[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2191-H2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A STRONGER WORKFORCE FOR AMERICA ACT

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 6655) to amend and reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6655

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Effective date; transition authority.

               TITLE I--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Table of contents amendments.

                      Subtitle B--System Alignment

                      Chapter 1--State Provisions

Sec. 111. State workforce development board.
Sec. 112. Unified State plan.

                      Chapter 2--Local Provisions

Sec. 115. Workforce development areas.
Sec. 116. Local workforce development boards.
Sec. 117. Local plan.

                 Chapter 3--Performance Accountability

Sec. 119. Performance accountability system.

       Subtitle C--Workforce Investment Activities and Providers

        Chapter 1--Workforce Investment Activities and Providers

Sec. 121. Establishment of one-stop delivery systems.
Sec. 122. Identification of eligible providers and programs of training 
              services.

            Chapter 2--Youth Workforce Investment Activities

Sec. 131. Reservations; Reallocation.
Sec. 132. Use of funds for youth workforce investment activities.

    Chapter 3--Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training 
                               Activities

Sec. 141. State allotments.
Sec. 142. Reservations for State activities; within State allocations; 
              Reallocation.
Sec. 143. Use of funds for employment and training activities.

               Chapter 4--Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 145. Authorization of appropriations.

                         Subtitle D--Job Corps

Sec. 151. Purposes.
Sec. 152. Definitions.
Sec. 153. Individuals eligible for the Job Corps.
Sec. 154. Recruitment, screening, selection, and assignment of 
              enrollees.
Sec. 155. Job Corps Campuses.
Sec. 156. Program activities.
Sec. 157. Support.
Sec. 158. Operations.
Sec. 159. Standards of conduct.
Sec. 160. Community participation.
Sec. 161. Workforce councils.
Sec. 162. Advisory committees.
Sec. 163. Experimental projects and technical assistance.
Sec. 164. Special provisions.
Sec. 165. Management information.
Sec. 166. Job Corps oversight and reporting.
Sec. 167. Authorization of appropriations.

                     Subtitle E--National Programs

Sec. 171. Native American programs.
Sec. 172. Migrant and seasonal farmworker programs.
Sec. 173. Technical assistance.
Sec. 174. Evaluations and research.
Sec. 175. National dislocated worker grants.
Sec. 176. YouthBuild Program.
Sec. 178. Reentry employment opportunities.
Sec. 179. Strengthening community colleges grant program.
Sec. 180. Authorization of appropriations.

                       Subtitle F--Administration

Sec. 191. Requirements and restrictions.
Sec. 192. General waivers of statutory or regulatory requirements.
Sec. 193. State innovation demonstration authority.

                 TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY

Sec. 201. Purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 204. Special rule.
Sec. 205. Performance accountability system.
Sec. 206. Matching requirement.
Sec. 207. State leadership activities.
Sec. 208. Programs for corrections education and other 
              institutionalized individuals.
Sec. 209. Grants and contracts for eligible providers.

[[Page H2192]]

Sec. 210. Local application.
Sec. 211. Local administrative cost limits.
Sec. 212. National leadership activities.
Sec. 213. Integrated English literacy and civics education.

                  TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS

Sec. 301. Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act.
Sec. 302. Job training grants.
Sec. 303. Access to National Directory of New Hires.

     SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE; TRANSITION AUTHORITY.

       (a) Effective Date.--This Act, and the amendments made by 
     this Act, shall take effect on the first date of the first 
     program year (as determined under the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.)) that begins 
     after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (b) Transition Authority.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary 
     of Education shall have the authority to take such steps as 
     are necessary before the effective date of this Act to 
     provide for the orderly implementation on such date of the 
     amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) made by this Act.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 503 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3343) is repealed 
     (and by striking the item relating to such section in the 
     table of contents of such Act).

