ``(A) is carried out by a sponsor that has a written 
     agreement with at least one sponsor of an apprenticeship 
     program;
       ``(B) demonstrates the existence of an active, advisory 
     partnership with an industry or sector partnership to inform 
     the training and education services necessary for a pre-
     apprenticeship program;
       ``(C) demonstrates evidence of sufficient demand in an 
     apprenticeship program at the completion of a pre-
     apprenticeship program to support a transition from a pre-
     apprenticeship to an apprenticeship; and
       ``(D) demonstrates partnerships with qualified 
     intermediaries, community-based organizations, labor 
     organizations, or joint labor-management organizations.
       ``(3) The program includes a written plan developed by the 
     sponsor of the pre-apprenticeship program that is developed 
     in consultation with the sponsor of the apprenticeship 
     program described in paragraph (2)(A), that--
       ``(A) provides for work-based learning, and paid work-based 
     learning to the extent practicable, in which an industry or 
     sector partnership and a related instruction provider 
     collaborate to provide training that will introduce 
     participants to the skills, competencies, and materials used 
     in one or more apprenticeable occupations;
       ``(B) is based on and aligned with national, State, 
     regional, or local industry standards for high-skill, high-
     wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations, and the 
     requirements of the related apprenticeship program;
       ``(C) to the extent appropriate and practicable, meets the 
     related instruction requirements as described in clauses (ii) 
     through (iv) of subsection (b)(1)(C) that includes enabling 
     an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its 
     recognized equivalent that enables a pre-apprentice to enter 
     into an apprenticeship program; and
       ``(D) includes mentoring, career exposure, career planning, 
     and career awareness activities.
       ``(d) Youth Apprenticeship Program Standards.--In addition 
     to the standards described in subsection (e), a youth 
     apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards:
       ``(1) The program is designed for youth apprentices who at 
     the start of the program are enrolled in high school.
       ``(2) The program includes each of the following core 
     elements:
       ``(A) The employment and training to be received by each 
     youth apprentice participating in the program, including--
       ``(i) an outline of the work processes or the plan in which 
     the youth apprentice will receive supervised work experience 
     and on-the-job training or in an experiential setting;
       ``(ii) the allocation of the approximate amount of time 
     that will be spent in each major work process by the youth 
     apprentice;
       ``(iii) a description of the mentoring that will be 
     provided to the youth apprentice; and
       ``(iv) a description or timeline explaining the periodic 
     reviews and evaluations of the youth apprentice's performance 
     on the job and in related instruction.
       ``(B) A process for maintaining appropriate progress 
     records, including the reviews and evaluations described in 
     subparagraph (A)(iv).
       ``(C) Related classroom-based instruction, which may be 
     fulfilled through dual or concurrent enrollment, and--
       ``(i) is, to the extent practicable, aligned with high 
     school diploma requirements and career clusters; and
       ``(ii) meets the additional requirements as described in 
     subsection (b)(1)(C).
       ``(D) A progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule 
     of wages to be paid to the youth apprentice.
       ``(E) The term of the youth apprenticeship program, as 
     described in subsection (b)(1)(E).
       ``(F) For a competency-based or hybrid youth apprenticeship 
     program, the methods used to measure skill acquisition for a 
     youth apprentice, including ongoing assessment against 
     established skill and competency standards as described in 
     subsection (b)(1)(F).
       ``(G) Prepares the youth apprentice for placement in 
     further education, employment, or an apprenticeship program.
       ``(3) The program equally grants advanced standing or 
     credit to all individuals applying for the youth 
     apprenticeship with demonstrated competency or acquired 
     experience, training, or skills.
       ``(4) In the case of a youth apprenticeship program that 
     chooses to issue an interim credential, the program meets the 
     requirements of subsection (b)(4).
       ``(e) General Requirements.--Each program under the 
     national apprenticeship system shall meet the following 
     standards:
       ``(1) The program--
       ``(A) has adequate and safe equipment, environments, and 
     facilities for training and supervision;
       ``(B) provides safety training on-the-job and in related 
     instruction as applicable by the apprenticeable occupation; 
     and
       ``(C) provides adequate training for mentors and qualified 
     instructors on providing a safe work and training 
     environment.
       ``(2) The program records and maintains all records 
     concerning the program as may be required by the Secretary, 
     the registration agency of the program, or any other 
     applicable law, including records required under title 38, 
     United States Code, in order for veterans and other 
     individuals eligible for educational assistance under such 
     title to use such assistance for enrollment in the program.
       ``(3) The program provides all individuals with an equal 
     opportunity to participate in the program as described in 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
       ``(4) The program awards a certificate of completion in 
     recognition of successful completion of the program, 
     evidenced by an appropriate certificate issued by the 
     registration agency, and in the case of apprenticeships and 
     youth apprenticeships, prepares a program participant to 
     obtain a recognized postsecondary credential.
       ``(5) The program provides that an individual who is to 
     become a program participant under the program enters into a 
     written apprenticeship agreement described in section 123 
     with the sponsor of the program.
       ``(6) The numeric ratio of program participants to 
     supervisors (such as journeyworkers, mentors, or on-the-job 
     learning instructors, as applicable) for the apprenticeable 
     occupation, that are based on evidence-based and evidence-
     informed best practices for supervision, training, safety, 
     and continuity of employment, throughout the work processes 
     of the program, job site, department, or plant, appropriate 
     for the degree of hazard in different occupations, and 
     consistent with provisions in collective bargaining 
     agreements, as applicable, except if such ratios are 
     expressly prohibited by the collective bargaining agreements.

     ``SEC. 123. APPRENTICESHIP AGREEMENTS.

       ``(a) In General.--To ensure the standards described in 
     section 122 are applied to programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system, the Administrator shall require a 
     sponsor to develop an apprenticeship agreement that shall--
       ``(1) be the same for each program participant;
       ``(2) contain the names and signatures of the program 
     participant and the sponsor;
       ``(3) meet the requirements of subsection (b); and
       ``(4) be submitted to the registration agency in accordance 
     with section 124 by the program sponsor.
       ``(b) Standards.--Each agreement under subsection (a) shall 
     contain, explicitly or by reference, program standards under 
     section 122, including--
       ``(1) in the case of an apprenticeship program--
       ``(A) that is time-based, a statement of the number of 
     hours to be spent by the program participant in on-the-job 
     learning and on-the-job training in order to complete the 
     program;
       ``(B) that is competency-based, a description of the skill 
     sets to be attained by completion of the program, including 
     the on-the-job learning and work components; or
       ``(C) that is a hybrid model, the minimum number of hours 
     to be spent by the program participant in on-the-job learning 
     and work components and in related instruction, and a 
     description of the skill sets and competencies to be attained 
     by completion of the program;
       ``(2) the number of hours and form of related instruction, 
     including how related instruction will be compensated 
     (whether through academic credit, wages, or both), the costs 
     the program participant will incur for participating in the 
     program (such as for equipment, related instruction, or 
     assessment or licensure fees), and the recognized 
     postsecondary credentials the program participants will be 
     eligible to receive upon program completion;
       ``(3) a schedule of the work processes in the occupation or 
     industry divisions in which the program participant is to be 
     trained and the approximate time to be spent at each process;
       ``(4) for apprenticeships or youth apprenticeships, the 
     graduated wage scale to be paid to the apprentices, benefits 
     offered to the apprentices, and how the wages and benefits 
     compare to State, local, or regional wages in the related 
     occupation; and
       ``(5) demonstration of commitment to and compliance with 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 111(b)(7).

     ``SEC. 124. REGISTRATION OF PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL 
                   APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.

       ``(a) Program Registration Application.--In order to bring 
     together employers and labor for the formulation of programs 
     under the national apprenticeship system, the Administrator 
     shall provide for the registration of programs in which a 
     sponsor applying to register a program under the national 
     apprenticeship system shall request registration of such 
     program from a registration agency by submitting the 
     information required by the registration agency, including--
       ``(1) information demonstrating that each of the 
     requirements of section 122 will be met for the program;
       ``(2) a copy of the apprenticeship agreement described in 
     section 123 used by the sponsor;
       ``(3) a written assurance that, if the program is 
     registered under this Act, the sponsor will administer the 
     program in accordance with the requirements of this Act and 
     comply with the requirements of the apprenticeship agreement 
     for each apprentice; and
       ``(4) methods the program sponsor will use to report data 
     describing outcomes associated with the program as required 
     by the registration agency--
       ``(A) on an annual basis for any program sponsor with fewer 
     than 5 program participants; or
       ``(B) on a quarterly basis for any program sponsor with 5 
     or more program participants.
       ``(b) Recognition and Registration Process.--
       ``(1) Review and approval process.--
       ``(A) Provisional approval review.--An application 
     submitted under subsection (a) that

[[Page H5960]]

     the registration agency determines meets the requirements 
     described in such subsection shall be registered for a 
     provisional 1-year period beginning not later than 30 days 
     after such application is submitted. During such period, the 
     registration agency shall accept and record the 
     apprenticeship agreement as evidence of the program's 
     compliance and registration to operate such program.
       ``(B) Full approval or extended provisional approval.--By 
     the end of a provisional registration period for a program, 
     the registration agency providing provisional approval under 
     subparagraph (A) shall review the program for quality and for 
     compliance with the applicable standards under this subtitle 
     and all other applicable program requirements under this Act, 
     and--
       ``(i) if a registration agency conducting a provisional 
     review determines that the program complies with the 
     standards and requirements under this Act, the registration 
     agency shall fully approve the registration of the program; 
     or
       ``(ii) if a registration agency conducting a provisional 
     review determines that the program is not conforming to the 
     requirements or standards under this Act, the registration 
     agency may continue the provisional registration of the 
     program through the first full training cycle for program 
     participants, and conduct an additional provisional review at 
     the conclusion of the training cycle.
       ``(C) Failure to meet requirements.--If, after an initial 
     provisional review under subparagraph (A), a registration 
     agency conducting such provisional review determines that the 
     program is not in operation or does not conform to the 
     requirements under this Act, the registration agency shall 
     recommend technical assistance and corrective action for the 
     program, or deregistration, in accordance with procedures 
     established under subsections (b) and (c) of section 131.
       ``(2) Certificate of registration.--
       ``(A) In general.--A registration agency that registers a 
     program under paragraph (1) shall--
       ``(i) provide the sponsor of the program with a certificate 
     of registration or other written evidence of registration; 
     and
       ``(ii) provide a copy of the certificate of registration to 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the applicable State 
     veterans agency for the purpose of aligning the registration 
     process with the process for approving such program for 
     eligible veterans' use of supplemental educational assistance 
     benefits.
       ``(B) Registration name.--A program shall be registered in 
     the name of the sponsor, or if a sponsor enters into a 
     partnership with an employer who registers the program, in 
     the name of the employer.
       ``(3) Program participant registration.--A sponsor 
     providing a program that is registered in accordance with 
     paragraph (2) shall provide to an individual seeking to be a 
     program participant the opportunity to apply through the 
     sponsor, and shall--
       ``(A) enter into a written individual apprenticeship 
     agreement described in section 123 with each such individual 
     before the commencement of the program; and
       ``(B) individually register each program participant with 
     the registration agency by filing a copy of the individual 
     apprenticeship agreement with the registration agency or as 
     otherwise required by the registration agency, and sharing a 
     copy with the Administrator as appropriate, as described 
     under section 123(a)(4).
       ``(4) Transition process for previously approved 
     programs.--With respect to a program that was registered 
     under this Act as of the day before the date of enactment of 
     the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, the registration 
     agency shall take such steps as necessary to--
       ``(A) in the case of a program that meets of the 
     requirements of this Act, maintain the status of the sponsor 
     of the program as of the date before such date of enactment 
     as the sponsor of such program under this Act; and
       ``(B) in the case of a program that does not meet the 
     requirements of this Act, provide technical assistance to the 
     sponsor of such program to ensure that the sponsor is in 
     compliance with this Act not later than 3 years after the 
     date of enactment of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
       ``(c) Modifications or Changes to Youth Apprenticeship, 
     Pre-apprenticeship, or Apprenticeship Programs.--
       ``(1) Sponsor proposal.--Any sponsor that wishes to modify 
     a program, including the program's method of meeting the 
     standards required under this Act, shall submit the proposal 
     for such change or modification to the registration agency 
     for the program.
       ``(2) Registration agency requirements.--
       ``(A) In general.--The registration agency shall determine 
     whether to approve the proposal and notify the sponsor of the 
     determination by not later than 60 days after receipt of the 
     proposal.
       ``(B) Approval of proposal.--If the proposal is approved, 
     the registration agency shall amend the record of the program 
     to reflect the modification or change, and provide the 
     sponsor or program administrator with an acknowledgment of 
     the amended program, by not later than 30 days after the date 
     of approval.
       ``(C) Disapproval of proposal.--If the proposal is not 
     approved, the registration agency shall--
       ``(i) notify the sponsor of the reasons for the disapproval 
     and provide the sponsor with technical assistance to maintain 
     the program as originally registered;
       ``(ii) provide the sponsor with the opportunity to submit a 
     revised modification proposal, including providing 
     appropriate technical assistance to modify the proposal in 
     order to meet the requirements of this Act; and
       ``(iii) in a case in which the sponsor submits a revised 
     modification proposal, not later than 60 days after receipt 
     of such proposal--

       ``(I) approve the proposal; or
       ``(II) disapprove the proposal and provide the sponsor with 
     technical assistance to maintain the program as originally 
     registered.

                 ``Subtitle C--Evaluations and Research

     ``SEC. 131. PROGRAM EVALUATIONS.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide 
     program performance transparency across the programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system, assess the effectiveness 
     of States in achieving positive outcomes for program 
     participants served by those programs, and establish 
     performance accountability measures related to program 
     completion and key indicators of performance under the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et 
     seq.).
       ``(b) Reviews by Registration Agencies.--
       ``(1) Performance reviews.--
       ``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall--
       ``(i) annually collect performance data for each program 
     registered under section 124 by such agency to determine--

       ``(I) the performance of the program with respect to the 
     indicators of performance under section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3141(b)(2)(A)(i) or in the case of a youth apprenticeship 
     program, section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii)) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3141(b)(2)(A)(ii)), as applied to programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system; and
       ``(II) the completion rates of the program; and

       ``(ii) provide technical assistance for the collection of 
     the information under clause (i) of this subparagraph and 
     subparagraph (B), as necessary.
       ``(B) Reports.--The registration agency for a State shall 
     annually prepare and submit to the Administrator a State 
     performance report that includes the following information 
     with respect to each program registered under section 124 by 
     such agency, including--
       ``(i) information specifying the levels of performance 
     described in subparagraph (A), as compared to goals set in 
     section 113(c)(8)(A)(i);
       ``(ii) the percentage of program participants by race, sex 
     ethnicity and, to the extent practicable, by individuals with 
     disabilities, as compared to such percentages within the 
     working age population who are in the geographical area from 
     which the sponsor usually seeks or reasonably could seek 
     program participants and who meet the minimum eligibility 
     requirements for entry into in the program;
       ``(iii) the percentage of program participants served by 
     each of the programs that obtained unsubsidized employment in 
     a field related to the apprenticeable occupation;
       ``(iv) the average time to completion for the program as 
     compared to the description in the agreement under paragraphs 
     (1) and (2) of section 123(b);
       ``(v) the average cost per participant during the most 
     recent program year and the 3 preceding program years;
       ``(vi) the percentage of program participants who received 
     supportive services;
       ``(vii) information on the State's activities required 
     under section 113(c), including the State's uses of funds; 
     and
       ``(viii) the disaggregation of the performance data 
     described in clauses (i) through (vi)--

       ``(I) by the program type (apprenticeship, youth 
     apprenticeship, or pre-apprenticeship program) involved; and
       ``(II) by race, ethnicity, sex, age, and membership in a 
     population specified in section 3(24) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)).

       ``(C) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after 
     receiving a report under subparagraph (B), the Secretary 
     shall transmit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
       ``(D) Publication.--The Administrator shall annually make 
     available on a publicly accessible website each report 
     received under subparagraph (B) not later than 30 days after 
     receipt of such report.
       ``(2) Comprehensive program reviews.--
       ``(A) In general.--A registration agency shall periodically 
     review each program registered under section 124 by such 
     agency for quality assurance and compliance with the 
     requirements of this Act.
       ``(B) Timing of reviews.--A review described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall occur--
       ``(i) at the end of the first full training cycle of 
     program participants under the program; and
       ``(ii) beginning after the review described in clause (i) 
     at least once every 5 years.
       ``(C) Review.--The review shall be a comprehensive review 
     regarding all aspects of the program performance, including--
       ``(i) determining whether the registration agency is 
     receiving notification from the sponsor of a program 
     regarding individuals who are registered as new youth 
     apprentices, pre-apprentices, or apprentices under the 
     program, or who successfully complete the program, as 
     required under this Act;
       ``(ii) determining whether the sponsor of the program is 
     complying with the requirements of this Act;
       ``(iii) evaluating the performance of the sponsor with 
     respect to, at a minimum, the indicators described in 
     paragraph (1)(A)(i), with the performance data disaggregated 
     as described in paragraph (1)(B)(viii); and
       ``(iv) ensuring the sponsor's compliance with the 
     requirement to provide equal opportunity in recruitment, 
     training, and employment as described in subparagraphs (B) 
     and (C) of section 111(b)(7).
       ``(D) Reports.--On completion of a review under this 
     paragraph, the registration agency shall prepare and submit 
     to the Administrator a report containing the results of the 
     review.
       ``(c) Subsequent Action.--
       ``(1) Technical assistance.--The registration agency shall 
     provide technical assistance to the

[[Page H5961]]

     sponsor and identify areas that require technical assistance, 
     including--
       ``(A) to support the sponsor in creating a plan to meet the 
     State goals described in section 113(c)(8)(A)(ii), as 
     applicable; and
       ``(B) assistance in the development of a performance 
     improvement plan if the registration agency determines, 
     pursuant to any review under subsection (b), that the youth 
     apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship 
     program--
       ``(i) is not in operation;
       ``(ii) is not in compliance with the requirements of this 
     Act; or
       ``(iii) is achieving levels of performance on any 
     indicators described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) that are 
     lower than the State goals for any program year.
       ``(2) Corrective action and deregistration of an 
     apprenticeship program.--The registration agency may take 
     corrective action, and if warranted, deregister a youth 
     apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprenticeship 
     program, after making a determination that the program 
     demonstrates persistent and significant failure to perform 
     successfully, which occurs when--
       ``(A) the sponsor of the program consistently fails to 
     register at least 1 program participant;
       ``(B) the program shows a pattern of poor results on the 
     indicators described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) over a period 
     of 3 years, given the characteristics of program participants 
     and economic conditions in the area served, or are lower than 
     the national or State average;
       ``(C) the program shows no indication of improvement in the 
     areas identified by the registration agency and in the 
     performance improvement plan under paragraph (1); or
       ``(D) the sponsor has not administered the program in 
     accordance with the program's registration, as applicable, or 
     with the requirements of this Act.
       ``(3) Notification and hearing.--If the registration agency 
     makes a determination described in paragraph (2), the 
     registration agency shall notify the Secretary and the 
     sponsor of the determination in writing, and permit the 
     sponsor to request a hearing by the Office of Administrative 
     Law Judges. The registration agency shall transmit to the 
     Secretary a report containing all pertinent facts and 
     circumstances concerning the determination, including 
     findings and a recommendation for deregistration, and copies 
     of all relevant documents and records. If the sponsor does 
     not request the hearing not later than 15 days after 
     receiving such notification, the registration agency shall 
     deregister the program after the period for requesting such a 
     hearing has expired.
       ``(4) Notification and treatment of apprentices.--Not later 
     than 15 days after the registration agency deregisters a 
     program, the sponsor or program administrator shall notify 
     program participant--
       ``(A) of such deregistration and the effective date;
       ``(B) that such deregistration automatically deprives the 
     program participant of individual registration as part of 
     such youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or 
     apprenticeship program, including the ability to receive a 
     certificate of completion from the registration agency;
       ``(C) that the deregistration of the program removes the 
     program participant from eligibility for any Federal 
     financial or other assistance, or rights, privileges, or 
     exemptions under Federal law, that--
       ``(i) relates to an apprentice; and
       ``(ii) requires the registration agency's approval; and
       ``(D) that all youth apprentices, pre-apprentices, or 
     apprentices are referred to the registration agency for 
     information about potential transfers to other programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system.

     ``SEC. 132. NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM RESEARCH.

