[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND JOBS PARITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                    of the northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2021

  Mr. SABLAN Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the Employment Services 
and Jobs Parity Act. This legislation would make long overdue 
amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act to include the Northern Mariana 
Islands and American Samoa.
  The Wagner-Peyser Act established the Employment Service which brings 
together employers looking for workers and individuals looking for 
work. Despite participating in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
programs and operating an American Job Center, the Marianas and 
American Samoa are not eligible for the employment services formula 
grant that is currently awarded to all other states and insular areas.
  In January 2017, the 902 report was submitted to Congress. Both the 
Special Representatives of the Marianas and the President recommended 
that the Department of Interior work cooperatively with DOL to extend 
the Wagner-Peyser Act to the Marianas. But, it will be up to Congress 
to act so that all Americans can get the help they need to develop the 
skills necessary to enter in-demand jobs and career paths.
  With widespread unemployment due to the coronavirus, the annual 
Wagner-Peyser grant would provide timely support to the Marianas and 
American Samoan workforce through skills assessment, career guidance, 
and referrals to training for job seekers.
  Now is the time to make things right and ensure parity for all 
Americans. This bipartisan bill is important to the workers in the 
Marianas and American Samoa. The Representative from American Samoa, 
Mrs. Radewagen, is an original co-sponsor. I urge all my colleagues to 
support this bipartisan legislation.

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