               TITLE I--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) Foundational Skill Needs.--Section 3(5) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(5)) 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(5) Foundational skill needs.--The term `foundational 
     skill needs' means, with respect to an individual who is a 
     youth or adult, that the individual--
       ``(A) has English reading, writing, or computing skills at 
     or below the 8th-grade level on a generally accepted 
     standardized test; or
       ``(B) is unable to compute or solve problems, or read, 
     write, or speak English, or does not possess digital literacy 
     skills, at a level necessary to function on the job, in the 
     individual's family, or in society.''.
       (b) Employer-Directed Skills Development.--Section 3(14) of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3102(14)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(14) Employer-directed skills development.--The term 
     `employer-directed skills development' means a program--
       ``(A) that is selected or designed to meet the specific 
     skill demands of an employer (including a group of 
     employers);
       ``(B) that is conducted pursuant to the terms and 
     conditions established under an employer-directed skills 
     agreement described in section 134(c)(3)(I), including a 
     commitment by the employer to employ an individual upon 
     successful completion of the program; and
       ``(C) for which the employer pays a portion of the cost of 
     the program, as determined by the local board involved, which 
     shall not be less than--
       ``(i) 10 percent of the cost, in the case of an employer 
     with 50 or fewer employees;
       ``(ii) 25 percent of the cost, in the case of an employer 
     with more than 50, but fewer than 100 employees; and
       ``(iii) 50 percent of the cost, in the case of an employer 
     with 100 or more employees.''.
       (c) Dislocated Worker.--Section 3(15)(E)(ii) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3102(15)(E)(ii)) is amended by striking ``who meets the 
     criteria described in paragraph (16)(B)'' and inserting ``who 
     meets the criteria described in subparagraph (B) of the 
     definition of the term `displaced homemaker' in this 
     section''.
       (d) Displaced Homemaker.--Section 3(16) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(16)) is 
     amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
     striking ``family members'' and inserting ``a family 
     member''.
       (e) Eligible Youth.--Section 3(18) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(18)) is 
     amended by striking ``out-of-school'' and inserting 
     ``opportunity''.
       (f) English Learner.--Section 3 of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) is further amended--
       (1) in paragraph (21)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``language''; and
       (B) by striking ``language''; and
       (2) in paragraph (24)(I), by striking ``language''.
       (g) Justice-Involved Individual.--Section 3 of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) is 
     further amended--
       (1) in paragraph (24), by amending subparagraph (F) to read 
     as follows:
       ``(F) Justice-involved individuals.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (38)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Offender'' and inserting 
     ``Justice-involved individual''; and
       (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``offender'' and inserting ``justice-involved individual''.
       (h) Opportunity Youth.--Section 3(46) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(46)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the heading, by striking ``Out-of-school'' and 
     inserting ``Opportunity''; and
       (2) by striking ``out-of-school'' and inserting 
     ``opportunity''.
       (i) Pay-for-Performance Contract Strategy.--Section 3(47) 
     of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3102(47)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(47) Pay-for-performance contract strategy.--The term 
     `pay-for-performance contract strategy' means a specific type 
     of performance-based acquisition that uses pay-for-
     performance contracts in the provision of services described 
     in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 134(c) or activities 
     described in section 129(c)(2), and includes--
       ``(A) contracts, each of which--
       ``(i) shall specify a fixed amount that will be paid to an 
     eligible service provider (which may include a local or 
     national community-based organization or intermediary, 
     community college, or other provider) based on the 
     achievement of specified levels of performance on the primary 
     indicators of performance described in section 116(b)(2)(A) 
     for target populations as identified by the local board 
     (including individuals with barriers to employment), within a 
     defined timetable;
       ``(ii) may not be required by the Secretary to be informed 
     by a feasibility study; and
       ``(iii) may provide for bonus payments to such service 
     provider to expand capacity to provide effective services and 
     training;
       ``(B) a strategy for validating the achievement of the 
     performance described in subparagraph (A); and
       ``(C) a description of how the State or local area will 
     reallocate funds not paid to a provider because the 
     achievement of the performance described in subparagraph (A) 
     did not occur, for further activities related to such a 
     procurement strategy, subject to section 189(g)(4).''.
       (j) Rapid Response Activity.--Section 3(51) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(51)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``, through a rapid response unit'' after ``designated by a 
     State'';
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the semicolon 
     at the end the following: ``, including individual training 
     accounts for eligible dislocated workers under section 414(c) 
     of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act 
     of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3224a)'';
       (3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (4) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);
       (5) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new 
     subparagraph:
       ``(E) assistance in identifying employees eligible for 
     assistance, including workers who work a majority of their 
     time off-site or remotely;'';
       (6) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking 
     the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (7) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) business engagement or layoff aversion strategies and 
     other activities designed to prevent or minimize the duration 
     of unemployment, such as--
       ``(i) connecting employers to short-term compensation or 
     other programs designed to prevent layoffs;
       ``(ii) conducting employee skill assessment and matching 
     programs to different occupations;
       ``(iii) establishing incumbent worker training or other 
     upskilling approaches, including incumbent worker upskilling 
     accounts described in section 134(d)(4)(E);
       ``(iv) facilitating business support activities, such as 
     connecting employers to programs that offer access to credit, 
     financial support, and business consulting; and
       ``(v) partnering or contracting with business-focused 
     organizations to assess risks to companies, and to propose, 
     implement, and measure the impact of strategies and services 
     to address such risks.''.
       (k) Vocational Rehabilitation Program.--Section 3(64) of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (20 U.S.C. 
     3102(64)) is amended by striking ``under a provision covered 
     under paragraph (13)(D)'' and inserting ``under a provision 
     covered under subparagraph (D) of the definition of the term 
     `core program provision' under this section''.
       (l) New Definitions.--Section 3 of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) is further amended--
       (1) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(72) Co-enrollment.--The term `co-enrollment' means 
     simultaneous enrollment in more than one of the programs or 
     activities carried out by a one-stop partner in section 
     121(b)(1)(B).
       ``(73) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy 
     skills' has the meaning given the term in section 203.
       ``(74) Evidence-based.--The term `evidence-based', when 
     used with respect to an activity, service, strategy, or 
     intervention, means an activity, service, strategy, or 
     intervention that--
       ``(A) demonstrates a statistically significant effect on 
     improving participant outcomes or other relevant outcomes 
     based on--
       ``(i) strong evidence from at least 1 well-designed and 
     well-implemented experimental study;
       ``(ii) moderate evidence from at least 1 well-designed and 
     well-implemented quasi-experimental study; or
       ``(iii) promising evidence from at least 1 well-designed 
     and well-implemented correlational study with statistical 
     controls for selection bias; or
       ``(B)(i) demonstrates a rationale based on high-quality 
     research findings or positive