       ``(a) Research.--The Secretary shall conduct, through an 
     independent entity, research for the purpose of improving the 
     management and effectiveness of the programs and activities 
     carried out under this Act and to assist in the evaluation of 
     the programs as described in section 131.
       ``(b) Techniques.--The research conducted under this 
     section shall utilize appropriate methodology and research 
     designs.
       ``(c) Contents.--Such research shall address--
       ``(1) the general effectiveness of such programs and 
     activities in relation to their cost, including the extent to 
     which the programs and activities--
       ``(A) improve the skill and employment competencies of 
     participants in comparison to comparably-situated individuals 
     who did not participate in such programs and activities;
       ``(B) to the extent feasible, increase the levels of total 
     employment, of attainment of recognized postsecondary 
     credentials, and of measurable skills, above the levels that 
     would have existed in the absence of such programs and 
     activities;
       ``(C) respond to the needs reflected in labor market data 
     in the local area and align with high-skill, high-wage, or 
     in-demand industries or occupations; and
       ``(D) demonstrate a return on investment of Federal, State, 
     local, sponsor, employer, and other funding for programs 
     under the national apprenticeship system, capturing the full 
     level of investment in, and impact of, such programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system;
       ``(2) the impact of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 
     on the general effectiveness of programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system, including the implementation of 
     policies such as dual or concurrent enrollment programs, 
     advanced standing, or industry recognized apprenticeable 
     occupations;
       ``(3) best practices in increasing nontraditional 
     apprenticeship populations' participation in programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system; and
       ``(4) opportunities to scale up effective models under the 
     national apprenticeship system.
       ``(d) Reports.--
       ``(1) Independent entity.--The independent entity carrying 
     out the research shall prepare and submit to the Secretary--
       ``(A) an interim report containing findings from the 
     research; and
       ``(B) a final report containing the results of the 
     research, including policy recommendations.
       ``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after 
     receipt of the interim report and final report described in 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), respectively, the 
     Secretary shall submit each report to the Committee on 
     Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate.
       ``(e) Public Access.--The Secretary shall make the interim 
     and final reports available on a publicly accessible website 
     not later than 60 days after the receipt of the interim and 
     final report.

                    ``Subtitle D--General Provisions

     ``SEC. 141. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) Office of Apprenticeship.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out sections 111, 112, 131, and 132--
       ``(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
       ``(2) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
       ``(3) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
       ``(4) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
       ``(5) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
       ``(b) Interagency Agreement.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 114--
       ``(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
       ``(2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
       ``(3) $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
       ``(4) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
       ``(5) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.

  ``TITLE II--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM FOR THE 
                     21ST CENTURY GRANTS

     ``SEC. 201. GRANT REQUIREMENTS.

       ``(a) Authority.--
       ``(1)  In general.--The Administrator shall award grants, 
     contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities on 
     a competitive basis for one or more of the following 
     purposes:
       ``(A) Creation and expansion activities.--To expand the 
     offerings of programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system--
       ``(i) to create new apprenticeship programs in a 
     nontraditional apprenticeship industry or occupation, such as 
     for programs demonstrating demand in information technology, 
     energy, green jobs, advanced manufacturing, health care, or 
     cybersecurity;
       ``(ii) to expand existing apprenticeship programs 
     demonstrating labor market demand;
       ``(iii) to create new or expand existing pre-apprenticeship 
     programs; or
       ``(iv) to create new or expand existing youth 
     apprenticeship programs.
       ``(B) Encouraging employer participation.--To encourage 
     employer participation in programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system--
       ``(i) that target individuals with barriers to employment 
     in youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or 
     apprenticeship programs, prioritizing nontraditional 
     apprenticeship populations such as women, minorities, long-
     term unemployed, individuals with a disability, individuals 
     with substance abuse issues, veterans, military spouses, 
     individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals impacted 
     by the criminal or juvenile justice system, and foster and 
     former foster youth;
       ``(ii) that are in high-need social service-related 
     industries, sectors, or occupations, such as direct care 
     workers and early childhood educators;
       ``(iii) that target individuals currently or recently 
     incarcerated; or
       ``(iv) among small- and medium-sized employers.
       ``(C) Intermediary grants.--If the eligible entity is a 
     qualified intermediary--
       ``(i) to support national industry and equity 
     intermediaries in establishing or expanding sector-based 
     partnerships to support the delivery or expansion of programs 
     under the national apprenticeship system to significant scale 
     in the United States--

       ``(I) in key sectors, including manufacturing, information 
     technology, cyber security, health care, insurance and 
     finance, energy, hospitality, retail, construction, and other 
     sectors identified by the Administrator and the Advisory 
     Committee as targeted for expansion under the national 
     apprenticeship system; or
       ``(II) for nontraditional apprenticeship populations, 
     women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and 
     individuals impacted by the criminal or juvenile justice 
     system; or

       ``(ii) to serve programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system in a local or regional setting.
       ``(D) Educational alignment.--To strengthen alignment 
     between programs under the national apprenticeship system and 
     education and training providers with secondary and 
     postsecondary education systems, including degree and 
     credential requirements.
       ``(2) Duration.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall award grants 
     under this subsection for a period of not more than 3 years.
       ``(B) Extension.--The eligible entity may apply for, and 
     the Administrator may grant, an extension of the grant period 
     for not more than 1 additional 2-year period, if the grant 
     recipient demonstrates to the Administrator that the 
     recipient--
       ``(i) has effectively implemented a project to achieve its 
     stated purpose as described in subsections (e) and (f);
       ``(ii) has complied with the assurances as described in 
     subsection (e)(9); and
       ``(iii) has improved applicable outcomes, as demonstrated 
     through indicators referred to in section 203(a)(2).

[[Page H5962]]

       ``(b) Funding Requirements.--
       ``(1) Matching funds required.--The Administrator shall 
     require, as a condition of receipt of funds under this 
     section, an eligible entity to match funds awarded under this 
     section in an amount not less than 25 percent of the funds 
     awarded to such recipient under this section. Such eligible 
     entity may make the matching funds available directly or 
     through donations from non-Federal, public, or private 
     organizations, in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the requirement 
     under paragraph (1) if the entity demonstrates that 
     exceptional circumstances prevent the entity from meeting the 
     requirement, such as demonstrating that the entity serves a 
     high proportion of individuals with barriers to employment, 
     or due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such 
     as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline 
     in the financial resources of the eligible entity.
       ``(c) Priority and Distribution.--
       ``(1) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
     Administrator shall give priority to an eligible entity--
       ``(A) proposing to serve a high number or high percentage 
     of participants who are from nontraditional apprenticeship 
     populations; and
       ``(B) providing opportunities in high-wage, high-skill, or 
     in-demand sectors and occupations.
       ``(2) Geographic distribution.--In awarding grants under 
     this subsection, the Administrator shall, to the extent 
     practicable, ensure a geographically diverse distribution of 
     grants, including a geographically diverse distribution among 
     regions of the country and among urban, suburban, and rural 
     areas.
       ``(d) Eligible Entity.--To be eligible to apply for grants 
     under this title, an eligible entity shall--
       ``(1) demonstrate a partnership with two or more of the 
     following:
       ``(A) a State or local workforce development board or State 
     or local workforce agency;
       ``(B) an education and training provider, or a consortium 
     thereof;
       ``(C) a State apprenticeship agency;
       ``(D) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;
       ``(E) an industry or sector partnership, a group of 
     employers, a trade association, or a professional association 
     that sponsors or participates in a program under the national 
     apprenticeship system;
       ``(F) a Governor;
       ``(G) a labor organization or joint labor-management 
     organization;
       ``(H) community-based organizations that assist program 
     participants in accessing supportive services; or
       ``(I) a qualified intermediary; and
       ``(2) to the extent practicable, be part of an industry or 
     sector partnership.
       ``(e) General Application Requirements.--An eligible entity 
     applying for a grant under this section shall submit to the 
     Administrator a description of each of the following:
       ``(1) Each purpose under subsection (a) for which the 
     applicant intends to use such grant.
       ``(2) Each entity with which the eligible entity is 
     partnered or engaged under subsection (d) and the role of 
     each such entity in carrying out activities funded under this 
     subsection.
       ``(3) The ability of the applicant, directly or through 
     partners--
       ``(A) to enroll, instruct, advance, and graduate program 
     participants served by the grant activities, and enable the 
     participants to gain employment after program completion;
       ``(B) to support (including by providing technical 
     assistance) program sponsors and employers (especially small- 
     and medium-sized businesses) in the creation of, recruitment 
     for, and execution of programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system; and
       ``(C) to provide opportunities to rural communities, as 
     applicable.
       ``(4) A labor market analysis with respect to the 
     geographic area of service that demonstrates--
       ``(A) the need to create or expand the program; and
       ``(B) a plan to align the activities supported by the grant 
     with the labor market needs of high-skill, high-wage, or in-
     demand industry sectors or occupations.
       ``(5) A plan--
       ``(A) to comply with requirements for an evaluation and 
     report under section 203;
       ``(B) as appropriate, to coordinate activities assisted 
     under the grant with activities carried out under the Carl D. 
     Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
     2301 et seq.), the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), and any related 
     Federal programs and if appropriate, how funds provided under 
     these programs will be leveraged in support of the programs 
     supported by this grant;
       ``(C) to use funds awarded under this section in support of 
     the programs supported by this grant, as described in section 
     202;
       ``(D) to continue the program after the grant period ends; 
     and
       ``(E) to recruit and retain program participants for pre-
     apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and apprenticeship 
     programs, including from nontraditional apprenticeship 
     populations, such as women, minorities, individuals with 
     disabilities, individuals impacted by the criminal or 
     juvenile justice system, and individuals with barriers to 
     employment, to ensure program participants are able to access 
     supportive services, as applicable, and how such plan will 
     support the eligible entity in meeting the equal opportunity 
     requirements for diversity described in subparagraphs (B) and 
     (C) of section 111(b)(7) and section 113(c)(5), as 
     applicable.
       ``(6) For any grants expanding existing programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system, a description of--
       ``(A) a plan to coordinate the activities carried out under 
     the grant with the existing program; and
       ``(B) the effectiveness of the program, including 
     demonstrations of programmatic components such as program 
     costs to employers and to program participants, completion 
     and placement rates, credential attainment, diversity in 
     populations served, the effectiveness of the program in 
     increasing participant's wages and benefits, or services 
     provided to employers and program participants.
       ``(7) A description of potential program participants and 
     strategies to support the recruitment, retention, and 
     completion of such participants, including nontraditional 
     apprenticeship populations and individuals with barriers to 
     employment, to the extent practicable.
       ``(8) A description of strategies to recruit and support 
     employers involved in programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system.
       ``(9) An assurance that the eligible entity will--
       ``(A) provide information to the Administrator, as 
     requested, for any such evaluations as the Administrator may 
     carry out;
       ``(B) make program performance outcome data available (in 
     accordance with applicable data privacy laws, including 
     section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 
     U.S.C. 1232g) and section 4 of this Act) to independent 
     evaluators to enable the evaluators to prepare the 
     evaluations and research reports described in section 
     203(a)(1); and
       ``(C) coordinate grant activities with a State 
     Apprenticeship Agency, if such agency exists in the State 
     where the eligible entity is applying for a grant or carrying 
     out activities.
       ``(f) Additional Application Requirements.--The 
     Administrator shall require an eligible entity applying for a 
     grant under this title to include as part of their 
     application in subsection (e) the following information, as 
     applicable:
       ``(1) Creation and expansion activities.--
       ``(A) New apprenticeship programs.--An eligible entity 
     applying to create new apprenticeship programs and carry out 
     activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(i) shall 
     include as part of their application a description of--
       ``(i) any plans for further expansion upon development of 
     the program; and
       ``(ii) employers, and to the extent practicable, labor 
     organizations or joint labor-management organizations, 
     engaged in the program creation and implementation.
       ``(B) Expanding apprenticeship programs.--An eligible 
     entity applying to expand existing apprenticeship programs 
     and carry out activities in accordance with subsection 
     (a)(1)(A)(ii) shall include as part of their application a 
     description of employers engaged in the program expansion.
       ``(C) Creating or expanding pre-apprenticeship programs.--
     An eligible entity applying to create or expand pre-
     apprenticeship programs and carry out activities in 
     accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(iii) shall include as 
     part of their application a description of--
       ``(i) a partnership between the eligible entity and at 
     least one apprenticeship program; and
       ``(ii) existing partnerships with employers acting in 
     either an advisory capacity or actively participating in the 
     pre-apprenticeship program.
       ``(D) Creating or expanding youth apprenticeship 
     programs.--An eligible entity applying to create or expand 
     youth apprenticeship programs and carry out activities in 
     accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A)(iv) shall include as 
     part of their application a description of--
       ``(i) an existing partnership with at least one high school 
     offering related instruction for the youth apprenticeship 
     program, with existing integration into the academic content 
     of the high school diploma requirements, or with demonstrated 
     plans for integration of related instruction into the high 
     school curriculum; and
       ``(ii) existing partnerships with employers acting in 
     either an advisory capacity or actively participating in the 
     youth apprenticeship program.
       ``(2) Encouraging employer participation.--
       ``(A) Individuals with barriers to employment.--An eligible 
     entity applying to target individuals with barriers to 
     employment for apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or pre-
     apprenticeship programs and carry out activities in 
     accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) shall include as part 
     of their application a description of--
       ``(i) specific strategies to target both individuals with 
     barriers to employment and employers for participation in the 
     program; and
       ``(ii) partnerships with organizations that assist program 
     participants in accessing supportive services to support 
     recruitment, retention, and completion of the program by 
     program participants.
       ``(B) High-need social service-related industries.--An 
     eligible entity applying to offer pre-apprenticeship, youth 
     apprenticeship, or apprenticeship programs in high-need 
     social service-related industries, sectors, or occupations 
     and carry out activities in accordance with subsection 
     (a)(1)(B)(ii) shall include as part of their application a 
     description of wages and benefits offered to program 
     participants.
       ``(C) Individuals currently or recently incarcerated.--An 
     eligible entity applying to target individuals currently or 
     recently incarcerated and establish or carry out pre-
     apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs in 
     accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B)(iii) shall include as 
     part of their application a description of--
       ``(i) a plan to assist the program participants in 
     obtaining the documentation and work authorization necessary 
     to participate in such program;

[[Page H5963]]

       ``(ii) partnerships with organizations that will assist 
     program participants in accessing activities to improve 
     financial literacy and supportive services;
       ``(iii) how the assessments used to support the placement 
     of potential program participants into a program accurately 
     reflect the participants' skills and competencies;
       ``(iv) a plan to provide information about resources to 
     program participants to address mental health or substance 
     abuse issues;
       ``(v) partnerships with organizations that support--

       ``(I) the transition from incarceration to re-entry, such 
     as assistance with housing, transportation, and legal 
     services; and
       ``(II) successful completion of an apprenticeship or pre-
     apprenticeship program;

       ``(vi) wages and benefits offered to program participants 
     that are commensurate with wages for similar work in the 
     State or local area, as allowable; and
       ``(vii) alignment and necessary supports to comply with and 
     receive the benefits of the Federal Bonding Program and the 
     Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program for 
     employers participating in apprenticeship programs.
       ``(D) Small- and medium-sized employers.--An eligible 
     entity applying to engage small- and medium-sized employers 
     and carry out activities in accordance with subsection 
     (a)(1)(B)(iv) shall include as part of their application a 
     description of demonstrated success in engaging small- and 
     medium-sized employers and the ability to recruit new 
     employers to participate in related partnerships or programs, 
     such as small businesses owned or controlled by women, 
     minorities, or veterans.
       ``(3) Intermediary grants.--
       ``(A) Supporting national industry and equity 
     intermediaries.--An eligible entity applying to carry out 
     activities in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(C)(i) shall 
     include as part of their application a description of the 
     ability of such entity to convene a diverse group of industry 
     specific stakeholders for the purposes of developing or 
     expanding programs, including employers, workforce 
     development organizations, industry associations, labor 
     groups (including joint labor-management organizations), and 
     education and training providers at a national level or with 
     national reach.
       ``(B) Serving programs in a local or regional setting.--An 
     eligible entity applying to carry out activities in 
     accordance with subsection (a)(1)(C)(ii) shall include as 
     part of their application a description of how such entity 
     will--
       ``(i) engage employers, especially small- and medium-sized 
     businesses, in the formation or ongoing development of 
     industry or sector partnerships and programs in the national 
     apprenticeship system;
       ``(ii) identify the industry or sector partnerships that 
     will be served, and demonstrate alignment to high-skill, 
     high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations;
       ``(iii) leverage additional resources, including funding 
     provided by Federal and non-Federal resources; and
       ``(iv) provide services to program sponsors and program 
     participants.
       ``(4) Educational alignment.--An eligible entity applying 
     to carry out activities in accordance with subsection 
     (a)(1)(D) shall include as part of their application a 
     description of--
       ``(A) a demonstration of a partnership with--
       ``(i)(I) no less than three sponsors or employers; or
       ``(II) an industry or sector partnership; and
       ``(ii) at least 1 of the following--

       ``(I) an educational service agency;
       ``(II) a high school;
       ``(III) a local educational agency;
       ``(IV) State educational agency;
       ``(V) an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, Tribal 
     educational agency, Tribally controlled college or 
     university, or Tribally controlled postsecondary career and 
     technical institution, as applicable;
       ``(VI) a postsecondary educational institution; or
       ``(VII) a State higher education agency; and

       ``(B) a commitment to establishing or expanding the 
     alignment of the related instruction to--
       ``(i) the requirements for a high school diploma, which may 
     be fulfilled through a dual or concurrent enrollment program; 
     or
       ``(ii) the requirements for a recognized postsecondary 
     credential, including the degree requirements for an 
     associate's or bachelor's degree.

     ``SEC. 202. USES OF FUNDS.

       ``(a) General Activities.--An eligible entity applying for 
     any grant activity under section 201(a)(1)--
       ``(1) shall use at least 5 percent of the grant funds to 
     provide direct financial assistance to apprentices, pre-
     apprentices, or youth apprentices through emergency grants to 
     support their financial needs to enter, remain enrolled in, 
     and complete such program, such as support for the related 
     costs of supplies and equipment, assessment or licensure 
     fees, courses, transportation, child care, and housing; and
       ``(2) may use funds for any of the following activities:
       ``(A) To establish or expand partnerships with 
     organizations that provide program participants access to 
     financial planning, mentoring, and supportive services that 
     are necessary to enable an individual to participate in and 
     complete a program under the national apprenticeship system.
       ``(B) To conduct outreach and recruitment activities, 
     including assessments of potential participants for, and 
     enrollment of participants in, a program under the national 
     apprenticeship system.
       ``(C) To conduct outreach, engagement, recruitment, and 
     coordination of activities with employers, industry 
     associations, labor and joint labor-management organizations, 
     qualified intermediaries, education and training providers, 
     State or local workforce agencies, potential sponsors, 
     community-based organizations, communities with high numbers 
     or percentages of nontraditional apprenticeship populations, 
     small- and medium-sized businesses, or rural communities to 
     establish or expand industry or sector partnerships and 
     opportunities under the national apprenticeship system.
       ``(D) To carry out grant requirements, including program 
     evaluation and reporting requirements.
       ``(E) To conduct any activities as described in the 
     application that would advance the purposes of the grant.
       ``(F) To support the transition to virtual or remote 
     learning or training, as necessary and as approved by the 
     registration agency.
       ``(b) Additional Uses of Funds.--
       ``(1) Creation or expansion activities.--
       ``(A) Apprenticeship program creation.--An eligible entity 
     that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(i) shall use 
     such funding to create and implement an apprenticeship 
     program, which may include--
       ``(i) creating and providing training and related 
     instruction based on employer engagement;
       ``(ii) applying apprenticeship frameworks as described in 
     section 111(b)(5)(C) to the State or local labor market and 
     employer needs; or
       ``(iii) aligning the new program with existing 
     apprenticeship programs.
       ``(B) Apprenticeship program expansion.--An eligible entity 
     that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(ii) shall use 
     such funds to expand an existing apprenticeship program, 
     which may include--
       ``(i) expanding and enhancing related instruction;
       ``(ii) conducting outreach to and engagement with employers 
     for the purposes of program expansion, including creation of 
     new or expansion of existing industry or sector partnerships;
       ``(iii) preparing additional instructors or mentors needed 
     for program expansion;
       ``(iv) building awareness of apprenticeship program 
     opportunities for State or local workforce development, 
     education, and economic development entities; and
       ``(v) providing commensurate wages to wages for on-the-job 
     training for program participants during related instruction, 
     as applicable.
       ``(C) Pre-apprenticeship programs.--An eligible entity that 
     receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(iii) shall use such 
     funds to create a new pre-apprenticeship program or expand an 
     existing pre-apprenticeship program, which may include--
       ``(i) coordinating pre-apprenticeship program activities 
     with an apprenticeship program in a high-skill, high-wage, or 
     in-demand industry sector or occupation, including the 
     creation or expansion of work-based learning opportunities, 
     and articulation agreements for those who successfully 
     complete a pre-apprenticeship to earn academic credit and 
     enroll in an apprenticeship program;
       ``(ii) creating, expanding, or integrating related 
     instruction and work-based learning, which may include 
     training in the workplace and supporting partnerships to 
     create opportunities for pre-apprentices to earn credit at a 
     postsecondary educational institution for skills and 
     competencies acquired during the pre-apprenticeship program;
       ``(iii) providing participants with career exploration and 
     career planning activities and with exploration of 
     postsecondary opportunities including apprenticeship 
     programs;
       ``(iv) with respect to participants without a high school 
     diploma or a generally recognized equivalent, paying the 
     costs affiliated with acquiring such equivalent, and the 
     costs of any related assessments of potential pre-apprentices 
     or active pre-apprentices, including those that would verify 
     the attainment of foundational knowledge and skills necessary 
     to succeed in an apprenticeship program;
       ``(v) development or expansion of partnerships with 
     organizations that assist program participants in accessing 
     supportive services, which may include the 12-month period 
     after the conclusion of a pre-apprenticeship program;
       ``(vi) providing commensurate wages to the linked 
     apprenticeship program for pre-apprentices as they 
     participate in and complete the pre-apprenticeship program, 
     as appropriate;
       ``(vii) paying the cost of related instruction or 
     assessment or licensure fees associated with the pre-
     apprenticeship program, as appropriate; or
       ``(viii) creating or expanding industry or sector 
     partnerships to support the pre-apprenticeship program and to 
     provide additional opportunities to the pre-apprentices.
       ``(D) Youth apprenticeship programs.--An eligible entity 
     that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(iv) shall use 
     such funds to create a new youth apprenticeship program or 
     expand an existing youth apprenticeship program, which may 
     include--
       ``(i) paying for the costs associated with curriculum 
     development and alignment of that curriculum with recognized 
     postsecondary credentials including industry-recognized 
     credentials, high school graduation requirements, and related 
     instruction, including curriculum development for dual or 
     concurrent enrollment;
       ``(ii) providing employers, and to the extent practicable, 
     labor organizations and joint labor-management organizations, 
     technical assistance to support the participation of youth 
     apprentices under the age of 18;
       ``(iii) integrating work-based and academic learning, which 
     may include training in the workplace;
       ``(iv) providing career exploration and career planning 
     activities, including exploration of postsecondary 
     opportunities such as apprenticeship programs;

[[Page H5964]]

       ``(v) providing technical assistance to support the 
     participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in youth 
     apprenticeship programs;
       ``(vi) developing or expanding partnerships with 
     organizations that assist program participants in accessing 
     supportive services, which may include the 12-month period 
     after the conclusion of such a youth apprenticeship program; 
     or
       ``(vii) providing teachers, career guidance and academic 
     counselors, school leaders, administrators, specialized 
     instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals with 
     professional development opportunities to build an 
     understanding of apprenticeship opportunities available to 
     students, including experiential opportunities like 
     externships.
       ``(2) Incentive funds.--
       ``(A) Barriers to employment.--An eligible entity that 
     receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(B)(i) shall use such 
     funds to encourage employer participation in programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system that target individuals 
     with barriers to employment, which may include--
       ``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to 
     support costs related to the programs, such as training 
     incumbent workers for participation as mentors or employees 
     supervising the on-the-job learning;
       ``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction, 
     assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program 
     participants during related instruction; and
       ``(iii) establishing or expanding partnerships with 
     organizations that assist program participants in accessing 
     supportive services to support recruitment, retention, and 
     completion, including providing supplies and equipment 
     necessary to begin a program under the national 
     apprenticeship system.
       ``(B) High-need social service-related industries.--An 
     eligible entity that receives funds under section 
     201(a)(1)(B)(ii) shall use such funds to incentivize employer 
     participation in programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system in high need social service-related industries, 
     sectors, or occupations, which may include--
       ``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to 
     support costs related to the program, such as training 
     incumbent workers as mentors, or employees providing on-the-
     job training;
       ``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction, 
     assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program 
     participants during related instruction;
       ``(iii) establishing or expanding partnerships with 
     organizations that assist program participants in accessing 
     supportive services to support recruitment, retention, and 
     completion, including providing supplies and equipment 
     necessary to begin a program under the national 
     apprenticeship system; or
       ``(iv) aligning such program with career pathways and 
     opportunities for advancement along such career pathways.
       ``(C) Individuals impacted by the justice system.--An 
     eligible entity that receives funds under section 
     201(a)(1)(B)(iii) shall use such funds to incentivize 
     employer participation in programs under the national 
     apprenticeship system that target individuals impacted by the 
     criminal or juvenile justice system, which may include--
       ``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to 
     support costs related to the program, such as training 
     incumbent workers as mentors or employees supervising the on-
     the-job learning; or
       ``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction, 
     assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program 
     participants during related instruction.
       ``(D) In-demand industry sector or occupation grants for 
     small- and medium-sized businesses.-- An eligible entity that 
     receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(B)(iv) shall use such 
     funds to encourage participation of small- and medium-sized 
     businesses in programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system, which may include--
       ``(i) providing financial assistance to employers to 
     support costs related to the program, such as training 
     incumbent workers as mentors or employees supervising the on-
     the-job learning;
       ``(ii) supporting the cost of related instruction, 
     assessment or licensure fees, or wages for program 
     participants during related instruction;
       ``(iii) providing technical assistance to small- and 
     medium-sized businesses on the program registration process 
     and leveraging other available funds to support carrying out 
     programs supported by this grant; or
       ``(iv) establishing or expanding partnerships to support 
     program development or expansion, including establishing or 
     expanding industry or sector partnerships to ensure inclusion 
     of small- and medium-sized businesses.
       ``(3) Intermediary grants.--
       ``(A) National industry and equity intermediaries.--An 
     eligible entity that receives funds under section 
     201(a)(1)(C)(i) shall use such funds to carry out activities 
     at a national and regional level to support the promotion and 
     expansion of industry or equity intermediaries, which may 
     include--
       ``(i) creating partnerships and leveraging collaborations 
     with employers, workforce development organizations, industry 
     associations, labor organizations, and education and training 
     providers to help multiple employers make education and 
     training more affordable and accelerate the expansion of 
     programs under the national apprenticeship system nationwide;
       ``(ii) assisting employers in expanding programs, starting 
     new programs, and working together to create a pipeline of 
     skilled workers;
       ``(iii) increasing the participation and completion of 
     nontraditional apprenticeship populations in programs under 
     the national apprenticeship system, which may include--

       ``(I) supporting the development, implementation, and 
     scaling of plans and practices; and
       ``(II) identifying, developing, and disseminating effective 
     program tools and strategies;

       ``(iv) providing national activities to increase awareness 
     and access to programs, including strategic marketing and 
     outreach, technology improvements, and innovations that make 
     it easier for employers to start programs and for individuals 
     to connect with program opportunities;
       ``(v) developing and disseminating training or related 
     instruction associated with the program or for curriculum 
     improvements that align with the requirements of the program 
     and learning assessments; or
       ``(vi) providing industry employees or potential employees 
     with a clear understanding of future career paths and the 
     skills needed to succeed, along with cost effective ways of 
     acquiring those skills through youth apprenticeship, pre-
     apprenticeship, or apprenticeship programs.
       ``(B) Local intermediaries.--An eligible entity that 
     receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(C)(ii) may use such 
     funds to carry out activities at a local or regional level to 
     support the promotion and expansion of programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system, which may include--
       ``(i) providing training or related instruction associated 
     with the programs or for curriculum improvements that align 
     with the requirements of the programs and learning 
     assessments;
       ``(ii) engaging with local education and training providers 
     to support related instruction aligned with the needs of 
     high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and 
     occupations, and to the extent practicable, support the 
     provision of academic credit for related instruction;
       ``(iii) providing services, including business engagement, 
     classroom instruction, and development of partnerships with 
     organizations that assist program participants in accessing 
     supportive services (which may include the 12-month period 
     after the conclusion of the other activities in the youth 
     apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs involved);
       ``(iv) providing technical assistance on the registration 
     process for a sponsor of a youth apprenticeship, pre-
     apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program;
       ``(v) connecting businesses, labor organizations, or joint 
     labor-management organizations with education and training 
     providers to develop related instruction to complement the 
     on-the-job learning portion of a youth apprenticeship, pre-
     apprenticeship, or apprenticeship program;
       ``(vi) providing training to employees to serve as on-the-
     job trainers or mentors to program participants; and
       ``(vii) providing career exposure, career planning, and 
     career awareness activities.
       ``(4) Educational alignment grants.--An eligible entity 
     that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(D) shall use such 
     funds to strengthen alignment between programs under the 
     national apprenticeship system and education and training 
     providers with secondary and postsecondary education systems, 
     including degree and credential requirements, which may 
     include--
       ``(A) creating and aligning the related instruction to 
     requirements for a high school diploma or an associate's or 
     bachelor's degree, including through--
       ``(i) dual enrollment and credit articulation for youth 
     apprenticeship programs;
       ``(ii) articulation agreements; or
       ``(iii) credit transfer agreements;
       ``(B) creating or expanding career pathways aligned with 
     pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, or apprenticeship 
     programs;
       ``(C) providing professional development for teachers, 
     career guidance and academic counselors, school leaders, 
     administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, 
     and paraprofessionals to build an understanding of 
     opportunities in the national apprenticeship system available 
     to students and to incorporate such opportunities into 
     academic content and offerings;
       ``(D) offering prior learning assessments, which may 
     include credit for prior learning to grant advanced standing 
     in a program under the national apprenticeship system and 
     credit towards an associate's or bachelor's degree;
       ``(E) maintaining a connection between a pre-apprenticeship 
     or youth apprenticeship program and an apprenticeship 
     program; and
       ``(F) providing training for instructors or mentors.

     ``SEC. 203. GRANT EVALUATIONS.

       ``(a) Recipient Reports.--Each recipient of a grant under 
     this section shall--
       ``(1) provide for an independent evaluation of the 
     activities carried out under this title during the grant 
     period;
       ``(2) provide for an annual report and for a final report 
     at the conclusion of the grant period, which include--
       ``(A) a description of how the funds received through the 
     grant were used and how the uses of funds aligned with the 
     description in the application specified in section 
     201(e)(5)(C);
       ``(B) in the case of an eligible entity that is required to 
     report data under section 131(b)(1), the data collected under 
     such section for the grant period;
       ``(C) the total number of active program participants 
     served by each of the grant programs;
       ``(D) the total number that obtained unsubsidized 
     employment in a field related to the apprenticeable 
     occupation;
       ``(E) the total number of program participants that 
     completed the program in which they were enrolled;
       ``(F) the average time to completion for each program as 
     compared to the program standards description under 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 123(b);
       ``(G) the average cost per participant during the most 
     recent program year and the 3 preceding program years;
       ``(H) the percentage of participants who received support 
     services; and

[[Page H5965]]

       ``(I) the disaggregation of performance data described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (H)--
       ``(i) by the program type (apprenticeship, youth 
     apprenticeship, or pre-apprenticeship program) involved; and
       ``(ii) by race, ethnicity, sex, age, and membership in a 
     population specified in section 3(24) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)); and
       ``(3) submit each report under paragraph (2)--
       ``(A) to the registration agency; and
       ``(B) to the Administrator.
       ``(b) Administrator Evaluations.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall prepare--
       ``(A) not later than 36 months after the date of enactment 
     of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, an interim 
     evaluation on the activities carried out under grants awarded 
     under this section; and
       ``(B) not later than 60 months after the date of enactment 
     of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, a final 
     evaluation containing the results of the grant activities.
       ``(2) Contents.--Such evaluations shall address, for the 
     activities carried out under each grant awarded under this 
     section, the general effectiveness of the activities in 
     relation to their cost, including the extent to which the 
     activities--
       ``(A) improve the participation in, retention in, and 
     completion of youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and 
     apprenticeship programs by nontraditional apprenticeship 
     populations;
       ``(B) to the extent feasible, increase the levels of total 
     employment, of attainment of recognized postsecondary 
     credentials, and of measurable skills, above the levels that 
     would have existed in the absence of such activities;
       ``(C) respond to the needs reflected in State, regional, or 
     local labor market data;
       ``(D) align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand 
     industries or occupations; and
       ``(E) reach a wide variety of industry sectors and 
     occupations;
       ``(3) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after 
     the completion of the interim evaluation and the final 
     evaluation described in this section, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report summarizing the 
     findings of the interim evaluations and a report summarizing 
     the final evaluations.
       ``(4) Public access.--The Administrator shall make the 
     interim and final reports available on a publicly accessible 
     website not later than 60 days after the completion of the 
     interim report and the final report.

     ``SEC. 204. GRANT APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     title:
       ``(1) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
       ``(2) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
       ``(3) $600,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
       ``(4) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
       ``(5) $800,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.''.

     SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act 
     of 1998.--Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and 
     Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2916a) is 
     repealed.
       (b) Immigration and Nationality Act.--Section 286(s)(2) of 
     the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the heading, by striking ``for job training'' and 
     inserting ``for programs under the national apprenticeship 
     system''; and
       (2) by striking ``for demonstration programs and projects 
     described in section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness 
     and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998'' and inserting ``to 
     carry out title II of the National Apprenticeship Act''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, as amended, shall be debatable for 
1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority 
member of the Committee on Education and Labor.
  The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 8294, the National 
Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8294, the National 
Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  Our economy continues to permanently lose jobs due to the COVID-19 
pandemic. In fact, it is estimated that 7 million of those who lose 
jobs during the pandemic will not return to those jobs.
  Congress has a responsibility to help workers not only find jobs, but 
also prepare them for long-term employment. Expanding the registered 
apprenticeship system, our most successful workforce development 
initiative, is the proven solution we need.
  Each year, hundreds of thousands of workers count on registered 
apprenticeships to learn in-demand skills, earn wages that grow along 
with those skills, and receive nationally recognized credentials that 
lead to rewarding careers. Registered apprenticeships are also so 
successful that 94 percent of apprentices are employed upon completion 
and earn an average starting wage of more than $70,000 a year.
  Despite the growing demand for apprenticeship opportunities, Congress 
has not reauthorized the National Apprenticeship Act since it was first 
passed in 1937.
  The legislation before us will invest $3.5 billion in our 
apprenticeship system; ensures consistency and quality across programs; 
increases opportunities for diverse groups of workers who have not 
traditionally been included; and expands registered apprenticeships in 
emerging sectors, such as healthcare, finance, and technology.
  This investment alone would create approximately 1 million 
apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and youth apprenticeships, and it 
would yield roughly $10.6 billion in benefits to taxpayers through 
higher tax revenues and decreased spending on social safety net 
programs.
  Construction trades and their industry partners have long proven that 
the registered apprenticeship model works. It is long past time that we 
expand registered apprenticeship opportunities to benefit workers 
across other industries and across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                                 Washington, DC, November 5, 2020.
     Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
     Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Scott: This is to advise you that the 
     Committee on the Judiciary has now had an opportunity to 
     review the provisions in H.R. 8294, the National 
     Apprenticeship Act of 2020, that fall within our Rule X 
     jurisdiction. I appreciate your consulting with us on those 
     provisions. The Judiciary Committee has no objection to your 
     including them in the bill for consideration on the House 
     floor, and to expedite that consideration is willing to waive 
     sequential referral, with the understanding that we do not 
     thereby waive any future jurisdictional claim over those 
     provisions or their subject matters.
       In the event a House-Senate conference on this or similar 
     legislation is convened, the Judiciary Committee reserves the 
     right to request an appropriate number of conferees to 
     address any concerns with these or similar provisions that 
     may arise in conference.
       Please place this letter into the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank 
     you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked 
     regarding this matter and others between our committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Jerrold Nadler,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on Education and Labor,

                                 Washington, DC, November 5, 2020.
     Hon. Jerrold Nadler,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Nadler: In reference to your letter of 
     November 5, 2020, I write to confirm our mutual understanding 
     regarding H.R. 8294, the ``National Apprenticeship Act of 
     2020.''
       I appreciate the Committee on the Judiciary's waiver of 
     consideration of H.R. 8294 as specified in your letter. I 
     acknowledge that the waiver was granted only to expedite 
     floor consideration of H.R. 8294 and does not in any way 
     waive or diminish the Committee on the Judiciary's 
     jurisdictional interests over this or similar legislation.
       I would be pleased to include our exchange of letters on 
     this matter in the committee report for H.R. 8294 and in the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill 
     to memorialize our joint understanding.
       Again, thank you for your assistance with this matter.
           Very truly yours,
                                        Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
                                                         Chairman.

  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, which kills the 
ability for businesses and industry to fill in-demand jobs.
  Republicans and Democrats agree that apprenticeships play a critical 
role in addressing our Nation's workforce needs and preparing workers 
for meaningful, well-paying careers; however, the narrow-minded 
approach

[[Page H5966]]

taken by Democrats in H.R. 8294 doubles down on a system that limits 
apprenticeship opportunities.
  Many who know me here in Congress know that I have advocated for 
these job-creating programs all my career. Nothing can prepare a 
student quite like on-the-job experience, and apprenticeships are a 
tried-and-true method of preparing students to enter the workforce with 
the skills they need to succeed.
  Unfortunately, the potential for a strong bipartisan effort to expand 
beyond the existing registered apprenticeship model to reach more 
workers and industries has been eclipsed by the Democrats' typical 
partisan games.
  While our economy continues to recover from COVID-19, workers and job 
creators need the flexibility to innovate. Republicans understand that 
employers, not Washington bureaucrats, know best what skills their 
employees require to excel in the workplace.
  The Trump administration also recognizes the importance of employer-
led innovation in the apprenticeship space and has taken important 
steps to expand and innovate work-based learning programs. More than 
430 companies and organizations have signed the President's pledge to 
American workers, committing to providing more than 16 million new 
education and on-the-job learning opportunities for American students 
and workers.
  Additionally, the Department of Labor is moving forward with 
Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs to give employers the 
flexibility to shape apprenticeship programs that will attract workers 
and prepare them for the 21st century.
  We have seen real success stories unfold when we let employers 
innovate. Opportunity America and the Brookings Institution recently 
published a study on the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing 
Education, or FAME, an organization that connects educators, employers, 
and students with hands-on learning to strengthen the manufacturing 
industry.
  The study found Kentucky FAME graduates, when compared to their non-
FAME counterparts, earned up to 63 percent more 1 year after 
graduation. Five years after, FAME graduates earned $98,000, compared 
to $52,783 for non-FAME graduates.
  This study represents not only a success story in Kentucky, but it 
uncovers a larger narrative. There is untapped potential in the 
apprenticeship space waiting to be unleashed because the existing 
registered model doesn't meet the need of many companies right now.
  Instead of giving workers and employers more autonomy to create 
programs that are responsive to workforce needs, the Democrats' bill 
clings to an 80-year-old system that shuts the door on flexibility and 
innovation and enshrines union giveaways.
  In a letter to Committee Republicans, John Pallasch, Assistant 
Secretary for Employment and Training at the Department of Labor, 
cautioned that ``if enacted, this bill would inhibit the ability of the 
Department to fulfill its mission in providing more Americans access to 
apprenticeships.'' Mr. Pallasch went on to warn that H.R. 8294 puts 
job-filling programs in jeopardy due to an ``excessive number of 
requirements that are overly prescriptive.''
  Still, House Democrats want to make registered apprenticeships the 
only possible model under the National Apprenticeship Act. This 
approach is flawed. The numbers speak for themselves. In fiscal year 
2019, 252,000 individuals entered apprenticeships, and only 81,000 
graduated from the registered system.
  It is obvious that we can and should do better, but Democrats are 
turning a blind eye to needed improvements that will allow more 
Americans to get back to work and achieve the American Dream.
  The bill before us will force job creators to deal with overly 
prescriptive requirements, additional bureaucracy, and time-consuming 
paperwork. This stifling environment has discouraged new and small 
businesses from participating in the registered apprenticeship system 
for years now.
  The majority claims that this legislation will create 1 million new 
apprenticeship programs simply by virtue of throwing more money at the 
registered system without solving the underlying problems that prevent 
employers from participating or allowing for alternative models. It 
seems the new definition of insanity is the Federal Government spending 
more taxpayer dollars on decades-old programs and expecting different 
results.
  An all-of-the-above approach is the best way to connect more workers 
with apprenticeship opportunities so they can secure meaningful, well-
paying careers. That is why Republicans on the Education and Labor 
Committee introduced a commonsense amendment during the bill's markup 
to unleash the full potential of apprenticeships and help fill in-
demand jobs.
  Among other provisions, it would allow the Department of Labor the 
flexibility to pursue other forms of work-based learning under the 
National Apprenticeship Act, including in response to COVID-19. It 
would reduce the paperwork burden on States by allowing them to submit 
State plans under the preexisting framework of the Workforce Innovation 
and Opportunity Act rather than forcing them to establish a duplicative 
application process.