[[Page H2193]]

     evaluation that such activity, strategy, or intervention is 
     likely to improve student outcomes or other relevant 
     outcomes; and
       ``(ii) includes ongoing efforts to examine the effects of 
     such activity, service, strategy, or intervention.
       ``(75) Labor organization.--The term `labor organization' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 2(5) of the 
     National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)).
       ``(76) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. 
     Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
     2302).''; and
       (2) by reordering paragraphs (1) through (71), as amended 
     by this section, and the paragraphs added by paragraph (1) of 
     this subsection in alphabetical order, and renumbering such 
     paragraphs as so reordered.

     SEC. 102. TABLE OF CONTENTS AMENDMENTS.

       The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act is amended--
       (1) by redesignating the item relating to section 172 as 
     section 174;
       (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 171, 
     the following:

``Sec. 172. Reentry employment opportunities.
``Sec. 173. Strengthening community colleges workforce development 
              grants program.''; and
       (3) by striking the item relating to section 190 and 
     inserting the following:

``Sec. 190. State innovation demonstration authority.''.

                      Subtitle B--System Alignment

                      CHAPTER 1--STATE PROVISIONS

     SEC. 111. STATE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD.

       Section 101(b)(1)(C)(ii)(IV) of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3112(b)(1)(C)(ii)(IV)) is 
     amended by striking ``out-of-school youth'' and inserting 
     ``opportunity youth''.

     SEC. 112. UNIFIED STATE PLAN.

       Section 102 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3112) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (E) as 
     subparagraphs (D) through (F), respectively;
       (ii) by inserting the following after subparagraph (B):
       ``(C) a description of--
       ``(i) how the State will use real-time labor market 
     information to continually assess the economic conditions and 
     workforce trends described in subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
       ``(ii) how the State will communicate changes in such 
     conditions or trends to the workforce system in the State;'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``the extent to which such activities are evidence-based,'' 
     after ``of such activities,'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``and'' at the end;
       (v) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking 
     the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
       (vi) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) a description of any activities the State is 
     conducting to expand economic opportunity for individuals and 
     reduce barriers to labor market entry by--
       ``(i) developing, in cooperation with employers, education 
     and training providers, and other stakeholders, statewide 
     skills-based initiatives that promote the use of demonstrated 
     skills and competencies as an alternative to the exclusive 
     use of degree attainment as a requirement for employment or 
     advancement in a career; and
       ``(ii) evaluating the existing occupational licensing 
     policies in the State and identifying potential changes to 
     recommend to the appropriate State entity to--

       ``(I) remove or streamline licensing requirements, as 
     appropriate; and
       ``(II) improve the reciprocity of licensing, including 
     through participating in interstate licensing compacts; and

       ``(H) an analysis of the opportunity youth population in 
     the State, including the estimated number of opportunity 
     youth and any gaps in services provided to such population by 
     other existing workforce development activities, as 
     identified under subparagraph (D).''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``including a 
     description'' and inserting ``which may include a 
     description'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) in clause (ii)(I), by inserting ``utilizing a 
     continuous quality improvement approach,'' after ``year,''
       (II) in clause (vi), by inserting ``and'' at the end;
       (III) in clause (vii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
     a period; and
       (IV) by striking clause (viii);

       (iii) in subparagraph (D)(i)(II), by striking ``any''; and
       (iv) in subparagraph (E)--

       (I) in clause (viii)(II), by inserting ``and'' at the end;
       (II) in clause (ix), by striking ``; and'' at the end and 
     inserting a period; and
       (III) by striking clause (x); and

       (2) in subsection (c)(3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``shall'' the second 
     place it appears and inserting ``may''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``required''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``, except that communicating changes in 
     economic conditions and workforce trends to the workforce 
     system in the State as described in subsection (b)(1)(C) 
     shall not be considered modifications subject to approval 
     under this paragraph'' before the period at the end.

                      CHAPTER 2--LOCAL PROVISIONS

     SEC. 115. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREAS.