                              {time}  1515

  Rarely is more government intervention the solution, which is why the 
amendment would strike provisions in H.R. 8294 that would add to the 
existing bureaucracy in the form of advisory committees and interagency 
agreements. The amendment also provides States with more discretion 
over how they spend their money, instead of letting the Federal 
Government dictate where their dollars must go.
  This amendment also makes it easier for more programs, and therefore, 
more apprentices to access the registered apprenticeship system by 
removing the requirement setting an uneven playing field between union 
and nonunion program sponsors for the ratios of apprentices to 
instructors. This particular provision is just another scheme by 
Democrats to force workers into unions. Unfortunately, this 
commonsense, forward-looking amendment was struck down on a party line 
vote by committee Democrats.
  Thankfully, the full House will have the opportunity to vote on this 
amendment during floor consideration, and I hope Democrats will take 
this opportunity to adopt legislation that will actually increase work-
based learning opportunities.
  At a time when workers and job creators are working hard to overcome 
the challenges presented by COVID-19, we shouldn't close potential 
pathways to work. Apprenticeships can help put more Americans to work 
as we recover from the pandemic, but only if job creators are given the 
flexibility to innovate and develop high quality earn-and-learn 
programs. And the Democrat bill fails on that front.
  I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the House majority leader.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the chairman of the 
Education and Labor Committee, Mr.  Bobby Scott, for yielding. He has 
done such an extraordinary job through the years in the minority and in 
the majority watching out for workers and creating jobs and security 
for our workers.
  I rise in strong support of this legislation.
  Two weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, we saw deep divisions within our country, 
divisions that we must heal.
  Part of that division, I believe, comes from a broad lack of faith in 
government to deliver on what the American people need to get ahead in 
our economy.
  Americans, in my view, want their elected officials to focus on 
reaching consensus on broadly popular initiatives that expand 
opportunity and connect people with good careers.
  This legislation, Mr. Speaker, that we are considering today, falls 
within the scope of the Make It In America plan that I have been proud 
to lead since 2010.
  That plan seeks to make our workers and businesses more competitive 
by legislating in the three key areas of education and skills training, 
infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. It is based on bipartisan ideas 
that most Americans support.
  One of those ideas is reauthorizing enhancing the National 
Apprenticeship

[[Page H5967]]

Act for the 21st century in order to help more of our people reach for 
the opportunities that enable them to make it in America.
  This bill would have been, Mr. Speaker, and should have been, 
bipartisan, were it not for the Trump administration's insistence on 
including unaccredited and unproven apprenticeship programs that do not 
have adequate worker protections or quality standards.
  That is a shame. And I hope we can revisit this effort and make it 
truly bipartisan once President-elect Biden has taken office.
  At a moment when our economy is in crisis as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic, many Americans are out of work and looking for new ways to 
get back into the workforce.
  They recognize that this moment presents an opportunity to gain new 
skills and move up in their careers, as Mr. Scott has pointed out.
  That is why, Mr. Speaker, congressional support for apprenticeship 
programs is so important.
  According to the Labor Department, 94 percent of participants in 
registered apprenticeships are employed upon completion with an average 
salary of $70,000.
  This bill would permanently authorize the Labor Department's office 
of apprenticeship and direct it to promote new partnerships among 
labor, industry, and educational institutions to create new 
apprenticeship tracks.
  It will also codify standards, Mr. Speaker, for registered 
apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and preapprenticeship programs.
  This legislation would invest more than $3 billion in the National 
Apprenticeship System, an investment that will pay off geometrically to 
our country and to our families and to our workers. That will be spent 
over the next 5 years in order to create nearly one million additional 
apprenticeship opportunities by 2025.
  For those worried about the cost of this legislation, here is another 
figure to consider: The $10.6 billion in increased tax revenues and 
decreased spending on public assistance programs and unemployment 
insurance that will be saved. Let me reiterate that. $10.6 billion in 
increased tax revenue as a result of the success of the apprenticeship 
program.
  At the same time, this bill includes measures to promote greater 
diversity among those accessing apprenticeship programs. This is 
critical at a moment when the pandemic has led women's workforce 
participation to fall to a level unseen since 1988.
  Right now, only 10 percent of apprenticeships are held by women.
  By promoting greater diversity of access, we can increase that 
percentage dramatically and help millions of women jump-start their 
return to the workforce while helping them get ahead in their careers. 
Good for them, good for their families, good for America.
  I want to thank Representative Susan Davis of California for her 
leadership over the years and for sponsoring this bill. She has been a 
champion for workers and apprenticeship opportunities for decades. She 
will be leaving the Congress, and she will be sorely missed. She will 
be leaving voluntarily, I may add. But she will be sorely missed, 
because, not only in the civilian sector but on the defense side, she 
has looked at personnel and how to enhance work opportunities, worker 
skills, and their success.

  I also thank Chairman Scott of the Education and Labor Committee for 
his work moving this bill through committee.
  I also want to thank the ranking member because I believe that, in 
fact, what she said is she is interested in apprenticeship programs, 
and I am hopeful that Mr. Scott and Ms. Foxx and others on both sides 
of the aisle continue to work to expand apprenticeship opportunities. 
We do not want to constrict opportunities; we want to expand them.
  In spite of the Trump Administration's attempts to sabotage it, I 
hope this legislation will pass with the kind of strong bipartisan 
support it deserves.
  I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for a bill that will 
give all of our people faith that Washington is united in our 
determination to help them get through this crisis and build back 
better in the future.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
Republican leader of our Education and Labor Committee for yielding and 
for her service.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, the National 
Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  Originally passed in 1937, the National Apprenticeship Act 
established the registered apprenticeship system that we have come to 
know.
  For more than 80 years, this system has provided many Americans with 
opportunities to learn tangible skills they need for high-wage, high-
skill, and in-demand jobs that will lead to fulfilling careers.
  Most recently, we have seen interest for apprenticeships surge as 
more employees and small businesses are recognizing the critical role 
that they play in the development of a skilled workforce.
  This law is in desperate need of reforms that will both strengthen 
and expand this traditional system while empowering employers and 
others to pursue work-based learning innovation.
  As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, 
I have always supported, and will continue to support, legislation that 
promotes skills-based education for a 21st century economy.
  With that being said, we must acknowledge that the registered 
apprenticeship system created during the Great Depression will never be 
suitable by itself for a modern workforce.
  And on this point, this bill ignores the needs of our workers and our 
economy now in the 21st century.
  The Trump administration has taken tremendous steps to grow the 
number of high quality apprenticeships and modernize work-based 
learning programs, especially through the Department of Labor's 
Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPS.
  This program is aimed to help foster continued innovation that 
recognizes the dignity of all work and provides another tool for 
apprentices to move into meaningful work in our rapidly evolving 
economy.
  Mr. Speaker, there is room for an all-of-the-above approach that both 
improves the registered system while also allowing for future 
innovation and other earn-and-learn models.
  However, this legislation does not change the current status quo.
  For that reason, I must urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.
  We must craft a bipartisan bill that encourages employers to innovate 
and develop apprenticeship programs that meet the needs of the current 
workplace.
  Employers are struggling enough with the challenges presented by 
COVID-19. The last thing they need is additional red tape and tenuous 
requirements.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), chair of the Subcommittee on 
Higher Education and Workforce Investment and the lead sponsor of the 
legislation we are considering today.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott for 
yielding and for being a strong partner over the years in recognizing 
the importance of investing in America's workforce development.
  While we look to the robust apprenticeship systems of Switzerland, 
the U.K. and other countries, we know that the United States has the 
potential to have our own unique, highly effective environment for a 
mentor-led workforce. And today we can put resources behind our need to 
match employers addressing community needs with our constituents who 
seek skills and education.
  At a time when many workers have been forced to look for new pathways 
to financial stability, we have a responsibility as Members of Congress 
to expand employment opportunities that provide meaningful work and 
family-supporting wages.
  The legislation under consideration today will do just that.
  We have had many conversations in our Education and Labor Committee 
about providing high quality educational pathways, and I appreciate the 
work of the ranking member on that

[[Page H5968]]

regard. And we have spent much time together talking about this issue.
  But I want to go on to pinpoint those issues that have to be 
included. The educational pathways that we know do not require a 4-year 
college degree that allow people to earn while they learn. Makes sense. 
And provide nationally portable and recognized credentials.
  We have tirelessly worked for months with our Republican colleagues 
to make sure this legislation achieves these goals.
  This past March, just before the world changed as we know it, we made 
public a draft of this legislation that was open for feedback. We were 
able to incorporate comments from over 20 groups and stakeholders. And 
this legislation also incorporated feedback from the bipartisan 
hearings and round tables we had with employers and apprenticeship 
stakeholders.

  One of the legislation's primary goals is to ensure that people 
across the country are speaking the same language regarding 
apprenticeships.
  It is designed to demonstrate that apprenticeships are an equal, 
high-quality, post-secondary, prestigious alternative to the 
traditional 2- or 4-year college degrees.
  Of great interest, this bill codifies youth apprenticeships as 
opportunities that prepare high school students for post-secondary 
education, much like advanced placement classes.
  We have already seen how a small investment from the Federal 
Government results in enormous returns. In 2017, the insurance company 
Aon started their business in Chicago with only two employees and 25 
apprentices. Now, they have over 50 employees and over 750 apprentices 
all across the country. In fact, they have announced the expansion of 
their Chicago apprenticeship network to cities and employers across the 
country who are following their lead in looking at registered 
apprenticeship credentials as alternatives to a 4-year degree.

                              {time}  1530

  But here is the key. As the CEO of AON himself stated: ``The biggest 
obstacle to success at scale is not in finding a qualified supply of 
talent, it is incenting employers to create the demand for quality, 
career-track jobs that look beyond traditional hiring practices,'' 
which is precisely what this bill sets out to do.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from AON's CEO Greg 
Case highlighting their and other employers' excitement about the 
expansion of the registered apprenticeship system and demonstrating how 
many firms have not only not been hindered by the current registered 
system, but rather are enormous beneficiaries of it.


                                                          Aon,

                                   Chicago, IL, November 16, 2020.
     Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
     Chairman, House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Chairman Scott: Thank you for your leadership and 
     support in the effort to grow apprenticeship programs across 
     the country. Our employees are the foundation of our company 
     and young people across the country are the future of our 
     workforce. Finding a way to both create opportunity and by 
     doing so, reach the best talent, is a challenge we can all 
     embrace. We are very proud that the apprentice model we 
     created in Chicago in 2017 with two employers and 25 
     apprentices has grown to 43 employers and over 750 
     apprentices--it proves that talent plus opportunity equals 
     success.
       Because of the success of the Chicago Apprentice Network 
     and the positive impact this talent strategy has had for our 
     firm, Aon announced yesterday that we will be expanding our 
     Apprenticeship commitment to seven cities across the United 
     States supported by an investment of $30 million over the 
     next five years.
       Aon will initiate the Apprenticeship program expansion next 
     year in the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Houston, 
     Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and 
     Washington, D.C. Along with this expansion, Aon will lead the 
     development of a nationwide network of employers to create 
     10,000 new apprenticeships across the United States by 2030.
       This development of apprenticeships in the office and 
     corporate sector allows a model that has been successful in 
     the trades--earning while you learn--to expand to fast 
     growing areas of the economy. And like other successful 
     apprenticeship programs, ours are and will continue to be, 
     registered with the Department of Labor to ensure quality of 
     both training and work.
       We live in a world of rapid change and increased volatility 
     in the economy and the job market. In building the workforce 
     of the future, the biggest obstacle to success at scale is 
     not in finding a qualified supply of talent, it is incenting 
     employers to create the demand for quality, career track jobs 
     that look beyond traditional hiring practices. By creating a 
     working model that has grown across industries, we can show 
     others the path to success in creating apprentice programs in 
     the corporate sector.
       Aon's apprenticeship program has brought so many talented 
     colleagues to our firm and we know it has tremendous 
     potential to create similar opportunities and professional 
     networks for both apprentices and participating employers 
     across the United States.
       We thank you again for your efforts and stand ready to 
     assist in the expansion of our model to communities across 
     the United States as we create the workforce of the future.
           Best,
                                                        Greg Case.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to 
the gentlewoman.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Scott for yielding 
me the additional time.
  We all talk a good game in wanting to build this economy and build 
opportunities for our constituents who do not want to pursue a 4-year 
degree, but we haven't put financial muscle and know-how behind 
creating these valued credentials that employees seek.
  In closing, I want to make one point, that this legislation only 
codifies the standards for programs that have registered for access to 
the credentials and funding provided for in this bill. Unregistered 
workforce programs that do not want access to this bill's resources 
will not need to change their programs.
  We are simply strengthening the known registered apprenticeship 
system that is in place today with more clearly established programs. 
Families can sit down at the kitchen table, discuss their futures, and 
look to the rejuvenated registered apprenticeship system as one of many 
high-quality pathways to post-secondary education.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment the 
gentlewoman from California (Congresswoman Davis) for her work on this 
bill and her career in Congress. We all respect her. And I earnestly 
wish we could have come up with a bipartisan bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Smucker).
  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. 
And I agree. I wish we could have come here with a bill that we all can 
agree upon. Unfortunately, instead, I have to say I oppose the bill 
that we are discussing today.
  This is particularly important because, over the past few months, we 
see the impact that the pandemic has had on our workforce. All of us 
standing here today are fortunate to be in positions where we can learn 
to do our jobs differently. We can do them differently whether it is 
remotely, or we can implement new safety measures, or some combination 
of the two.
  But there are millions of Americans who don't get that opportunity to 
work remotely. Instead, they have lost their jobs.
  We all know that the workforce will not look the same once this 
public health emergency is over. So it is more imperative than ever 
that we take actions to help job-displaced individuals learn new skill 
sets to be competitive and to fit these new jobs that will be 
available.
  Expanding apprenticeships is one tool to help accomplish that goal. 
The bill before us today presented a real opportunity for Congress to 
make smart reforms to our apprenticeship system when it is needed most, 
but unfortunately, H.R. 8294 comes up short in achieving this.
  Now, I will say as well that throughout my past 2 years serving as 
the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and 
Workforce Investment, I have enjoyed working alongside Chairwoman 
Davis.
  As we looked at other models, we studied both U.S. models and 
international models of apprenticeship as well. We held hearings and 
received testimony from officials from countries like Switzerland, 
Australia, Germany, and Belgium.
  What struck us most was that each of those nations has 
apprenticeships in nearly every single industry, not just a few like we 
have here in the U.S. From banking to positions in the healthcare

[[Page H5969]]

industry, these nations have managed to find a structure, a system that 
can respond to labor market demands while preparing the next generation 
with valuable skill sets.
  While we do agree in a bipartisan fashion that these are models that 
we could learn from as we reauthorize our own system, my colleagues on 
the other side of the aisle have chosen to steamroll over proposals for 
flexibility and double down on a registered system that places much of 
the decisionmaking authority into the hands of labor unions.
  The majority leader was correct when he said just a little while ago 
on the floor that that is the fundamental difference of the two sides 
on this bill.
  This bill as written strips the Department of Labor's authority to 
pursue more flexible partnerships for work-based learning models. This 
legislation would prevent the Department from moving forward with the 
Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPs.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 
seconds to the gentleman.
  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, even though IRAPs are in the early stages, 
we are already seeing many new stakeholders getting involved. The 
program is showing tremendous promise, and we are finally starting to 
grow apprenticeship programs in industries that have never used them 
before.
  We believe in allowing businesses to make the decisions they believe 
are best for their employees to learn the skills that they need. That 
is the fundamental difference in the approach to apprenticeship.
  I will be offering an amendment that will allow the law to reach the 
full potential of apprenticeships to help fill in-demand jobs by 
addressing some of these issues.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), the chair of the 
Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
  Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Scott), our distinguished Education and Labor Committee chair, as well 
as the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment chair, 
Mrs. Davis, for this bill and for all of their support.
  I rise today in strong support of the National Apprenticeship 
Reauthorization Act. By creating 1 million new apprenticeship 
opportunities and yielding over $10 billion in net benefits, this 
legislation is a lifeline for our economy and for countless Americans, 
including those in my home State of North Carolina.

  With a proven track record of success, we know this is a safe and 
smart investment.
  I am also pleased that this legislation includes my bill, the 
Apprenticeship Access for All Act. This language will advance programs 
that promote the recruitment, employment, and retention of people of 
color, individuals with disabilities, and individuals facing barriers 
to employment, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand 
sectors and occupations. After all, we must be sure that everyone has 
access to opportunity.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds 
to the gentlewoman.
  Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues, especially those on the 
other side of the aisle, I want to be clear about what we are voting to 
do here.
  We are voting to ensure our workforce gets the investment it needs 
and the support it deserves. We are voting to show the American people 
that they are seen, that they are heard, and that we care deeply about 
providing them pathways to a stable future. And we are voting to uphold 
Congress' commitment and obligation to serve every American.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).
  Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to, with the other people, 
say it was very enjoyable working with Congresswoman Davis. I wish she 
would have given me a chance before she made a decision to try to 
convince her to stay here because we are going to miss her.
  Apprenticeships are very important. We have a good apprenticeship 
program in Wisconsin. We are told that, right now, people who complete 
both the work and classroom requirements of the apprenticeship program 
have a median income of $80,000. That shows the importance of having a 
bill like this brought to the floor. And I will tell you, it is not 
only an $80,000 salary but, I am sure, a much lower debt load than many 
people who use a 4-year degree.
  I think it is important for everybody in this Chamber to continue to 
emphasize to young people the pathway to a career through 
apprenticeships, which probably results in more job security, more 
income, and less debt than other things.
  It is with great regret I am going to vote against this bill today.
  I do believe that there is such a high demand for what I call skills-
based education that it is important we open up alternative avenues to 
apprenticeships.
  We have talked today about a need to recognize the apprenticeship 
programs. That is certainly one way. It is unfortunate that didn't make 
it in this bill. I know a lot of effort was made to make this a 
bipartisan bill, and maybe we can come back in the appropriations 
process or something and somehow make a few tweaks in there to make it 
something that would be more bipartisan.
  But I am glad the bill is coming this far. It provides us all an 
opportunity to go back home in our districts and bring it up to young 
people and tell them about the benefits of apprenticeships and that you 
are missing something big-time if you don't take advantage of it.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross), a graduate of a registered 
apprenticeship program himself and a member of the Committee on 
Education and Labor.
  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance 
of the National Apprenticeship Reauthorization Act.
  Personally, Mr. Speaker, I want to say thank you to Susan Davis and, 
certainly, Chairman Scott for putting this bill up. I am thankful that 
so many of the priorities are included in this, ones that I have spoken 
so highly of.
  Last week was National Apprenticeship Week. As many may know, 
registered apprenticeship programs have literally shaped my life. While 
my three brothers went to college, I went to the other 4-year school. I 
did an IBEW apprenticeship program to become an electrician.
  ``Learn while you earn'' was my life. I understood that, that you 
could take the knowledge that you learn at night at school in the books 
and take it right to the job. That is the heart of what an 
apprenticeship program is.
  I supported my young family. I was able to continue that. I literally 
went from the construction site to Congress.
  Education is not one-size-fits-all. We hear that. For many, they 
don't know if they want to go to college, build the college, or defend 
the college. We need all of those, and that is how important it is.
  The registered apprenticeship system is the most successful Federal 
workforce training program in the history of the United States. Ninety-
four percent of those people will have a job, when they complete their 
apprenticeship, with a starting wage average of $70,000. It works.
  But it is more than just a paycheck. It is about the dignity of a 
job, the respect that comes with that.
  In our country, there are so many ways that you can succeed. Whether 
you are an apprentice in the shipyard, a medical tech, a Ph.D. from 
Harvard, they are all the same in terms of value to this great country. 
We need all of them.
  The National Apprenticeship Act invests $3.5 billion in a proven, 
successful system that has created over 1 million new opportunities. 
But how important the standards are, particularly in the world that I 
come from.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds 
to the gentleman.
  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, why standards are so important is because

[[Page H5970]]

when storms hit our coast, electricians, linemen, come from around the 
country to put that system back together. Could you imagine if they all 
had their own program?
  This is why standards count, particularly in the building trades, 
because when there is not work in your hometown, you go to work in 
another. We all work together, and that is why this is so important.
  Since 1937, we haven't updated it. But just because it is old doesn't 
mean it is not good.
  It is handed down through generations. This is how we have trained 
and given the next generation a proven, successful model.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the North 
America's Building Trades Unions that talks about the importance of 
what we are talking about today.

                                                   North America's


                                       Building Trades Unions,

                                Washington, DC, November 18, 2020.
     Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Kevin McCarthy,
     Republican Leader,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy: On behalf of the 
     over 3 million skilled craft professionals that comprise 
     North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), I write in 
     support of H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 
     2020.
       I first would like to commend the work of the House 
     Committee on Education and Labor for their diligent efforts 
     to maintain the integrity of the Registered Apprenticeship 
     system and for their willingness to engage us on this bill, 
     which reauthorizes the foundational law on which our 
     apprenticeship programs are built. In the eighty-three years 
     since the Registered Apprenticeship system was created, our 
     nation, the economy, our industry and technology have 
     drastically changed. What has not changed is the need to 
     forever protect and enshrine the rights of those individuals 
     who enter an apprenticeship program, and H.R. 8294 continues 
     to protect the safety, well-being, and economic trajectory of 
     the apprentice.
       More than two-thirds of all civilian registered apprentices 
     in the United States are trained in the construction 
     industry. Among these construction apprentices, seventy-five 
     percent receive their training at one of the 1,600 privately 
     funded training centers which are jointly administered by 
     construction contractors and building trades unions. 
     Investing over $1.6 billion in private capital annually in 
     our Registered Apprenticeship programs, the affiliated unions 
     of NABTU provide a debt-free ladder of opportunity to those 
     who seek a career in the construction industry. Our joint 
     labor-management programs have long been considered the gold 
     standard of the Registered Apprenticeship system.
       The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 protects many of 
     the hallmarks of the current system. This bill protects the 
     progressive wage scale for apprentices, which is often a 
     target of those in our industry who seek to put profits above 
     the well-being and economic security of the people they 
     employ. This bill protects the time-based model of 
     apprenticeship training that our programs have effectively 
     utilized for decades, while providing flexibility for new 
     industries that wish to enter the Registered Apprenticeship 
     system. This bill also protects apprentices by codifying 
     regulations that recognize collective bargaining agreements 
     contain exceptionally strong apprentice-to-journeyworker 
     ratios that not only ensure on-going, targeted instruction, 
     but also the level of supervision apprentices need to 
     guarantee their safety.
       H.R. 8294 also makes some very important changes to the 
     Registered Apprenticeship program that NABTU has long fought 
     for. For the first time, there will be concrete standards 
     associated with pre-apprenticeship programs, which have 
     exponentially grown over the last several years as we 
     continue to work with our industry partners to increase the 
     diversity of apprenticeship candidates by recruiting women, 
     people of color and veterans. No longer can unscrupulous 
     contractors prop up pre-apprenticeship programs without 
     having clear and defined pathways into a Registered 
     Apprenticeship program.
       Furthermore, H.R. 8294 codifies the Office of 
     Apprenticeship, with established funding streams to ensure 
     the necessary oversight of the program and expand technical 
     assistance that will grow Registered Apprenticeship 
     opportunities in new sectors. This bill strengthens the 
     National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, ensuring that 
     practitioners of Registered Apprenticeship, both industry and 
     labor, are given a voice to offer recommendations to further 
     strengthen the program.
       While there are other avenues one may take to be trained in 
     the construction crafts, for generations, the safest, most 
     highly-skilled and productive construction craft workers in 
     the world have received their training through the Registered 
     Apprenticeship system. H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship 
     Act of 2020, will ensure the Registered Apprenticeship system 
     not only remains the gold standard in workforce training in 
     the construction industry, but that it is accessible for all 
     industries that seek a productive and highly-skilled 
     workforce. I urge swift passage of this bill, and look 
     forward to working with you to strengthen economic 
     opportunities in every community, both large and small, 
     across our great nation.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Sean McGarvey,
                                                        President.
  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the 
National Apprenticeship Reauthorization Act so we can make sure we put 
America back to work.

                              {time}  1545

  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 
8294. I, too, come from the construction industry, which I learned from 
the ground up, and I know firsthand how apprenticeships provide our 
workforce with a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills that are 
needed to secure a good-paying job and a long-lasting career.
  The reason apprenticeships are so successful is because employers 
know exactly what skills are in demand. That is why we must encourage 
more employer-led innovation in the apprenticeship space.
  This legislation denies workers and employers autonomy to create 
programs that are responsive to workforce needs. This shortsighted bill 
would undo the Department of Labor's industry-recognized apprenticeship 
programs created under President Trump. This program provides companies 
an alternative avenue to train skilled workers and develop 
apprenticeship programs for their specific industry needs.
  This year has already been tough on our employers with COVID-19, 
devastating businesses across the country, and the last thing we need 
is to impose more bureaucratic red tape and requirements.
  I am disappointed that my Democrat colleagues are pushing a plan that 
would put these job-filling programs in jeopardy and prevent more 
workers from accessing these opportunities.
  I believe that this is a space for bipartisanship, and I urge my 
colleagues to oppose this flawed approach and work with us to encourage 
innovation and flexibility.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, could you advise us how much time 
is remaining on both sides.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Virginia has 16\1/2\ 
minutes remaining. The gentlewoman from North Carolina has 12\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes), a member of the Committee on 
Education and Labor.
  Mrs. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National 
Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  My State of Connecticut was still recovering from the 2008 recession, 
and now COVID-19 has again thrown it into dire economic straits.
  With businesses shuttered from prolonged economic pause, nearly 
200,000 Connecticut residents are now forced into unemployment. If we 
say we agree on this, then now is the time to create pathways to high-
wage employment with long-term prospects. While a 4-year degree is a 
great opportunity for many, it cannot be the only option.
  I include in the Record a letter in support of the National 
Apprenticeship Act from the National Education Association.

                               National Education Association,

                                Washington, DC, November 18, 2020.
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative: On behalf of our 3 million members, 
     who prepare students across America to pursue fulfilling 
     careers that support their families and communities, we urge 
     you to vote YES on the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 
     (H.R. 8294). Votes on this issue may be included in the NEA 
     Report Card for the 116th Congress.
       Apprenticeship programs are a key part of the education 
     landscape, yet the National Apprenticeship Act has not been 
     significantly updated in the nearly 80 years since it was 
     signed into law. H.R. 8294 recognizes that programs offering 
     on-the-job training and mentoring pave the way to successful 
     careers, and helps bring these programs into the 21st 
     century. The legislation is particularly timely given rising 
     joblessness and financial insecurity stemming from the COVID-
     19 pandemic.

[[Page H5971]]

       The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 would:
       Create the Office of Apprenticeship in the U.S. Department 
     of Labor, with responsibilities including supporting 
     development of apprenticeship models, providing technical 
     assistance to state agencies, updating requirements for each 
     occupation in the program, and determining whether to approve 
     new occupations for the program;
       Codify provisions implemented over the years regarding 
     registered apprenticeship programs and expand the programs to 
     new industries;
       Amend the existing law to include pre-apprenticeships and 
     youth apprenticeships; and
       Authorize annual grants ranging from $400 million to $800 
     million to expand apprenticeship programs and encourage 
     employer participation in them.
       The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 recognizes the 
     value of apprenticeships in supporting the dreams and 
     ambitions of students of all ages and preparing them for 
     high-wage careers. We urge you to vote YES on H.R. 8294.
           Sincerely,

                                                    Marc Egan,

                                 Director of Government Relations,
                                   National Education Association.

  Mrs. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, the National Apprenticeship Act ensures that 
today's workforce can fill the jobs of tomorrow by creating 1 million 
apprenticeship opportunities over the next 5 years.
  With an average starting salary, after completion, of around $70,000, 
registered apprenticeships create the opportunity to attain critical 
training while earning an income and incurring little to no student 
debt. Apprenticeships also ensure businesses can fill key vacancies 
with credentialed, skilled employees--in short, putting people back to 
work.
  The National Apprenticeship Act will invest in Connecticut workers 
and our country's workers and businesses at a time when we need it 
most. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller).
  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, the 
National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  Apprenticeship programs are a tremendous benefit to our economy. They 
provide a diverse range of opportunities for emerging workers to hone 
and develop specific skills while providing competitive salaries that 
strengthen our economy.
  I agree with my colleagues that the National Apprenticeship Act needs 
to be updated and reauthorized; however, Congress needs to ensure that 
changes to this act accurately reflect the needs and challenges of the 
current economy and the modern workforce.
  H.R. 8294 fails to address and expand work-based learning programs 
beyond the traditional registered model. Now, more than ever, we need 
an apprenticeship system that provides tools and opportunities for 
workers to succeed and will encourage our small- and medium-sized 
businesses to participate.
  The existing apprenticeship system is severely outdated and is 
unresponsive to the needs and challenges of a dynamic workforce. The 
current administration has addressed these needs by creating the 
Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program, commonly referred to as 
IRAP.
  Twenty-five years working in private industry taught me that no one 
knows the needs of workers more than America's employers. It is time 
that we allow these job creators to participate in a system that is 
reflective of their needs and the needs of the workforce. Doing so will 
open greater pathways to work for current workers and job seekers and 
ultimately get more Americans back to work.
  In addition to these concerns, I must convey my strong opposition to 
the amendment offered by Representative Levin. The amendment 
essentially restricts nonunion entities from being able to apply for 
funding under title II, allowing taxpayer dollars to go to 
apprenticeship programs that partner only with unions.
  At best, it is signaling that Congress would rather double down on a 
union-registered model for large employers rather than expanding to new 
participants for America's small business. This is an attempt to 
elevate the wants of unions over the needs of the American worker.
  Voting for H.R. 8294 in its current form supports outdated policies 
and bureaucratic red tape that too often prevents innovation and needed 
change.
  Most importantly, this bill would actively prevent IRAPs from moving 
forward, decimating thousands of opportunities for workers to 
participate in a dynamic and innovative apprenticeship system. This is 
why we should not support this bill in its current form.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi).
  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott for yielding.
  I rise in support of the National Apprenticeship Act.
  Since the late 1980s, the Dow Jones has gone up 1,400 percent; GDP 
has gone up 600 percent; enormous wealth has been created; yet workers' 
wages during the same period of time have gone up only 20 percent or 
less. Hardworking men and women have been left behind.
  Everyone in America believes, from the most conservative to the most 
progressive, that if you are willing to go to work every day, you 
should make enough money so you can have a decent place to live, you 
can have health insurance, you can educate your children, and you can 
retire one day without being scared.
  Unfortunately, that American Dream is no longer a reality for many 
Americans. The National Apprenticeship Act says learn while you earn, 
because we all know, the more you learn, the more you earn. Yet 60 
percent of Americans do not attend college or do not graduate from 
college.
  We must return to honoring the dignity of work. We must make the 
skills necessary to be a welder or a plumber or a computer machinist or 
any skilled worker widely available to any high school student or 
graduate so that they can pursue noncollege opportunities like 
apprenticeship programs. There they can acquire the skills necessary to 
do the jobs that pay the wages necessary to live a decent life. The 
National Apprenticeship Act does just that. It is the key to the middle 
class.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our bench on the Republican 
side is very strong, and it is especially strong because of the 
Representatives from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Meuser).
  Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the incredible gentlewoman from 
North Carolina for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, in the last 10 years, the number of Americans entering 
apprenticeship programs has more than doubled--a success. The demand 
among employers and workers in a variety of industries is an 
endorsement of the apprenticeship model's promise to close the skills 
gap and provide opportunities to millions of Americans--a great thing.
  The legislation we are considering today, however, would shut down 
efforts to expand apprenticeships and make the existing 80-year-old 
registered apprenticeship program and system the only option.

  Talking to job creators in my district, which I do extensively, I 
have heard firsthand the needs for talented, new workers and their 
challenges with the cumbersome apprenticeship system that limits 
employer-led innovation for union and nonunion employment.
  The registered apprenticeship system is not the gold standard; it is 
the old standard. American workers and employers need a system as 
innovative and dynamic as our current American economy.
  Republicans offered an all-of-the-above approach that improves the 
registered apprenticeship system and promotes flexibilities to 
strengthen our workforce, particularly in manufacturing and 
construction, and would allow the apprenticeship model to be applied 
across all new industries such as tech, healthcare, logistics, and 
energy--particularly, Mr. Speaker, as we strive to fortify U.S. 
manufacturers and rebuild our infrastructure and repatriatize 
manufacturers from around the world, including China.
  We should not insist on ratio standards, but we should set very high 
gold standards. So we should focus on baking pies, not cutting them up.
  The economy workforce has evolved over the past 80 years. Our laws 
should, too. I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), a senior member of the Committee on 
Appropriations.

[[Page H5972]]

  

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8294, the 
National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, and thank the gentleman for his 
enormous leadership, as well as Chairwoman Susan Davis.
  This legislation takes real meaningful steps to increase access to 
registered apprenticeships, one of the most successful workforce 
development programs we have ever had in our country, where 94 percent 
of people who complete them actually earn an average salary of over 
$70,000 a year.
  As Representative of the cities of Toledo, Lorain, and Cleveland, all 
of which boast a strong industrial and automotive heritage, it is 
difficult to overemphasize the value that these apprenticeships have 
for young people and adults starting careers in the industrial and 
automotive trades.
  Whether it is the expertise it takes to rebuild an engine or build it 
to begin with, replace a battery in a hybrid vehicle or TIG weld the 
rear quarter of an old Wagoneer, there will always be a market for 
skilled craftspeople who can repair or restore modern and classic 
vehicles. It is these curious minds and hands that are America's 
inventors of the future for new power systems and new engines.
  This legislation is estimated to create over 1 million apprenticeship 
opportunities over the next 5 years and will strengthen our workforce, 
ensuring businesses large and small can recruit the skilled workers 
they need.
  I include in the Record a letter from the National Task Force on 
Tradeswomen's Issues that supports this legislation.

                                               National Task Force


                                      on Tradeswomen's Issues,

                                                November 18, 2020.
     Re H.R. 8294 Letter of Support, NAA Reauthorization.

     To: Committee on Education and Labor
     Chairperson Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott
     Attention: Katherine McClelland.
       The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen's Issues (TWTF) is a 
     coalition of tradeswomen organizations, advocates, allies and 
     individual tradeswomen. TWTF promotes public policies and 
     best practices towards equity in apprenticeship, training, 
     workforce development, career and technical education, and in 
     workplace experience in construction and other nontraditional 
     occupations for women. Women make up close to 50% of the 
     nation's workforce. Women occupy 2/3's of the minimum wage 
     jobs in this country. Yet, women comprise only 7% of our 
     nation's apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship is a 
     critical component of our efforts to increase economic 
     opportunity for women, particularly women of color, in blue-
     collar occupations.
       TWTF very much appreciates the interest of the House of 
     Representatives Education & Labor Committee and its Higher 
     Education & Workforce Investment Subcommittee in 
     reauthorizing the National Apprenticeship Act in a way that 
     best protects apprentices and enhances their opportunities 
     for meaningful, well-compensated careers. TWTF is grateful 
     for the careful attention that the National Apprenticeship 
     Act of 2020, H.R. 8294, pays to ensuring that women and 
     people of color--populations that have historically been too 
     often unfairly denied opportunities because of their gender, 
     race, or ethnicity--can gain access to and retain high-skill, 
     high-wage jobs through registered apprenticeships, pre-
     apprenticeships, and youth apprenticeships. Finally, we are 
     very appreciative of the open and consultative process that 
     you and your staff have engaged in to get public input as you 
     developed this bill, including allowing us to submit detailed 
     comments on a publicly available discussion draft, and your 
     staff's willingness to respond to questions and concerns on 
     an on-going basis. H.R. 8294 could well be a key piece to 
     remedy the enduring skills and pay gap as we move beyond the 
     ``She-cession.''
       TWTF is pleased to support H.R. 8294. In particular, we 
     support the bill's incorporation of nondiscrimination and 
     affirmative action standards for apprenticeship programs 
     currently codified in 29 CFR part 30; the requirement that 
     funded entities devote a minimum of 5 percent of grant funds 
     to direct financial assistance to apprentices, pre-
     apprentices, or youth apprentices for supportive services; 
     and the significant investments that the bill makes in 
     registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and youth 
     apprenticeship programs and technical assistance to make 
     progress on equity and inclusion for women and people of 
     color. We look forward to continuing to work with your staff 
     to accommodate remaining concerns as the legislation moves 
     forward in the next Congress.
           Respectfully,

                                              Connie Ashbrook,

                                                       Leah Rambo,
                                                   TWTF Co-Chairs.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Byrne), who has been an extremely valuable 
member of this committee, and we will miss him in the next term.
  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, the 
National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  The original National Apprenticeship Act was passed in 1937 and is 
now over 80 years old. There is no doubt that Congress should update 
the Apprenticeship Act; however, the legislation being considered today 
will harm apprenticeships rather than aid workforce development.
  H.R. 8294 removes the Department of Labor's ability to administer 
industry-recognized apprenticeship programs, making only DOL-registered 
programs available. While DOL-approved programs work for many 
employers, one-size-fits-all solutions don't work for many industries 
and are simply not the answer.
  Industry-recognized apprenticeship programs are developed by third-
party groups that are recognized by the Department of Labor. They are 
held to high standards to ensure apprentices are receiving the training 
that they need.
  IRAPs have already proven to be successful in helping to expand 
access to apprenticeships. Somebody argued that IRAPs are harmful 
because they think it might limit involvement in union-sponsored 
apprenticeships. What these individuals do not think about are the 
areas of the country like mine where union-sponsored apprenticeships do 
not exist or are extremely limited. My home district has none.
  Not only does this legislation try to force one-size-fits-all 
programs on to apprentices and employers while favoring unions, it also 
drastically increases the amount of bureaucratic red tape placed on 
States and program sponsors.
  Apprenticeship programs are fantastic options for individuals to gain 
skills and find well-paying jobs and for businesses to grow and expand 
their workforce. Especially in a year that has greatly affected our 
workers, we should not pass legislation that threatens to reduce access 
to workforce development or makes it more difficult to run or establish 
an apprenticeship program. I urge a ``no'' vote.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild), a member of the Education and 
Labor Committee.
  Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter dated 
November 17, 2020, from the International Union of Operating Engineers 
in support of this bill, addressed to the Honorable Robert C. Scott, 
chair of the Committee on Education and Labor.

                                            International Union of


                                          Operating Engineers,

                                Washington, DC, November 17, 2020.
     Hon. Robert C. Scott,
     Chair, Committee on Education and Labor,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Scott: The International Union of Operating 
     Engineers supports H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act 
     of 2020, and we appreciate your work to strengthen and expand 
     opportunities in America's most successful training model for 
     blue-collar workers: apprenticeship.
       The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) 
     represents 400,000 operating and stationary engineers who 
     build the transportation, water systems, and energy networks 
     that comprise the nation's core infrastructure. In 
     partnership with construction contractors and employers of 
     stationary engineers, the IUOE dedicates resources to develop 
     and implement nearly 100 registered apprenticeship programs. 
     The programs possess over 550 instructors. and they train 
     tens of thousands of apprentices and journey-level workers 
     every year. This focus on training is reflected in the 
     safety, skills. and productivity of members of the Operating 
     Engineers. Labor-management apprenticeship program of the 
     IUOE and our employers are widely recognized as the gold 
     standard of our industries and our occupations.
       Since the National Apprenticeship Act was first authorized 
     in 1937, the Registered Apprenticeship system has served as a 
     model for delivering industry-driven training in the 
     construction sector and beyond. According to the Department 
     of Labor, 94 percent of apprentices who complete Registered 
     Apprenticeships are employed upon completion, earning an 
     average starting wage of above $70,000 annually. Apprentice 
     wages are connected to experience, skill development, and 
     productivity. The increase annually and include benefits like 
     health insurance and a pension plan. The Registered 
     Apprenticeship system remains a highly successful path for 
     thousands of workers, providing a stable and predictable 
     career path with economic security.
       H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 expands 
     the limited framework of the existing Registered 
     Apprenticeship program to reinforce quality standards that 
     safeguard the welfare of apprentices. The legislation 
     codifies and streamlines the existing regulations and 
     includes important reporting and

[[Page H5973]]

     evaluation requirements to guarantee program effectiveness 
     and accountability. The legislation strengthens the 
     connections to the career ladder for apprentices, more 
     closely linking pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship 
     programs with the system of registered apprenticeship. The 
     enhanced technical assistance in the legislation will help 
     expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities into new 
     sectors. That technical assistance will also support more 
     opportunities to improve diversity, bringing more women, 
     people of color, and veterans into the system of 
     apprenticeship.
       The value of this proven on-the-job training model is even 
     more evident today as we navigate the unprecedented 
     challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The response 
     to this extraordinary crisis will require extensive public 
     investment to rebuild America's infrastructure and its 
     workforce. The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 provides 
     historic investments in workforce training, laying the 
     foundation for economic recovery and preparing the skilled 
     and qualified workforce to rebuild our country. While the 
     nation continues to experience staggering levels of 
     unemployment, the reauthorization of the National 
     Apprenticeship Act, will expand job opportunities and 
     increase access to high-paying careers for millions of hard-
     working Americans.
       The International Union of Operating Engineers proudly 
     endorses H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, 
     and we look forward to working with you to enact it into law 
     during this session of Congress.
           Sincerely,
                                                James T. Callahan,
                                                General President.
  Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the National 
Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  COVID-19 has exposed shortcomings in our workforce infrastructure, 
but those shortcomings are the result of a long history of making only 
marginal investments in our national apprenticeship model. It seems we 
are always reacting to crisis rather than planning in advance.
  In response to the Great Recession of 2008, Congress invested 
significant funding in our workforce systems. In this Congress, we made 
investments through the CARES Act, but only as this COVID crisis 
spiraled.