       (a) Regions.--Section 106(a) of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(a)) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(3) Review.--Before the second full program year after 
     the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America 
     Act, in order for a State to receive an allotment under 
     section 127(b) or 132(b) and as part of the process for 
     developing the State plan, a State shall--
       ``(A) review each region in the State identified under this 
     subsection (as such subsection was in effect on the day 
     before the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act); and
       ``(B) after consultation with the local boards and chief 
     elected officials in the local areas and consistent with the 
     considerations described in subsection (b)(1)(B)--
       ``(i) revise such region and any other region impacted by 
     such revision; or
       ``(ii) make a determination to maintain such region with no 
     revision.''.
       (b) Local Areas.--Section 106(b) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and consistent with 
     paragraphs (2) and (3),''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(except for those 
     local areas described in paragraphs (2) and (3))''; and
       (2) by striking paragraphs (2) through (7), and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(2) Continuation period.--Subject to paragraph (5), in 
     order to receive an allotment under section 127(b) or 132(b), 
     the Governor shall maintain the designations of local areas 
     in the State under this subsection (as in effect on the day 
     before the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act) until the end of the third full program year 
     after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act.
       ``(3) Initial alignment review.--
       ``(A) In general.--Prior to the third full program year 
     after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act, the Governor shall--
       ``(i) review the designations of local areas in the State 
     (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the 
     A Stronger Workforce for America Act); and
       ``(ii) based on the considerations described in paragraph 
     (1)(B), issue proposed redesignations of local areas in the 
     State through the process described in paragraph (1)(A), 
     which shall--

       ``(I) include an explanation of the strategic goals and 
     objectives that the State intends to achieve through such 
     redesignations; and
       ``(II) be subject to the approval of the local boards in 
     the State in accordance with the process described in 
     subparagraph (C).

       ``(B) Designation of local areas.--A redesignation of local 
     areas in a State that is approved by a majority of the local 
     boards in the State through the process described in 
     subparagraph (C) shall take effect on the first day of the 
     4th full program year after the date of enactment of the A 
     Stronger Workforce for America Act.
       ``(C) Process to reach majority approval.--To approve a 
     designation of local areas in the State, the local boards in 
     the State shall comply with the following:
       ``(i) Initial vote.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     Governor issues proposed redesignations under subparagraph 
     (A), the chairperson of each local board shall review the 
     proposed redesignations and submit a vote on behalf of such 
     local board to the Governor either approving or rejecting the 
     proposed redesignations.
       ``(ii) Results of initial vote.--If a majority of the local 
     boards in the State vote under clause (i)--

       ``(I) to approve such proposed redesignations, such 
     redesignations shall take effect in accordance with 
     subparagraph (B); or
       ``(II) to disapprove such proposed redesignations, the 
     chairpersons of the local boards in the State shall comply 
     with the requirements of clause (iii).

       ``(iii) Alternate redesignations.--In the case of the 
     disapproval described in clause (ii)(II), not later than 60 
     days after initial votes were submitted under clause (i), the 
     chairpersons of the local boards in the State shall--

       ``(I) select 2 alternate redesignations of local areas--

       ``(aa) one of which aligns with the regional economic 
     development areas in the State; and
       ``(bb) one of which aligns with the regions described in 
     subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2); and

       ``(II) conduct a vote to approve, by majority vote, 1 of 
     the 2 alternate redesignations described in subclause (I).

       ``(iv) Effective date of alternate designations.--The 
     alternate redesignations approved pursuant to clause 
     (iii)(II) shall take effect in accordance with subparagraph 
     (B).
       ``(4) Subsequent alignment reviews.--On the date that is 
     the first day of the 12th full program year after the date of 
     enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act,

[[Page H2194]]

     and every 8 years thereafter, the Governor shall review the 
     designation of local areas based on the considerations 
     described in paragraph (1)(B) and conduct a process in 
     accordance with paragraph (3).
       ``(5) Interim revisions.--
       ``(A) Automatic approval of certain redesignation 
     requests.--
       ``(i) In general.--At any time, and notwithstanding the 
     requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), the Governor, 
     upon receipt of a request for a redesignation of a local area 
     described in clause (ii), shall approve such request.
       ``(ii) Requests.--The following requests shall be approved 
     pursuant to clause (i) upon request:

       ``(I) A request from multiple local areas to be 
     redesignated as a single local area.
       ``(II) A request from multiple local areas for a revision 
     to the designations of such local areas, which would not 
     impact the designations of local areas that have not made 
     such request.
       ``(III) A request for designation as a local area from an 
     area described in section 107(c)(1)(C).