                              {time}  1600

  It should not take a recession or a pandemic to invest in workers in 
communities like mine. Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe Counties are 
replete with potential, but it is critical that we invest in times of 
prosperity, too. For every dollar invested in our registered 
apprenticeship program, we see a return of $28 in benefits, but the 
U.S. invests just $195 in public money per apprentice while a system 
like Canada spends $1,300 per apprentice.
  This bill would reset our approach. It makes long-term investments 
regardless of our economic fortunes or misfortunes. It provides grants 
for employers to incentivize the hiring of apprentices. At the same 
time, it provides workers with the opportunity to earn while they learn 
and obtain portable credentials without incurring significant debt. 
This bill emphasizes the importance of apprenticeship programs' high-
need social service occupations, like apprenticeship programs for early 
childhood educators, something Congressman Guthrie and I have sought to 
do with our Early Educators Apprenticeship Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Representative Susan Davis, for her 
leadership on this bill, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume
  Mr. Speaker, others have spoken to this bill being a gift to the 
unions this afternoon. It is no surprise that the Democrats want to pay 
favor to the union bosses who line their pockets. Their end goal must 
be what all socialist countries have in common: control of the 
workforce through unions. After all, they have spent this Congress 
pushing one socialist agenda after another.
  The bill before us is just another example. Democrats' blatant 
favoritism towards unions will block countless jobseekers from 
receiving apprenticeship opportunities. America's workers and their 
families will pay the price. This bill reinforces the idea that there 
is only one way to do things--the government's way.
  When will Democrats learn that the American people are not interested 
in government-mandated socialist policies?
  Once again, Democrats are choosing to bend to the will of Big Labor 
instead of putting American workers first. It is shameful, Mr. Speaker, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for 
yielding and for his leadership, and I thank the gentlewoman from 
California for her leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise with great enthusiasm to support this outstanding 
legislation which is H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 
2020.
  Mr. Speaker, 250,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Today 720,000 
Americans applied for unemployment insurance, and here we are today 
recognizing the pain that America is experiencing, but more importantly 
giving an opportunity for young Americans and others to be part of a 
major apprenticeship program which invests more than $3.5 billion over 
5 years in expanding opportunities and access to registered 
apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and preapprenticeship.
  I am glad to be an American. I am glad to be a union supporter, and 
one of the reasons is that I look over the landscape of my mother's 
work and my father's work, and I saw lives improve as unions gathered 
together to ensure that Americans could have a decent living, support 
their family, and provide opportunities for their children.
  Here we are today investing $3.5 billion, but the return will be 
$10.6 billion in net benefits to the United States taxpayers. I believe 
that that is a real darn good return.
  This legislation could not be more timely because of the record 
unemployment and because of the pain America is experiencing. This 
legislation also creates an additional 1 million new apprenticeship 
opportunities.
  Let me tell you what I did before I flew up here to Washington. I 
visited Lone Star College--it hadn't opened yet--at the Fallbrook 
campus. But they understood what apprenticeship is all about. They have 
a logistics apprenticeship that is going to be part of their 
educational system. That will give people the opportunity in this whole 
new business of online selling and buying. Yes, it is innovative.
  HCC apprenticeship program, Houston Community College, has electrical 
contractors, plumbers, masonry, ironworkers, asbestos workers, 
glaziers, painters, and stationary engineers. Let me tell you the real 
picture that we see of this issue of helping with apprenticeship, Mr. 
Speaker. These are the faces from all over our city.
  And guess what?
  According to the Houston Chronicle: ``Interested in a new career? 
Consider an apprenticeship. Union-sponsored programs build skills, 
careers.''
  Mr. Speaker, I include that article in the Record.

                      [From the Houston Chronicle]

Interested in a New Career? Consider an Apprenticeship Union-Sponsored 
                    Programs Build Skills, Careers.

       Houston Community College is restoring an old high school 
     and converting it into college classrooms. And it's using 
     some of its own apprentices to do it.
       San Jacinto Senior High was built in 1960, and the 
     community college is gutting it for new academic classrooms. 
     The project started about a year ago, and is scheduled to be 
     completed in October.
       The eight apprentices--six plumbers and two pipe fitters--
     are among the thousands of student workers in Houston who 
     spend their days doing construction and their nights hitting 
     the books. Houston's 11 union-sponsored programs, including 
     the plumbers and the pipe fitters, last for five years; other 
     programs, such as ironworkers and glaziers, last three years.
       But once the newly minted journeymen and women graduate, 
     they should have great skills and--if the economy 
     cooperates--a great career path.
       Chuck Fell, president of CFI Mechanical, which is 
     installing the plumbing, heating and air conditioning in the 
     new community college building, gave the group of apprentices 
     a pep talk last week at the job site.
       ``You are learning skills,'' Fell said to the plumbers and 
     pipe fitters who are spending their days assembling and 
     installing the massive piping systems and four hours a night, 
     two nights a week in school learning their craft.
       Those skills can take you a long way, whether you opt to 
     stay working in the craft or move up to foreman, 
     superintendent or project manager, said Fell, who attributed 
     his own success and that of nearly all of his project 
     managers to their own apprenticeship training.
       ``You could be an owner of a company,'' said Fell, who 
     became a plumber/pipe fitter apprentice in Orlando, Fla., 
     after graduating from college with a degree in architecture.

[[Page H5974]]

       He went to work for a mechanical contractor who suggested 
     that to really learn the business, Fell needed to become an 
     apprentice.
       As part of that training, Fell spent two years at Walt 
     Disney World's Epcot Center installing the mechanical and 
     plumbing systems.
       ``Set your sights high,'' Doug Posey, director of 
     apprenticeship programs for Houston Community College, told 
     the apprentices. ``The opportunities are just incredible to 
     excel and to do great things.''
       Posey recalled how he put himself through college as a pipe 
     fitter apprentice. He started his apprenticeship immediately 
     after high school and eventually ended up with a degree in 
     mechanical engineering from the University of Houston.
       While the concept of apprenticing yourself to a master 
     craftsman and learning a trade is centuries old, it's not 
     exactly a well-known career path today. But two apprentices 
     who are working on the CFI Mechanical project are glad they 
     discovered the old-fashioned way to learn a skill.
       Jaime Moncivais, a third-year apprentice, said he would 
     never have heard about the program if it hadn't been for his 
     cousin and his uncle, who are foremen at the job site. He was 
     working for a small company for two years before he left to 
     join the program.
       Moncivais is 23 and earns about $43,000 a year, plus health 
     insurance and retirement benefits, by working full time 
     during the day. After work two nights a week, he attends 
     class for four hours. That costs him $88 a semester.
       ``I'm enjoying it,'' said Moncivais, who says he's going to 
     get his state plumbing license before he decides what's next.
       So does his fellow apprentice Rudy Flores, who said he was 
     drawn by the money. He estimates he earns about $50,000 a 
     year.
       Flores, a fifth-year apprentice who has already received 
     his state plumbing license, found out about the 
     apprenticeship training program while working for a plumber 
     in Houston who was also a former apprentice.
       He said he appreciates the intensive training of the 
     program that sets him and the other apprentices apart.
       ``We like to see institutions put their money where their 
     mouth is,'' said Richard Shaw, secretary-treasurer of the 
     Harris County AFL-CIO. ``It sends a message that you ought to 
     be training our students.''
       Shaw has been critical of school districts and other 
     community colleges for not hiring their own graduates when 
     the schools need construction work.
       Funding for the apprenticeship programs comes in part from 
     the state of Texas. But the bulk of the money comes from 
     contractors and union members.
       For example, members of the plumbers union as well as 
     plumbing contractors each contribute 55 cents per work hour 
     for the training program.
       HCC is the fiscal administrator of the union programs as 
     well as the two nonunion programs that train building 
     engineers and electrical workers.
       Calvin Speight, business manager of Plumbers Local Union 
     No. 68, said he has 60 apprentices starting in the fall and 
     another 30 the following semester.
       In the meantime, they're working as ``provisionals'' to see 
     if they like the job. Apprentices must be 18 years of age and 
     either have graduated from high school or have a general-
     equivalency degree.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Then I would like to emphasize real-life activity 
that comes about through the apprenticeship: HCC apprenticeship 
students help build a new hospital.
  Mr. Speaker, I don't think we are doing anything better today and 
this week by providing for $3.5 billion in apprenticeship programs and 
$10.6 billion in return to the United States. I ask my colleagues to 
support this legislation and put Americans back to work.
  Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Committees on the Judiciary, 
on Homeland Security, on the Budget, and as a cosponsor, I rise in 
strong support of H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, 
which invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding 
opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth 
apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships.
  I thank my colleague and good friend, Congresswoman Susan Davis of 
California and Chairman Bobby Scott for introducing this important 
legislation that has the potential to yield $10.6 billion in net 
benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased workers' 
productivity and deceased spending on public-assistance programs and 
unemployment insurance and which bring America's investments in 
apprenticeship more in line with countries around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, the Registered Apprenticeship (RAs) system is America's 
most successful federally authorized workforce development program.
  According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who 
complete RAs are employed upon completion, earning an average starting 
wage of above $7,000 annually.
  Yet, according to the most recent data, only 0.3 percent of the 
overall workforce in America have completed an apprenticeship.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation could not be more timely because during 
a time of record unemployment, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 
invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities 
and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and 
pre-apprenticeships.
  This legislation also creates an additional 1 million new 
apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected growth of 
the apprenticeship system, an investment that not only will pay off for 
workers and employers, but also benefit the taxpayers.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation is critical to expanding the nation's 
workforce development system during our country's deepest economic 
downturn since the Great Depression.
  Specifically, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 Authorizes $400 
million for fiscal year (FY) 2021, increasing $100 million annually to 
$800 million for FY 2025, to support the creation or expansion of 
registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and pre-
apprenticeships programs, including in non-traditional apprenticeship 
occupations and for nontraditional populations.
  This funding will also attract and encourage employer participation 
and recruitment for individuals with barriers to employment, including 
individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.
  Additionally, to ensure that apprenticeship agreements and program 
registration to ensure consistency in quality standards and worker 
protections, H.R. 8294 codifies and streamlines standards for 
registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship 
programs.
  Also, codified are the existing regulations and practices to ensure 
that all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in 
programs under the national apprenticeship system, and to increase 
diversity in the occupations offered and the individuals participating 
in programs, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand 
industry sectors and occupations.
  The legislation institutionalizes, and establishes by statute, the 
Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship, and vests it with 
the following roles and responsibilities:
  1. Increasing participation in programs under the national 
apprenticeship system through technical assistance and program 
recognition activities;
  2. Bringing together industry sector leaders and experts, including 
employers, industry associations, joint labor-management organizations, 
labor organizations, education and training providers, credential 
providers, and apprentices to establish national frameworks to expand 
apprenticeships to new occupations and sectors; and
  3. Improving the data infrastructure to improve reporting and 
publicly disseminating information about apprenticeship programs.
  Another strong feature of this legislation is that it codifies the 
roles and responsibilities of the State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs) 
by:
  1. Authorizing annual funding for State Apprenticeship Offices and 
SAAs at $75 million for fiscal year (FY) 2021, increasing by $10 
million annually to reach $15 million for FY 2025, with one-third of 
funds equally distributed to all States and outlying areas, and two-
thirds of funds distributed via formula to SAAs; and
  2. Requiring SAAs to submit plans for registered apprenticeship 
activities, which generally mirror existing state requirements under 
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Carl D. Perkins 
Career and Technical Education Act.
  My concluding reason for supporting this important legislation is 
that it strengthens the connections between the Department of Education 
and Department of Labor through an interagency agreement to support the 
creation and expansion of youth apprenticeships, college consortiums, 
and data sharing agreements.
  I strongly support this legislation and urge all Members to join me 
in voting for its passage.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, millions of workers will need reskilling due to 
pandemic-related job loss and displacement.
  The World Economic Forum discusses this issue at length in their 
recent report titled: ``The Future of Jobs Report 2020.'' In the report 
they point to a double disruption scenario impacting workers due to 
both automation and COVID-19 workplace disruptions. This double 
disruption is further reinforced in their findings that ``84 percent of 
employers are set to rapidly digitalize working processes.''
  The demand for reskilling workers is high, and we will be left 
chasing the needs of our workforce with the current one-size-fits-all 
approach this bill seeks to enshrine into law. As in-demand skills 
evolve in the years to come, the skills gap will continue to

[[Page H5975]]

grow in the absence of forward-thinking reform.
  I, again, urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join 
Republicans in creating new apprenticeship pathways through innovative 
models such as the industry recognized apprenticeship model.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, could you advise how much time is 
remaining on both sides.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cuellar). The gentleman from Virginia 
has 8\1/2\ minutes remaining. The gentlewoman from North Carolina has 3 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan), who is the chairman of 
the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary 
Education.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8294.
  For 83 years, the National Apprenticeship Act has helped local 
economies grow by providing unprecedented career opportunities to young 
people. However, the National Apprenticeship Act has not supported 
apprenticeships in the Northern Mariana Islands and other insular 
areas. That inequity changes today.
  H.R. 8294 incorporates my bill, the Outlying Area Apprenticeship 
Expansion Act, investing more than $11.2 million over 5 years to create 
and expand apprenticeships to the insular areas. Our schools already 
provide students with the skills employers seek. But we need to build 
the connection between the classroom and real-world work. 
Apprenticeships provide that link.
  I thank Congresswoman Davis and Chairman Scott for their leadership 
on apprenticeships and for working with me to include a technical fix 
to fully include the insular areas in the act. With widespread 
unemployment due to the coronavirus, we need to help people get to 
work. H.R. 8294 will help accomplish that goal.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8294. I am 
going to miss Chairwoman Susan Davis as well.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, earlier we heard from our 
colleagues that there is going to be a $3 return to the American people 
for every tax dollar they give up to get this program funded in the 
next 5 years. I want to tell you that I think the American people would 
be happy to see that return.
  Show me any Federal program that returns to hardworking taxpayers $3 
for every dollar they pay in, and I will show you some swampland in New 
Mexico.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Mrs. Trahan), who is a member of the 
Committee on Education and Labor.
  Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my strong support for the 
National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  Especially I would like to commend the bill's author, my friend, 
Representative Susan Davis. It is due to her steadfast and visionary 
leadership on the Higher Education and Workforce Development 
Subcommittee that we are here today advancing this important and timely 
legislation. This bill is an apt capstone on her remarkable legacy.
  Registered apprenticeships are a tried and true system for preparing 
our workforce for stable jobs that provide family sustaining wages and 
benefits. I have seen firsthand how unions have put this tool to 
excellent use over the years. In fact, just last year I visited the 
Laborers' training facility in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, where young 
apprentices are training for careers in construction. The Laborers 
recognize the importance of this bill, which is why they have endorsed 
it and urged its passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter.


                                                       LiUNA!,

                                Washington, DC, November 18, 2020.
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative: I write on behalf of the 500,000 
     hardworking men and women of the Laborers' International 
     Union of North America (LIUNA) to ask you to vote for H.R. 
     8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, when it comes 
     to the House floor for a vote this week. LIUNA is proud to 
     support this important bill to keep our union apprenticeship 
     programs strong.
       Registered Apprenticeship Programs, like the ones that 
     LIUNA has had for decades, help workers earn while they 
     learn. H.R. 8294 invests more than $3.5 billion over five (5) 
     years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered 
     Apprenticeship Programs and Preapprenticeship Programs, among 
     others. The bill creates nearly a million new apprenticeship 
     opportunities on top of the current expected growth of the 
     apprenticeship system. It would also yield $10.6 billion in 
     net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased 
     workers productivity and decreased spending on public 
     assistance programs and unemployment insurance. The rigorous 
     standards in the bill ensure that the programs that 
     apprentices will work in will be top-quality.
       At a time when our nation's infrastructure needs are so 
     great, H.R. 8294 will ensure that we continue to train the 
     best workforce in the world.
       Again, I ask that you vote in favor of this important bill 
     on the House floor.
       With kind regards, I am.
           Sincerely yours,
                                                 Terry O'Sullivan,
                                                General President.

  Mrs. TRAHAN. However, for far too long, apprenticeship opportunities 
have been utilized almost exclusively for just a handful of 
construction-oriented occupations. It is time to open this successful 
model to a wider range of careers and invite folks from a more diverse 
array of backgrounds to participate. This bill accomplishes both.
  I am particularly pleased it includes legislation that Representative 
Morelle and I filed to assist small businesses in participating in 
registered apprenticeship programs and provide a particular focus on 
opportunities for people of color, women, and veterans.
  At a time when college students are drowning in debt, we need to 
advance measures that offer more affordable pathways to the middle 
class. The bill before us will help countless people achieve the 
American Dream.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair and Representative Davis for their 
excellent work, and I urge the bill's passage.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, actions speak louder than words. When it comes to 
Democrats' delivering on promises, Americans are often left 
disappointed. Workforce development and apprenticeships are no 
exception. Take their so-called Heroes Act as an example.
  Democrats tout the impactful role apprenticeships will play as our 
country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet their bill allocates a 
miniscule percentage of money for workforce development initiatives, 
and it doesn't do anything to ensure the money is used to develop and 
educate workers.
  In the first Heroes Act only .07 percent of total funding was 
allocated to the Employment and Training Administration. 
Unsurprisingly, in the Heroes Act 2.0, only 0.1 percent of total 
funding was allocated to the Employment and Training Administration. 
This is hypocrisy at its best.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath), who is a member of the 
Committee on Education and Labor.
  Mrs. McBATH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 8294, the 
National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  We are in the midst of our country's worst economic crisis in 
decades, and to better serve the American people, we must invest in our 
workforce and invest in the American Dream.
  Registered apprenticeships prepare people for the jobs of the 21st 
century, and with the evolution of technologies like 5G, Congress and 
the Department of Labor should be laser focused on encouraging and 
incentivizing apprenticeships for advanced wireless deployment. By 
supporting these programs, we can ensure that Georgia remains the best 
State in the country to live and to do business.
  For decades, the registered apprenticeship program has proven to be 
an entry into the middle class for many people. Congresswoman Davis' 
National Apprenticeship Act would support a successful workforce 
program at a time when our Nation needs it the most.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

[[Page H5976]]

  


                              {time}  1615

  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, workforce programs like apprenticeships will aid in 
closing the skills gap and put more Americans to work, but only if 
employees and job creators are given the flexibility to innovate and 
develop high-quality earn-and-learn programs without overreach from 
Washington.
  That is why Republicans want to expand employers' opportunities to 
address the needs of their current and prospective workers through an 
all-of-the-above approach to apprenticeships rather than closing 
potential pathways to work.
  Unfortunately, H.R. 8294 doubles down on a narrow and prescriptive 
approach and gives Washington bureaucrats, not job creators, more 
control. This flawed legislation will prevent more job seekers from 
accessing apprenticeship opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting ``no'' on 
H.R. 8294, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, while I am disappointed that some of my Republican 
colleagues now appear to be opposed to some parts of the National 
Apprenticeship Act of 2020, I still remain hopeful that we can come 
together to pass this critical legislation.
  All of us agree that Congress must prioritize investing in 
apprenticeship opportunities. That is why the committee members on both 
sides of the aisle spent months working in good faith toward a 
bipartisan proposal.
  The tried-and-true registered apprenticeship programs funded in this 
bill provide valuable credentials that are nationally recognized. We 
have heard about the new, untried program, the IRAP, industry-
recognized apprenticeship programs. Unfortunately, those programs do 
not create valuable credentials and are not nationally recognized.
  Our work on this is even more important now, considering the 
significant work we have to do because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Mr. Speaker, as we often have a strong voice in support of 
apprenticeship programs, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 offers 
us a real opportunity to actually match our words with action.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope that today we can set our politics aside and make 
the investment in registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and 
youth apprenticeships that our economy needs and our workers deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for 
her steadfast leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues 
to support the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters from the United 
Association of Union Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, the National Electrical 
Contractors Association, and Third Way in support of the legislation.

       We write to urge the strong support and swift passage of 
     H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. This bill 
     would protect and expand union apprenticeship opportunities 
     and codify the Office of Apprenticeship, helping to 
     strengthen Registered Apprenticeships and protect the more 
     than 359,000 men and women of the United Association of Union 
     Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), and union members everywhere, 
     from unscrupulous contractors looking to cut corners.
       It is no secret that the safest, most highly-skilled, and 
     most cost-effective workers come from Registered 
     Apprenticeships like that of the United Association. We are 
     immensely proud of the robust investments--more than $275 
     million annually--that the UA makes in training and 
     apprenticeship programs to ensure our members are the most 
     highly-trained and most highly-skilled craftspeople in the 
     world. On the jobsite, that translates to not only fewer 
     accidents and injuries, but more projects of the highest 
     standard completed on time and on budget.
       H.R. 8294 makes crucial changes to the Registered 
     Apprenticeship program and sets firm standards for pre-
     apprenticeship programs, which have exponentially grown over 
     the last several years; no longer can exploitative 
     contractors prop up pre-apprenticeship programs without 
     having clear and defined pathways into a Registered 
     Apprenticeship program. Further, H.R. 8294 adds statutory 
     protections and enshrines the Office of Apprenticeship into 
     law, which will result in established funding streams that 
     ensure the necessary oversight of the program and expand 
     technical assistance to help Registered Apprenticeship 
     opportunities reach new sectors. In addition, this bill 
     strengthens the National Advisory Committee on 
     Apprenticeship, meaning practitioners of Registered 
     Apprenticeships in both industry and labor are given a voice 
     to offer recommendations to further strengthen the program.
       Our members clearly understand the ramifications of any 
     proposed changes to our apprenticeship programs and 
     standards. That is why this bill to reauthorize the National 
     Apprenticeship Act and codify protections and funding sources 
     for Registered Apprenticeships is critical for our members. 
     We urge you to support this bill and ensure that the Building 
     Trades Registered Apprenticeships remain the Gold Standard of 
     the construction industry.
       As always, feel free to reach out with any questions. The 
     entire UA stands ready to assist in any way possible.
           Best,
     Russ Breckenridge,
       United Association of Union Plumbers & Pipefitters, 
     Legislative and Political Affairs.
     Calla Brown,
       United Association of Union Plumbers & Pipefitters, 
     Legislative and Political Affairs.
                                               National Electrical


                                      Contractors Association,

                                                November 17, 2020.
       Dear Representative: On behalf of the nearly 4,000-member 
     companies of the National Electrical Contractors Association 
     (NECA) and the $171 billion industry that brings power. 
     light, and communication technology to communities across the 
     U.S. I write to you in strong support of H.R. 8294, the 
     ``National Apprenticeship Act of 2020,'' which would work to 
     strengthen the time-tested apprenticeship model that has 
     sustained the level of excellence our contractors exhibit.
       For over 70 years, our electrical industry apprenticeship 
     program, a joint labor/management venture between NECA and 
     the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, has 
     allowed participants the opportunity to learn a skilled trade 
     in the electrical industry while receiving fair wages, health 
     care, and retirement benefits. With the combination of both 
     on the job training (8,000 hours), classroom learning (900 
     hours), and remote virtual labs, our apprenticeship model 
     offers the highest quality instruction at minimal cost to the 
     apprentice or the Federal Government while producing the 
     nation's finest electricians.
       Even with this model firmly in place, more must be done. As 
     our nation continues to grapple with the effects of the 
     ongoing pandemic, our contractors find themselves in 
     continuous need of more skilled workers to help rebuild this 
     nation. NECA believes this legislation is a step in the right 
     direction towards fulfilling this need. H.R. 8294 would work 
     to bring greater funding to proven program models, expand the 
     standards approval process, and bridge the gaps between 
     apprenticeship programs and the secondary/postsecondary 
     education system.
       We at NECA look forward to monitoring the floor debate on 
     this topic and encourage your support for H.R. 8294, the 
     ``National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.'' Thank you for your 
     consideration.
           Sincerely,

                                       Marco A. Giamberardino,

                                                   Vice President,
                                    Government and Public Affairs.


                                                    Third Way,

                                Washington, DC, November 19, 2020.
     Hon. Bobby Scott,
     House Committee on Education and Labor,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Scott: We are pleased to see that the 
     National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 is receiving a vote this 
     week on the House floor. With millions of Americans out of 
     work due to the COVID--0919 pandemic, it is vital that 
     policymakers work toward an inclusive economic recovery. 
     That's why we encourage House lawmakers to pass the National 
     Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which would provide a much-needed 
     revamp of the nation's registered apprenticeship system. 
     Apprenticeships can play a key role in our economic recovery 
     and help people regain their footing in the job market.
       Through your leadership, the National Apprenticeship Act of 
     2020 would take important steps to bolster apprenticeships 
     across the country. It would broaden economic opportunity by 
     expanding apprenticeships to women, people of color, and 
     people facing barriers to employment. The legislation would 
     help small and medium-sized businesses create apprenticeship 
     programs. Further, it would modernize our nation's 
     apprenticeship system by expanding apprenticeships in growing 
     fields like information technology, advanced manufacturing, 
     and health care.
       The bill would also expand apprenticeships in part by 
     relying on intermediaries, or apprenticeship hubs, which 
     would bring together employers, education providers, unions, 
     and other organizations in each state that will work in 
     concert to expand apprenticeships. This is an approach Third 
     Way has long advocated for, and we're thrilled that it's a 
     key part of this legislation.
       Through the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, this 
     country can promote apprenticeships as a key tool in our 
     economic recovery and ensure everyone has pathways to in-
     demand, good-paying careers. We thank you,

[[Page H5977]]

     Chairwoman Susan Davis, and House Education and Labor 
     Committee Democrats for their leadership on this legislation 
     and urge Members to support it.
           Sincerely,

                                              Gabriel Horwitz,

                                            Senior Vice President,
                                                        Third Way.

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8294, the 
National Apprenticeship Act.
  In my home state of Oregon and around the country, Registered 
Apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and youth apprenticeships are 
helping workers, particularly those with barriers to employment, access 
meaningful employment. This is even more important at a time when 
hundreds of thousands of people are out of a job because of the 
economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, 
significant sectors of our economy are on the brink of transformation 
as the future of work evolves.
  Recently I held a virtual roundtable discussion with apprentices, 
pre-apprentices, and union leaders from across Northwest Oregon. I 
heard from apprentices like Melissa who said that joining the 
Boilermakers Local 242 apprenticeship was a ``life-changing decision.'' 
And Lacy who said, ``I don't know where I would be or what I would be 
doing'' without her apprenticeship with Laborers Local 737, because it 
``made it possible to pay my bills and feed my kid.'' By supporting the 
National Apprenticeship Act, we can strengthen investments in 
Registered Apprenticeships and help workers like Melissa and Lacy gain 
the skills and support services they need to be able to provide for 
themselves and their families.
  Last month, I visited with apprentices at IBEW Local 48 in Portland, 
Oregon. Through a partnership with the National Electrical Contractors 
Association, IBEW's electrical apprenticeship program demonstrates how 
our transition to a clean energy economy provides an extraordinary 
opportunity to create good-paying jobs. Earlier this year, I joined my 
colleagues on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis in releasing a 
bold, comprehensive, science-based Climate Action Plan, which 
emphasizes the need to reauthorize the National Apprenticeship Act as 
part of supporting the increasing demand for skilled workers in the 
clean energy sector. Efforts at the NECA/IBEW Local 48 Electrical 
Apprenticeship Training Program provide an excellent example of the 
need to protect and strengthen our Registered Apprenticeship system.
  Industry partnerships can be one helpful tool in scaling up 
Registered Apprenticeships. For example, the Oregon Manufacturing 
Innovation Center, or OMIC, is bringing together industry leaders with 
educational institutions such as Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon 
State University, Portland State University, and Portland Community 
College to develop a Registered Apprenticeship program in advanced 
manufacturing. My bipartisan Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional 
Training Networks for Employers' Required Skills Act is modeled on the 
efforts at OMIC to help small and medium sized businesses develop 
Registered Apprenticeships. The bill supports industry partnerships 
that bring together employers, education, training, labor, and 
community-based organizations to create paid, on-the-job training 
programs that meet the needs of employers and provide workers with 
important support services, like access to tools, work attire, 
transportation, child care, and mentorship support. I am grateful that 
Chair Davis incorporated many of our PARTNERS Act provisions in the 
National Apprenticeship Act.
  Registered Apprenticeships provide meaningful upskilling and 
reskilling opportunities and supportive services for displaced and 
dislocated workers. I am pleased to be co-leading this important bill 
with Chair Davis to create nearly one million new Registered 
Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and preapprenticeship positions 
over the next five years. I thank Chairman Scott and Chair Davis for 
their leadership, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. WALBERG. Mr Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 8294, the 
National Apprenticeship Act. This bill, while well intentioned, fails 
to deliver on the goal of strengthening our registered apprenticeship 
system and expanding earn-and-learn opportunities for Americans across 
the nation.
  Our country's workforce is facing a unique crisis, and we must ensure 
that our apprenticeship system is up to the task to meet the needs of 
our evolving workforce. For instance, the COVID-19 crisis has 
highlighted that connectivity and the digital world are an integral 
part of our daily lives. Developing a high-skilled workforce is 
critical as we seek to expand technologies like broadband and 5G to 
underserved areas across the country, including my district in 
Michigan.
  Winning the global race to 5G will have a lasting economic benefit to 
the United States. In fact, 5G will create 3 million jobs and 
contribute $500 billion to the U.S. economy over the next five years. 
However, as wireless technology evolves, the workforce needs to evolve 
along with it. Unless the U.S. has a large enough and properly trained 
workforce, we will not be able to fully reap the economic and 
technological benefits of 5G.
  Apprenticeships are a proven solution for meeting workforce needs, 
especially in wireless technologies. They provide the in-the-field 
experience and the necessary classroom instruction to build these 
advanced wireless networks. Congress and the Department of Labor should 
be laser focused on encouraging and incentivizing apprenticeship for 5G 
and advanced wireless deployment. Unfortunately, the bill we are 
considering would hinder the flexibility of employers to create earn-
and-learn programs to teach job seekers the skills they need to build-
out and deploy the 5G and wireless infrastructure America so 
desperately needs.
  For these reasons I must oppose H.R. 8294 and urge my colleagues to 
work on a bipartisan solution that will empower workers and employers 
to create apprenticeships that are responsive to our modern economy.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
  Each further amendment printed in part B of House Report 116-593 not 
earlier considered as part of amendments en bloc pursuant to section 3 
of House Resolution 1224, shall be considered only in the order printed 
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the 
report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time 
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent 
and an opponent, may be withdrawn by the proponent at any time before 
the question is put thereon, shall not be subject to amendment, and 
shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.
  It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on 
Education and Labor or his designee to offer amendments en bloc 
consisting of further amendments printed in part B of House Report 116-
593, not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall be considered as 
read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled 
by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education 
and Labor or their respective designees, shall not be subject to 
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the 
question.


       Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Mr. Scott of Virginia

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Pursuant to section 3 of House Resolution 
1224, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 1.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en 
bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 1 consisting of amendment Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 
6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 16, printed in part B of House Report 116-
593, offered by Mr. Scott of Virginia:


              Amendment 1 Offered by Mr. Beyer of Virginia

       Page 94, strike lines 15 through 18 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(3) The program provides--
       ``(A) all individuals with an equal opportunity to 
     participate in the program as described in subparagraphs (B) 
     and (C) of section 111(b)(7); and
       ``(B) materials that conform with accessibility standards 
     under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
     U.S.C. 794d), such as materials that conform with the most 
     recent Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.''
       Page 85, line 9, strike ``and''.
       Page 85, line 12, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 85, after line 12, insert the following:
       ``(v) where appropriate and to the extent practicable, 
     incorporate the principles of universal design for learning 
     under section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1003).''
       Page 115, beginning on line 9, strike ``nontraditional'' 
     and all that follows through ``participation'' and insert 
     ``participation of nontraditional apprenticeship populations 
     and individuals with barriers to employment, including 
     individuals with disabilities,''.


              Amendment 2 Offered by Mr. Brown of Maryland

       Page 35, after line 19, insert ``(at least 1 of which 
     represents a women, minority, or veteran-owned business)'' 
     after ``program''.


           Amendment 3 Offered by Mr. Cardenas of California

       Page 37, line 11, strike ``an apprentice'' and insert ``a 
     program participant''.


               Amendment 4 Offered by Mr. Castro of Texas

       Page 117, line 19, insert ``media and entertainment,'' 
     after ``healthcare,''.


            Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Crow of Colorado

       Page 117, line 19, insert ``education,'' after ``health 
     care,''.

[[Page H5978]]

       Page 118, line 22, insert ``, elementary school, and 
     secondary school'' after ``childhood''.


           Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Horsford of Nevada

       Page 11, beginning on line 7, strike ``connecting'' and all 
     that follows through ``system'' and insert ``supporting the 
     recruitment, retention, and completion of potential program 
     participants, including nontraditional apprenticeship 
     populations and individuals with barriers to employment''.
       Page 29, line 2, insert ``national qualified 
     intermediaries, including those supporting increased 
     participation of nontraditional apprenticeship populations 
     and nontraditional apprenticeship industries or 
     occupations,'' after ``program participants,''.
       Page 37, strike lines 9 and 10, and insert the following:

       ``(VIII) a national qualified intermediary, including a 
     national qualified intermediary that supports increased 
     participation of nontraditional apprenticeship populations 
     and nontraditional apprenticeship industries or occupations; 
     and''

       Page 77, line 13, insert ``including minority serving 
     institutions,'' after ``postsecondary educational 
     institutions,''.


            Amendment No. 10 Offered by Ms. Meng of New York

       Page 23, line 17, insert before the period the following: 
     ``, in user-friendly formats and languages that are easily 
     accessible, as determined by the Administrator''.
       Page 38, line 5, strike ``and''.
       Page 38, line 6, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 38, after line 6, insert the following:
       ``(xi) the Federal Communications Commission.''.
       Page 76, line 3, insert before the semicolon the following: 
     ``, and that are in user-friendly formats and languages that 
     are easily accessible, as determined by the Secretaries''.


           Amendment No. 11 Offered by Ms. Moore of Wisconsin

       Page 22, line 11, insert ``developing the state plan in 
     section 113(c),'' after ``including''.
       Page 22, line 12, insert a comma after ``subtitle B''.
       Page 29, after line 24, insert the following:
       ``(E) Nontraditional apprenticeship populations.--The 
     Administrator shall regularly evaluate the participation of 
     the nontraditional apprenticeship populations for each of the 
     approved apprenticeable occupations, such as women, 
     minorities, long-term unemployed, individuals with a 
     disability, individuals with substance abuse issues, 
     veterans, military spouses, individuals experiencing 
     homelessness, individuals impacted by the criminal or 
     juvenile justice system, and foster and former foster youth.
       Page 30, line 10, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 30, line 12, strike the period at the end and insert 
     ``; and''.
       Page 30, after line 12, insert the following:
       ``(D) require regular reports on the performance of state 
     agencies, including on efforts state agencies make to 
     increase employer awareness of apprenticeship programs for 
     employers who have not participated.
       Page 31, line 20, insert ``low-income participants in 
     related federal programs,'' after ``disabilities''.
       Page 32, line 15, strike the period at the end and insert 
     ``, to better promote participation in the national 
     apprenticeship program.''.
       Page 104, after line 15, insert the following: `` and''
       ``(D) List of disapproved programs.--The registration 
     agency shall maintain a list of programs that were 
     disapproved which includes the reasons for each such 
     disapproval and provide such list to the Administrator at 
     least annually.
       Page 114, line 21, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 115, line 2, insert ``and'' at the end.
       Page 115, after line 2, insert the following:
       ``(E) regularly assess the impact of apprenticeship 
     programs under the national apprentice system in effectively 
     increasing the participation of women, minorities, 
     individuals with disabilities, long term unemployed, 
     individuals impacted by the criminal and juvenile justice 
     system, foster and former foster youth, and individuals with 
     barriers to employment;


        Amendment No. 12 Offered by Mr. Pappas of New Hampshire

       Page 41, line 14, strike ``and''.
       Page 41, line 24, strike the period and insert a ``; and''.
       Page 41, after line 24, insert the following:
       ``(5) make recommendations on the development of 
     demonstrations projects as described in section 132(f).
       Page 116, after line 8, insert the following:
       ``(f) Demonstration Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to initiate 
     demonstration projects, subject to the recommendation of two-
     thirds of the voting members of the Advisory Committee, such 
     that each demonstration project--
       ``(A) is limited in size and scope;
       ``(B) has a duration of no more than 3 years;
       ``(C) is carried out in nontraditional apprenticeship 
     industries or occupations; and
       ``(D) which may include activities that respond to the 
     COVID-19 public health emergency.
       ``(2) Limitation on funding.--In initiating demonstration 
     projects under subsection (a), the Secretary may not use more 
     than $2,000,000 annually from the funding authorized under 
     section 141(a).


              Amendment No. 13 Offered by Mr. Ryan of Ohio

       Page 120, line 7, insert a comma after ``secondary''.
       Page 120, line 8--
       (1) strike ``and''; and
       (2) insert ``, and adult'' after ``postsecondary''.


          Amendment No. 14 Offered by Mr. Smith of Washington

       Page 141, line 24, strike ``or''.
       Page 141, after line 24, insert the following:
       ``(viii) providing stipends to pre-apprentices enrolled in 
     a pre-apprenticeship program to cover costs such as housing, 
     transportation, childcare or out of pocket expenses resulting 
     from the pre-apprenticeship program such as assessments and 
     fees for industry-recognized credentials or drivers licenses 
     during the time of enrollment; or''.
       Page 142, line 1, strike ``(viii)'' and insert ``(ix)''.


          Amendment No. 16 Offered by Ms. Stefanik of New York

       Page 86, beginning line 12, strike ``Secretary and''.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, these amendments generally ensure 
accessibility for those with disabilities, increase equity, and 
increase opportunities. They are not controversial, and I would hope 
they would be accepted.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition, though 
I am not opposed to the amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that Representative Stefanik's 
amendment was made in order.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from New York (Ms. Stefanik).
  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Foxx.
  Mr. Speaker, as our Nation recovers from the economic toll of the 
COVID pandemic and strives to restore the livelihood of America's 
workers, we must take every opportunity to strengthen the pathways to 
meaningful, family-sustaining careers.
  The apprenticeship model of providing paid work experience, coupled 
with classroom instruction and on-the-job mentorship, is a proven 
approach to equip workers with the skills they need for lifelong 
success.
  Individuals who complete high-quality apprenticeship programs 
immediately enter into well-paying jobs and do so without the debt that 
often saddles our younger generation of workers.
  Despite this track record of success, apprenticeships remain the 
pathway to opportunity for far too few. Less than 3 percent of the 
workforce comes up through the apprenticeship system, and the vast 
majority of registered apprenticeship programs are concentrated in just 
a handful of industries.
  This stark reality leaves one of the strongest workforce development 
strategies vastly underutilized in developing talent for the modern 
economy. In order to achieve our common goal of expanding 
apprenticeships to a more expansive set of occupations, we must develop 
a system that is responsive to the demands of the 21st century 
workplace and accessible to employers in emerging industry sectors.
  Mr. Speaker, my amendment offers a simple step in the right 
direction: removing a barrier for employers who seek more freedom to 
design a program that fits their unique needs.
  For the nontraditional occupations and sectors, the mandated minimum 
of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning may not fit the nature of the job 
and thus prevent interested employers from ever developing an 
apprenticeship program. While H.R. 8294 provides a process for these 
employers to pursue an alternative time-based model that fits their 
industry, the legislation requires approval from both the State 
registration agency and the Secretary of Labor.
  A State apprenticeship agency seeking to foster the growth of 
apprenticeships in their State could grant approval to an innovative 
model only to have these efforts stifled by Department officials in 
Washington. The bureaucratic nature of this process may discourage 
employers from even attempting to use this flexibility in the first 
place.