       ``(B) Other redesignations.--Other than the redesignations 
     described in subparagraph (A), the Governor may only 
     redesignate a local area outside of the process described in 
     paragraphs (3) and (4), if the local area that will be 
     subject to such redesignation has not--
       ``(i) performed successfully;
       ``(ii) sustained fiscal integrity; or
       ``(iii) in the case of a local area in a planning region, 
     met the requirements described in subsection (c)(1).
       ``(C) Effective date.--Any redesignation of a local area 
     approved by the Governor under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall 
     take effect on the first date of the first full program year 
     after such date of approval.
       ``(6) Appeals.--
       ``(A) In general.--The local board of a local area that is 
     subject to a redesignation of such local area under paragraph 
     (3), (4), or (5) may submit an appeal to maintain its 
     existing designation to the State board under an appeal 
     process established in the State plan as specified in section 
     102(b)(2)(D)(i)(III).
       ``(B) State board requirements.--The State board shall only 
     grant an appeal to maintain an existing designation of a 
     local area described in subparagraph (A) if the local area 
     can demonstrate that the process for redesignation of such 
     local area under paragraph (3), (4), or (5), as applicable, 
     has not been followed.
       ``(C) Secretarial requirements.--If a request to maintain 
     an existing designation as a local area is not granted as a 
     result of such appeal, the Secretary, after receiving a 
     request for review from such local area and determining that 
     the local area was not accorded procedural rights under the 
     appeals process referred to in subparagraph (A), shall--
       ``(i) review the process for the redesignation of the local 
     area under paragraph (3), (4), or (5), as applicable; and
       ``(ii) upon determining that the applicable process has not 
     been followed, require that the local area's existing 
     designation be maintained.
       ``(7) Redesignation incentive.--The State may provide 
     funding from funds made available under sections 128(a)(1) 
     and 133(a)(1) to provide payments to incentivize--
       ``(A) groups of local areas to request to be redesignated 
     as a single local area under paragraph (5)(A); or
       ``(B) multiple local boards in a planning region to develop 
     an agreement to operate as a regional consortium under 
     subsection (c)(3).''.
       (c) Regional Coordination.--Section 106(c) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(c)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (H) as 
     subparagraphs (G) through (I), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting the following after subparagraph (E):
       ``(F) the establishment of cost arrangements for services 
     described in subsections (c) and (d) of section 134, 
     including the pooling of funds for such services, as 
     appropriate, for the region;'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, including to assist 
     with establishing administrative costs arrangements or cost 
     arrangements for services under subparagraphs (F) and (G) of 
     such paragraph'' after ``delivery efforts'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (2), as so amended, the 
     following:
       ``(3) Regional consortiums.--
       ``(A) In general.--The local boards and chief elected 
     officials in any planning region described in subparagraph 
     (B) or (C) of subsection (a)(2) may develop an agreement to 
     receive funding under section 128(b) and section 133(b) as a 
     single consortium for the planning region.
       ``(B) Fiscal agent.--If the local boards and chief elected 
     officials develop such an agreement--
       ``(i) one of the chief elected officials in the planning 
     region shall be responsible for designating the fiscal agent 
     for the consortium;
       ``(ii) the local boards shall develop a memorandum of 
     understanding to jointly administer the activities for the 
     consortium; and
       ``(iii) the required activities for local areas under this 
     Act, (including the required functions of the local boards 
     described in section 107(d)) shall apply to such a consortium 
     as a whole and may not be applied separately or differently 
     to the local areas or local boards within such consortium.''.
       (d) Single State Local Areas.--Section 106(d) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(d)) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following:
       ``(2) New designation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Consistent with the process described in 
     subsection (b)(1)(A) and during a review of designations 
     described in paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (b), the 
     Governor may propose to designate a State as a single State 
     local area for the purposes of this title.
       ``(B) Process for approval.--If the Governor proposes a 
     single State local area, the chairpersons of the existing 
     local boards shall vote to approve or reject such designation 
     through the process described in subsection (b)(3)(C).
       ``(C) Designation as a single state local area.--If the 
     majority of the chairpersons of the local boards in the State 
     vote to approve such proposed designation, the State shall be 
     designated as a single State local area and the Governor 
     shall identify the State as a local area in the State 
     plan.''.
       (e) Definition of ``Performed Successfully''.--Section 
     106(e)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3121(e)) is amended by striking ``adjusted levels of 
     performance'' and inserting ``adjusted levels of performance 
     described in section 116(g)(1)''.

     SEC. 116. LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS.

       (a) Membership.--Section 107(b)(2)(B)(iv) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122(b)(2)(B)(iv)) 
     is amended by striking ``out-of-school youth'' and inserting 
     ``opportunity youth''.
       (b) Functions of Local Board.--Section 107(d) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122(d)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, including, to the 
     extent practicable, local representatives of the core 
     programs and the programs described in section 
     121(b)(1)(B),'' after ``system stakeholders'';
       (2) in paragraph (4)(D)--
       (A) by striking ``proven'' and inserting ``evidence-
     based'';
       (B) by inserting ``individual'' after ``needs of''; and
       (C) by inserting ``from a variety of industries and 
     occupations'' after ``and employers'';
       (3) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``and which, to the 
     extent practicable, shall be aligned with career and 
     technical education programs of study (as defined in section 
     3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act 
     of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302(3)) offered within the local area'' 
     before the period at the end;
       (4) in paragraph (6)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Proven'' and inserting 
     ``Evidence-based'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``proven'' and inserting ``evidence-
     based'';
       (ii) by inserting ``and covered veterans (as defined in 
     section 4212(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United States Code)'' 
     after ``employment'';
       (iii) by inserting ``, and give priority to covered persons 
     in accordance with section 4215 of title 38, United States 
     Code'' after ``delivery system''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``proven'' and 
     inserting ``evidence-based'';
       (5) in paragraph (10)(C)--
       (A) by inserting ``, on the State eligible training 
     provider list,'' after ``identify''; and
       (B) by inserting ``that operate in or are accessible to 
     individuals'' after ``training services''; and
       (6) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking ``activities'' and 
     inserting ``funds allocated to the local area under section 
     128(b) and section 133(b) for the youth workforce development 
     activities described in section 129 and local employment and 
     training activities described in section 134(b), and the 
     activities''.