[[Page H5979]]

  My amendment removes the Department of Labor from the process and 
leaves it solely at the discretion of States to approve alternative 
program models, empowering workforce leaders across the country to 
inject needed dynamism in the age-old system.
  Yet, this amendment alone cannot atone for the countless missed 
opportunities to incorporate additional Republican amendments, 
amendments that would have allowed innovation to thrive while still 
upholding the safety and accountability standards necessary to underpin 
the taxpayers' investment in apprenticeship programs.
  Revitalizing economic opportunity for America's workers and small 
businesses will require a robust pipeline of earn-and-learn models that 
can serve an ever more diverse group of job seekers, and I believe more 
work must be done before this legislation can truly fulfill that 
promise.
  Mr. Speaker, as we stand here in the final weeks of the 116th 
Congress and recognize that we will be back at this issue next year, I 
wholeheartedly believe that we can reestablish the bipartisan spirit 
that has been a hallmark of our efforts on workforce development.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for 
her passion and commitment on this important issue and for her 
leadership on the Higher Education and Workforce Investment 
Subcommittee as well as her leadership on the House Armed Services. I 
serve with Mrs. Davis on two committees. She will be deeply missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford), who actually ran a program in 
Nevada to increase job skills.
  Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott from Virginia for 
his kind words and leadership, and I want to commend Congresswoman 
Susan Davis from California for leading on this important issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8294, the National 
Apprenticeship Act, and to urge my colleagues to support my amendment, 
which would ensure equity and fairness in our national apprenticeship 
system.
  Specifically, my amendment would support the recruitment, retention, 
and completion of nontraditional apprenticeship populations, including 
women, people of color, and individuals with barriers to employment.
  Now more than ever, in response to the economic challenges posed by 
COVID-19, people need access to opportunities in apprenticeships. This 
is especially true for my constituents throughout Nevada, which has 
been one of the hardest hit economic regions in the country.

  My amendment would ensure that women like Evelyn Pacheco, who is the 
founder and president of Nevada Women in Trades, continue to have 
opportunities to provide apprenticeships to women of color throughout 
southern Nevada. The opportunities presented by women like Evelyn 
matter because 94 percent of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship 
program retain employment with an average annual salary of $70,000.
  Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that this pandemic has 
disproportionately impacted workers of color, particularly women of 
color, who have shouldered the greatest job losses due to their 
concentration in low-wage service industries that have been hardest hit 
by the economic downturn.
  That is why we must do everything in our power to ensure that we have 
equity and fairness in our national apprenticeship system so that every 
person can have access and support for desperately needed job training.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of my 
amendment, and I support the passage of H.R. 8294.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record a letter from the 
National Urban League supporting my amendment and the National 
Apprenticeship Act of 2020.

                                        National Urban League,

                                                November 19, 2020.
       Dear Representative: On behalf of the National Urban League 
     and its 90 affiliates located in 36 states and the District 
     of Columbia, I urge you to vote ``Yes'' on the National 
     Registered Apprenticeship Act (NAA) and associated equity 
     amendments, including those put forth by Representatives 
     Brown, Horsford, Moore, Ryan/Rice and Smith/Langevin.
       The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered businesses all across 
     America, leaving millions of workers unemployed and devasting 
     our national economy. Research shows that Black and Latino 
     workers are more likely to be working in hard-hit industries 
     that may never bounce back. The NAA represents an important 
     step towards stemming that job loss by creating one million 
     new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years, in 
     addition to the opportunities that are already being created. 
     These apprenticeships result in substantially higher earnings 
     compared to nonparticipants. By some accounts, the average 
     starting salary of an apprentice is $70,000, a family-
     sustaining middle-class income.
       Yet, more work is needed to ensure equitable access to 
     apprenticeship opportunities to nontraditional populations, 
     including people of color and women, as apprenticeship 
     programs are often less diverse than the occupations they 
     ultimately serve. According to the Department of Labor's 
     (DOL) Equal Employment Opportunity study, African Americans 
     represented only 10% of registered apprentices and are the 
     most underpaid compared to other ethnic groups. Across 25 
     states in which DOL tracks registered apprenticeships, the 
     data show the opportunities are dominated by white men.
       The National Urban League has worked to advance economic 
     opportunity for African Americans and other underserved 
     communities for more than 110 years. Our job training 
     programs target workers with multiple barriers to employment 
     to help them secure full-time jobs and career advancement 
     opportunities. Through DOL's Equity in Apprenticeship 
     program, the National Urban League and eleven affiliates have 
     increased opportunities in nontraditional fields through pre-
     apprenticeship and registered apprenticeships to more than 
     1,200 African American and other nontraditional populations.
       The National Urban League urges you to support the National 
     Registered Apprenticeship Act and accompanying equity 
     amendments to ensure nontraditional populations have access 
     to the support they need to thrive and businesses have the 
     skilled workforce they need to succeed in this uncertain 
     economy.
           Sincerely,

                                               Marc H. Morial,

                                                President and CEO,
                                            National Urban League.

  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Representative Stefanik's 
amendment is a valuable change that would make it easier for programs 
of shorter length to be approved specifically in fields where 
apprenticeships have not traditionally seen growth or expansion.
  While most of the other amendments in this en bloc are 
unobjectionable, I do want to highlight three amendments where I have 
concerns.
  The amendment offered by Representatives Beyer and Pressley is mostly 
unobjectionable. We certainly share the majority's intent in ensuring 
access to apprenticeships for people with disabilities. However, it 
also includes a provision that would actually hold apprenticeship 
program sponsors to a higher standard than the standard to which 
section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 currently holds Federal 
agencies, which are the target of that particular provision.
  While this was likely well intentioned, the underlying bill already 
prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires 
program sponsors to provide accommodations for individuals with 
disabilities, so holding small business and other employers who are 
seeking to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities to a 
higher standard than we hold ourselves in the Federal Government is a 
guaranteed way to ensure fewer apprenticeship opportunities rather than 
more.

                              {time}  1630

  Another amendment concealed within the en bloc is offered by 
Representative Moore, which will lead to excessive paperwork and little 
real outcomes for low-income individuals or individuals with barriers 
to employment.
  Finally, the amendment offered by Representative Horsford claims to 
ensure equity and opportunity in the apprenticeship system. In reality, 
I am afraid it may cause confusion at best. The amendment would add new 
criteria to the definition of ``national qualified intermediaries,'' 
requiring them to support the increased participation of nontraditional 
apprenticeship populations and nontraditional apprenticeship industries 
or occupations.
  Even if they wanted to, some national qualified intermediaries may 
not be in a position to do this, either because of their location or 
the nature of their program.

[[Page H5980]]

  If there is an opportunity in the new Congress to resume bipartisan 
conversations on reauthorization of the National Apprenticeship Act, I 
welcome the chance to discuss what the intent is here and to seek out 
common ground. In fact, I hope the new Congress brings about true 
bipartisan work from my colleagues.
  While these three specific amendments cause me concern, on balance, 
this en bloc consideration is worthy of support even if it won't 
ultimately redeem the underlying bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Beyer), the chair of the Joint Economic Committee.
  Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment with 
Representative Ayanna Pressley. This amendment works to ensure that 
people with disabilities are able to access registered apprenticeships 
on an equal basis with their nondisabled peers.
  Three cogent facts: The workforce participation rate for people with 
disabilities is still less than one-third that of nondisabled peers; 
number two, among people with disabilities actively seeking work, the 
unemployment rate is twice that of nondisabled workers; and number 
three, people with disabilities are less likely to have meaningful 
access to participate in apprenticeship programs.
  This amendment ensures that individuals with disabilities will be 
able to access apprenticeship programs that will help them develop the 
skills and build a work history that will open doors to their future.
  This can also help employers understand the value of this workforce 
and learn from experience that accommodating a disabled employee is 
usually a simple, inexpensive process that benefits the employee, the 
employer, and, ultimately, all of us who benefit from having an engaged 
and diverse workforce.
  I thank Representative Susan Davis for this bill and the leadership 
of our chairman,  Bobby Scott.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated--and several have 
spoken on their amendments--I would hope that we would adopt the 
amendment en bloc, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that we aren't here debating a bloc of 
amendments that will work to address the failings of the underlying 
bill.
  I am pleased to see at least one amendment in this group will help 
bring some flexibility to States.
  I urge support of the en bloc consideration of these amendments, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8294, the 
National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.
  The programs being addressed in this bill support on the job 
training, mentoring, and other assistance to help individuals gain 
employment and build careers in high paying and/or high skilled 
occupations. Registered Apprenticeships are our nation's most 
successful federal workforce training program. According to the DOL, 94 
percent apprentices are employed after completing a Registered 
Apprenticeship and earn an average starting wage of $70,000. That 
success is to be applauded.
  Yet, this powerful tool can be improved. Just consider these two 
facts: Registered Apprenticeships only account for 0.3 percent of our 
workforce and nearly two-thirds of active apprentices are employed in 
just one industry, construction. It's long past time we bring these 
federal efforts into the 21st Century and expanding access to 
apprenticeship opportunities is now especially important as we work to 
build back our economy from the lasting effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic.
  Key provisions to me in this bill are the calls to strengthen equity 
and promote equal opportunity to participate in youth apprenticeships, 
pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships, especially for nontraditional 
apprenticeship populations. Who are they? These are individuals who 
have traditionally faced barriers to accessing these opportunities, 
including low-income individuals, those with disabilities, foster youth 
and former foster youth, and the formerly incarcerated, among others.
  I don't have to tell you that low-income workers frequently face 
barriers . . . as do those who were previously or recently 
incarcerated. But we might remind ourselves ``[a] history of 
incarceration does not disqualify a person's skills, initiative, or 
humanity.'' Thanks to Chairman Scott and the sponsor of this 
legislation, Chairwoman Susan Davis, among others for their efforts 
that have resulted in the legislation before us today.
  It recognizes that we need to keep working to ensure equal 
opportunity for all to participate in these programs. Pre-
apprenticeships and apprenticeships are key gateways to potentially 
good paying careers. It's critical that we work to ensure that 
populations that have barriers to entry into these programs and are 
underrepresented. Inclusive workforce development practices will help 
us achieve a more diverse workforce that leverages each individual's 
talents, skills and abilities to determine their success, rather than 
the barriers they may face.
  My amendment, which is included in this en bloc, builds on the base 
bill to ensure we do not forget populations that have traditionally 
been underrepresented in these programs. This includes requiring 
regular reviews by the federal government of participation by 
nontraditional populations in these programs and assessing how these 
programs increase participation of these populations, especially in 
occupations where we know that their involvement is underrepresented. 
My amendment would also ensure that federal coordination among a host 
of programs serving low-income individuals helps to promote their 
participation in the efforts supported by this bill.
  It is estimated that the efforts in this bill could create nearly 1 
million new apprenticeship opportunities in addition to expected growth 
in the apprenticeship system. But it's not enough just to increase the 
number of opportunities. We must expand access to the opportunities.
  Truly expanding access to these opportunities for all, including 
women, minorities, and other underrepresented and nontraditional 
populations, will benefit not only the workers who we connect to 
stable, good-paying jobs but also their communities.
  I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc and the underlying bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendments en bloc offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).
  The question is on the amendments en bloc.
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.


       amendments en bloc no. 2 offered by mr. scott of virginia

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House 
Resolution 1224, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 2.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en 
bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 2 consisting of amendment Nos. 7, 8, and 17, 
printed in part B of House Report 116-593, offered by Mr. Scott of 
Virginia:


          Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. Kilmer of Washington

       Page 117, line 18, insert ``computer science,'' after 
     ``technology,''.


          Amendment No. 8 Offered by Mr. Lamb of Pennsylvania

       Page 12, line 9, strike ``or''.
       Page 12, line 10, insert ``or veterans-service 
     organizations,'' after ``partners,''.
       Page 21, line 9, insert ``veterans-service organizations,'' 
     after ``facilities,''
       Page 107, line 21, insert ``veteran status,'' after 
     ``age,''


            Amendment No. 17 Offered by Ms. Titus of Nevada

       Page 117, line 19, insert ``hospitality and tourism,'' 
     after ``health care,''.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  These are expected to be noncontroversial. The amendments generally 
expand the industries to be affected by the opportunities for 
apprenticeships and adds veterans service organizations as partner 
organizations.
  I hope that we would adopt these, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this en bloc incorporates three amendments to the 
underlying bill that would enhance opportunities in the registered 
apprenticeship system.

[[Page H5981]]

  The amendment offered by Mr. Kilmer of Washington and Mr. Fitzpatrick 
of Pennsylvania amends the grant program within the underlying bill to 
promote offerings for computer science programs.
  Modernizing the 80-year-old National Apprenticeship Act ought to 
include apprenticeship opportunities within a variety of sectors. Far 
too often, society paints apprenticeships as only applying to the 
``trades.'' While there are certainly valuable pathways within those 
fields, we need to expand the horizons of what apprenticeships are 
capable of providing for workers. This is also why I think it is 
important to call these ``professions'' rather than the ``trades.'' A 
broader policy should not be limited by how it has traditionally been 
viewed or how we speak about it.
  Computer science is a high-growth and promising career path leading 
to in-demand lucrative jobs for workers.
  We hear too often that students are graduating without the technical 
skills they need to be successful in today's workforce. This amendment 
would support employers in recruiting and developing new employees with 
the computer science competencies they need to make up for these 
deficits and help fill a widening skills gap.
  Similarly, the amendment offered by Ms. Titus of Nevada and 
cosponsored by several Members on both sides of the aisle adds 
hospitality and tourism to the list of nontraditional apprenticeship 
industries that are eligible for grants under this act.
  If this grant program is to live up to its name and reflect the 
economy of the 21st century, we must break free from antiquated, narrow 
ideas of apprenticeships and bring more opportunities to promising 
sectors. The hospitality and tourism industries are a prime example of 
areas in which students would benefit from more on-the-job learning 
experiences and employer-led instruction than they would from a 
traditional college education.
  Finally, the amendment offered by Mr. Lamb of Pennsylvania and Mr. 
Taylor of Texas includes veterans service organizations in several key 
places. Specifying VSOs as partner organizations for involvement in the 
registered apprenticeship system ensures the needs of veterans will be 
considered and incorporated into apprenticeship programs.
  The amendment also highlights the VSOs as entities that should be 
contacted for promoting and raising awareness about apprenticeship 
opportunities, making sure our veterans have full access to and 
information about apprenticeship opportunities.
  Because apprenticeships recognize and build on prior knowledge and 
skills, veterans stand to benefit greatly from these opportunities and 
should be engaged in the system as much as possible.
  We want apprenticeships to support all workers seeking to access and 
enhance career opportunities. These amendments ensure the 21st Century 
Grant program expands opportunities in promising sectors and that the 
registered apprenticeship system engages veterans.
  I support these amendments, encourage my colleagues to do the same, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Washington (Mr. Kilmer).
  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this package of 
en bloc amendments, which includes a bipartisan amendment I offered 
along with my good friend and colleague from Pennsylvania, 
Representative Fitzpatrick, to expand access to computer science youth 
apprenticeship programs that are critical to the 21st century 
workforce.
  We know education is the door to economic opportunities, and one of 
the most American and foundational paths to high-quality, work-based 
learning and education are apprenticeship programs.
  In today's changing economy, it is important to continue to find ways 
to prepare our kids for the jobs of the future: jobs in advanced 
manufacturing, healthcare, technology, green jobs, and, yes, computer 
science.
  According to Code.org, across 24 States, only 35 percent of high 
schools in the U.S. teach computer science. That same study found that 
Black and Hispanic students, students receiving free and reduced lunch, 
and students from rural areas are less likely to attend a school that 
provides access to this critical subject.
  Not everyone is going to have a tech-related job, but we know that 
there is a growing demand--a demand that we are struggling to meet--for 
students able to fill these in-demand jobs and for equipping workers 
with advanced computer science skills.
  To prepare students to be successful and innovative in the workforce, 
the Federal Government needs to expand computer science education and 
pathways to more students. That is why my amendment would ensure that 
computer science youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and 
apprenticeship programs are prioritized.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to 
the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer).
  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, it would provide priority for funding 
through this historic National Apprenticeship Act of 2020.

  Growing the number of computer science programs for students in high 
school and beyond will provide more 21st century job opportunities for 
our kids, more high-skilled and qualified employees for our employers, 
and more economic resiliency for our communities.
  I thank the chairman for his support of this simple, yet important, 
amendment. I thank Representative Susan Davis from California for her 
leadership on this issue, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' 
on this package and ``yes'' on this bill.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Lamb).
  Mr. LAMB. Mr. Speaker, for the last 2\1/2\ years, I have been a 
member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs; and during that 
time, one of the things I have seen is the way that our veterans 
service organizations, particularly the American Legion, the VFW, the 
Vietnam Veterans of America, but several others, too, play an essential 
role in connecting all of the good things that we are trying to do with 
government programs with the people who actually need to benefit from 
them and take advantage of them.
  So often in government, we have a hard time getting our ideas and our 
solutions beyond the walls of the Federal office building and into the 
communities and streets and homes where we want them to be, and these 
organizations are very, very good at doing that.
  So I want to thank my colleague, Republican Representative Van Taylor 
from Texas, for partnering with me on these amendments to bring in 
these veterans service organizations as part of signing people up and 
enrolling them in apprenticeship programs so that the veterans who are 
out there who are most in need of up-skilling or creating a new career 
path can actually find out about these opportunities and take advantage 
of them.
  There is probably no one in America more qualified and a better bet 
for this investment than a veteran. On-the-job training is what we do. 
These people have the patience and discipline to complete these 
programs and make our entire workforce stronger and better off, and I 
know that the veterans service organizations will help us get there.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan).
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, the Titus amendment is simple. It includes 
hospitality and tourism as an eligible industry for expansion of 
registered apprenticeship opportunities.
  The hospitality and tourism industry is a major source for the 
Marianas. The GAO's February 2020 report on Economic and Workforce 
Trends in the Marianas found that hospitality and tourism account for 
45 percent of GDP.
  We are not unique. The industry is critical to many communities 
across the Nation, but it is considered a nontraditional industry for 
apprenticeships and has been unable to take full advantage of the 
apprenticeship system. The Titus amendment fixes that.
  As I stated earlier, for 83 years, the National Apprenticeship Act 
has helped local economies grow by providing career opportunities to 
young people. The Titus amendment guarantees that H.R. 8294 will build 
on that

[[Page H5982]]

success by ensuring that the apprenticeship system is modernized to 
address the workforce needs of the 21st century.
  I support the Titus amendment and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
  I also am grateful that the ranking member is supportive of the Titus 
amendment. I thank everyone for their consideration, and I wish 
everyone a happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the American Hotel 
and Lodging Association.


                         American Hotel & Lodging Association,

                                                November 18, 2020.
     Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker of the House,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Kevin McCarthy,
     Republican Leader,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy: On behalf of the 
     American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the sole 
     national association representing all segments of the U.S. 
     lodging industry, including iconic global brands, hotel 
     owners and franchisees, lodging real estate investment trusts 
     (REITs), hotel management companies, independent properties, 
     bed and breakfasts, state hotel associations, and industry 
     suppliers, I write in support of H.R. 8294, National 
     Apprenticeship Act of 2020. This important legislation would 
     expand the national apprenticeship system to include 
     nontraditional apprenticeship industries and create a grant 
     program to support registered apprenticeship, pre-
     apprenticeship, and youth apprenticeship programs. AHLA also 
     strongly supports the bipartisan amendment offered by 
     Representatives Dina Titus (NV-1) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) 
     that would specifically identify the hospitality and tourism 
     industries as a nontraditional apprenticeship industry under 
     Sec. 201 of the Act.
       Prior to the pandemic, filling service positions was one of 
     the hospitality industry's most significant challenges. 
     According to the Department of Labor (DOL), it was estimated 
     that nearly one million job vacancies remained unfilled. In 
     order to meet the needs of the industry, AHLA and the AHLA 
     Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the association, are 
     developing innovative programs that invest in our workforce 
     and are designed to open opportunities for underprivileged 
     communities, build careers, and strengthen the lodging 
     industry. The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 would 
     enable our Foundation to achieve this mission through grant 
     programs specifically targeted to our industry. Additionally, 
     the legislation updates the National Apprenticeship Act to 
     provide the flexibility we need to reflect modem practices 
     while maintaining the high standards set forth by DOL.
       On behalf of the more than 33,000 small business hotels, 
     which represents over half of hotels in the country, and the 
     millions of associates they employ, I urge the House of 
     Representatives to swiftly pass H.R. 8294 and provide 
     nontraditional apprenticeship industries, like the 
     hospitality and tourism sectors, an avenue to continue to 
     grow our workforce and support our communities. Thank you for 
     your consideration of this critical matter.
           Sincerely,

                                               Brian Crawford,

                                         Executive Vice President,
                                               Government Affairs.

                              {time}  1645

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I support the three amendments en 
bloc. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, along with these 
three amendments.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1224, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendments en bloc offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).
  The question is on the amendments en bloc.
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further 
consideration of H.R. 8294 is postponed.

                          ____________________