     SEC. 117. LOCAL PLAN.

       Section 108 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``shall prepare'' and 
     inserting ``may prepare''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F) as 
     subparagraphs (E), (F), and (H), respectively;
       (ii) by inserting the following after subparagraph (C):
       ``(D) a description of--
       ``(i) how the local area will use real-time labor market 
     information to continually assess the economic conditions and 
     workforce trends described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and 
     (C); and
       ``(ii) how changes in such conditions or trends will be 
     communicated to jobseekers, education and training providers, 
     and employers in the local area;'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``and'' at the end; and
       (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (F), as so 
     redesignated, the following:

[[Page H2195]]

       ``(G) an analysis of the opportunity youth population in 
     the local area, including the estimated number of such youth 
     and any gaps in services for such population from other 
     existing workforce development activities, as identified 
     under paragraph (9), and a description of how the local board 
     will address any such gaps in services identified in such 
     analysis; and'';
       (B) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii); and
       (II) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(v) carry out any statewide skills-based initiatives 
     identified in the State plan that promote the use of 
     demonstrated skills and competencies as an alternative to the 
     exclusive use of degree attainment as a requirement for 
     employment or advancement in a career; and''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``customized 
     training'' and inserting ``employer-directed skills 
     development'';
       (C) in paragraph (6)(B), by inserting ``, such as the use 
     of affiliated sites'' after ``means'';
       (D) in paragraph (9)--
       (i) by striking ``including activities'' and inserting the 
     following: ``including--
       ``(A) the availability of community based organizations 
     that serve youth primarily during nonschool time hours to 
     carry out activities under section 129; and
       ``(B) activities''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``or evidence-based'' after 
     ``successful''; and
       (E) in paragraph (12), by inserting ``including as 
     described in section 134(c)(2),'' after ``system,''.

                 CHAPTER 3--PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY

     SEC. 119. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

       (a) State Performance Accountability Measures.--
       (1) Primary indicators of performance.--Section 
     116(b)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)) is amended--
       (A) in clause (i)--
       (i) in subclause (II)--

       (I) by striking ``fourth'' and inserting ``second''; and
       (II) by inserting ``and remain in unsubsidized employment 
     during the fourth quarter after exit from the program'' after 
     ``the program'';

       (ii) in subclause (V)--

       (I) by striking ``, during a program year,'';
       (II) by striking ``are in'' and inserting ``enter into''; 
     and
       (III) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the 
     following: ``within 6 months after the quarter in which the 
     participant enters into the education and training program''; 
     and

       (iii) by amending subclause (VI) to read as follows:

       ``(VI) of the program participants who received training 
     services and who exited the program during a program year, 
     the percentage of such program participants who completed, 
     prior to such exit, on-the-job training, employer-directed 
     skills development, incumbent worker training, or an 
     apprenticeship.'';

       (B) in clause (ii)--
       (i) in subclause (II)--

       (I) by striking ``fourth'' and inserting ``second'';
       (II) by inserting ``, and who remain in such activities or 
     unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit 
     from the program'' after ``the program''; and
       (III) by striking ``and'' at the end;

       (ii) in subclause (III)--

       (I) by striking ``(VI)'' and inserting ``(V)''; and
       (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and

       (iii) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(IV) of the program participants who exited a program 
     during a program year, the percentage of such program 
     participants who completed, prior to such exit, paid or 
     unpaid work experiences as described in section 
     129(c)(2)(C).''; and

       (C) by striking clause (iv).
       (2) Levels of performance.--Section 116(b)(3)(A) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3141(b)(3)(A)) is amended--
       (A) by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
       ``(iii) Identification in state plan.--

       ``(I) Secretaries.--For each State submitting a State plan, 
     the Secretaries of Labor and Education shall, not later than 
     December 1 of the year prior to the year in which such State 
     plan is submitted, for the first 2 program years covered by 
     the State plan, and not later than December 1 of the year 
     prior to the third program year covered by the State plan, 
     for the third and fourth program years covered by the State 
     plan--

       ``(aa) propose to the State expected levels of performance 
     for each of the corresponding primary indicators of 
     performance for each of the programs described in clause (ii) 
     for such State, which shall--
       ``(AA) be consistent with the factors listed in clause (v); 
     and
       ``(BB) be proposed in a manner that ensures sufficient time 
     is provided for the State to evaluate and respond to such 
     proposals; and
       ``(bb) publish, on a public website of the Department of 
     Labor, the statistical model developed under clause (viii) 
     and the methodology used to develop each such expected level 
     of performance.

       ``(II) States.--Each State shall--

       ``(aa) evaluate each of the expected levels of performance 
     proposed under subclause (I) with respect to such State;
       ``(bb) based on such evaluation of each such expected level 
     of performance--
       ``(AA) accept the expected level of performance as so 
     proposed; or
       ``(BB) provide a counterproposal for such proposed expected 
     level of performance, including an analysis of how the 
     counterproposal addresses factors or circumstances unique to 
     the State that may not have been accounted for in the 
     expected level of performance; and
       ``(cc) include in the State plan, with respect to each of 
     the corresponding primary indicators of performance for each 
     of the programs described in clause (ii) for such State--
       ``(AA) the expected level of performance proposed under 
     subclause (I);
       ``(BB) the counterproposal for such proposed level, if any; 
     and
       ``(CC) the expected level of performance that is agreed to 
     under clause (iv).''; and
       (B) in clause (v)(II)--
       (i) in the matter preceding item (aa), by striking ``based 
     on'' and inserting ``based on each of the following 
     considerations that are found to be predictive of performance 
     on an indicator for a program''; and
       (ii) in item (bb), by striking ``ex-offender status'' and 
     inserting ``justice-involved individual status, foster care 
     status, school status, education level, highest grade level 
     completed, low-income status''.
       (b) Performance Reports.--Section 116(d) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(d)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) In general.--
       ``(A) Template for performance reports.--Not later than 12 
     months after the date of enactment of the A Stronger 
     Workforce for America Act, the Secretary of Labor, in 
     conjunction with the Secretary of Education, shall develop, 
     or review and modify, as appropriate, to comply with the 
     requirements of this subsection, the template for performance 
     reports that shall be used by States (including by States on 
     behalf of eligible providers of training services under 
     section 122) and local boards to produce a report on outcomes 
     achieved by the core programs. In developing, or reviewing 
     and modifying, such templates, the Secretary of Labor, in 
     conjunction with the Secretary of Education, shall take into 
     account the need to maximize the value of the templates for 
     workers, jobseekers, employers, local elected officials, 
     State officials, Federal policymakers, and other key 
     stakeholders.
       ``(B) Standardized reporting.--In developing, or reviewing 
     and modifying, the template under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of 
     Education, shall ensure that performance reports produced by 
     States and local areas for core programs and eligible 
     training providers collect and report, in a comparable and 
     uniform format, common data elements, which use terms that 
     are assigned identical meanings across all such reports.
       ``(C) Additional reporting.--The Secretary of Labor, in 
     conjunction with the Secretary of Education--
       ``(i) in addition to the common data elements described 
     under subparagraph (B), may require a core program to provide 
     additional information as necessary for effective reporting; 
     and
       ``(ii) shall periodically review any requirement for 
     additional information to ensure the requirement is necessary 
     and does not impose an undue reporting burden.''.
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (J) through (L) as 
     subparagraphs (K) through (M), respectively and inserting 
     after subparagraph (I) the following:
       ``(J) the median earnings gain of participants who received 
     training services, calculated as the difference between--
       ``(i) median participant earnings in unsubsidized 
     employment during the second quarter after program exit; and
       ``(ii) median participant earnings in the second quarter 
     prior to entering the program;''.
       (B) in subparagraph (L), as so redesignated, by striking 
     clause (ii); and
       (C) by striking ``strategies for programs'' and all that 
     follows through ``the performance'', and inserting 
     ``strategies for programs, the performance'';
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) the percentage of a local area's allocation under 
     section 133(b) that the local area spent on services paid for 
     through an individual training account described in section 
     134(c)(3)(F)(iii) or a training contract described in section 
     134(c)(3)(G)(ii);
       ``(D) the percentage of a local area's allocation under 
     section 133(b) that the local area spent on supportive 
     services; and'';
       (4) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
       ``(4) Contents of eligible training providers performance 
     report.--
       ``(A) In general.--The State shall use the information 
     submitted by the eligible providers of training services 
     under section 122 and administrative records, including 
     quarterly wage records, of the participants of the programs 
     offered by the providers to produce

[[Page H2196]]

     a performance report on the eligible providers of training 
     services in the State, which shall include, subject to 
     paragraph (6)(C)--
       ``(i) with respect to each program of study (or the 
     equivalent) of such a provider--

       ``(I) information specifying the levels of performance 
     achieved with respect to the primary indicators of 
     performance described in subclauses (I) through (IV) of 
     subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) with respect to all individuals 
     engaging in the program of study (or the equivalent); and
       ``(II) the total number of individuals exiting from the 
     program of study (or the equivalent); and

       ``(ii) with respect to all such providers--

       ``(I) the total number of participants who received 
     training services through each adult and dislocated worker 
     program authorized under chapter 3 of subtitle B, 
     disaggregated by the type of entity that provided the 
     training, during the most recent program year and the 3 
     preceding program years;
       ``(II) the total number of participants who exited from 
     training services, disaggregated by the type of entity that 
     provided the training, during the most recent program year 
     and the 3 preceding program years;
       ``(III) the average cost per participant for the 
     participants who received training services, disaggregated by 
     the type of entity that provided the training, during the 
     most recent program year and the 3 preceding program years; 
     and
       ``(IV) the number of individuals with barriers to 
     employment served by each adult and dislocated worker program 
     authorized under chapter 3 of subtitle B, disaggregated by 
     each subpopulation of such individuals, and by race, 
     ethnicity, sex, and age.

       ``(iii) with respect to each recognized postsecondary 
     credential on the list of credentials awarded by eligible 
     providers in the State described in section 122(d)(2)--

       ``(I) information specifying the levels of performance 
     achieved with respect to the primary indicators of 
     performance described in subclauses (I) through (IV) of 
     subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) for all participants in the State 
     receiving such credential; and
       ``(II) information specifying the levels of performance 
     achieved with respect to the primary indicators of 
     performance described in subclauses (I) through (IV) of 
     subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) for participants in the State 
     receiving such credential with respect to individuals with 
     barriers to employment, disaggregated by each subpopulation 
     of such individuals, and by race, ethnicity, sex, and age.''; 
     and

       (5) in paragraph (6)--
       (A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) State performance reports.--The Secretary of Labor 
     and the Secretary of Education shall annually make available 
     the performance reports for States containing the information 
     described in paragraph (2), which shall include making such 
     reports available--
       ``(i) digitally using transparent, linked, open, and 
     interoperable data formats that are human readable and 
     machine actionable such that the data from these reports--

       ``(I) are easily understandable; and
       ``(II) can be easily included in web-based tools and 
     services supporting search, discovery, comparison, analysis, 
     navigation, and guidance; and

       ``(ii) in a printable format.''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``(including by electronic means), in an 
     easily understandable format,''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary of 
     Labor and the Secretary of Education shall include, on the 
     website where the State performance reports required under 
     subparagraph (A) are made available, a link to local area 
     performance reports and the eligible training provider report 
     for each State. Such reports shall be made available in each 
     of the formats described in subparagraph (A).''.
       (c) Evaluation of State Programs.--Section 116(e) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act(29 U.S.C. 3141(e)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``shall conduct ongoing'' and inserting 
     ``shall use data to conduct analyses and ongoing''; and
       (B) by striking ``conduct the'' and inserting ``conduct 
     such analyses and''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by adding ``A State may use other 
     forms of analysis, such as machine learning or other advanced 
     analytics, to improve program operations and outcomes and to 
     identify areas for further evaluation.'' at the end.
       (d) Sanctions for State Failure To Meet State Performance 
     Accountability Measures.--Section 116(f) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(f)) is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(f) Sanctions for State Failure To Meet State Performance 
     Accountability Measures.--
       ``(1) Targeted support and assistance.--
       ``(A) In general.--If a State fails to meet 80 percent of 
     the State adjusted level of performance for an indicator 
     described in subsection (b)(2)(A) for a program for any 
     program year, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of 
     Education shall provide technical assistance.
       ``(B) Sanctions.--
       ``(i) In general.--If the State fails in the manner 
     described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (ii) with 
     respect to a program year, the percentage of each amount that 
     would (in the absence of this subparagraph) be reserved by 
     the Governor under section 128(a)(1) for the immediately 
     succeeding program year shall be reduced by 5 percentage 
     points until such date as the Secretary of Labor or the 
     Secretary of Education, as appropriate, determines that the 
     State meets the State adjusted level of performance, in the 
     case of a failure described in clause (ii)(I), or has 
     submitted the reports for the appropriate program years, in 
     the case of a failure described in clause (ii)(II).
       ``(ii) Failures.--A State shall be subject to clause (i)--

       ``(I) if (except in the case of exceptional circumstances 
     as determined by the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary of 
     Education, as appropriate), such State fails to submit a 
     report under subsection (d) for any program year; or
       ``(II) for a failure under subparagraph (A) that continues 
     for a second consecutive year.

       ``(2) Comprehensive support and assistance.--
       ``(A) In general.--If a State fails to meet an average of 
     90 percent of the State adjusted levels of performance for a 
     program across all performance indicators for any program 
     year, or if a State fails to meet an average of 90 percent of 
     the State adjusted levels of performance for a single 
     performance indicator across all programs for any program 
     year, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education 
     shall provide technical assistance, as described and 
     authorized under section 168(b), including assistance in the 
     development of a comprehensive performance improvement plan.
       ``(B) Second consecutive year failure.--If such failure 
     under subparagraph (A) continues for a second consecutive 
     year, the percentage of each amount that would (in the 
     absence of this subsection) be reserved by the Governor under 
     section 128(a)(1) for the immediately succeeding program year 
     shall be reduced by 10 percentage points until such date as 
     the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary of Education, as 
     appropriate, determines that the State meets such State 
     adjusted levels of performance.
       ``(3) Limitation.--The total reduction under this 
     subsection to the percentage of each amount that would (in 
     the absence of this subsection) be reserved by the Governor 
     under section 128(a)(1) may not exceed 10 percentage points 
     for a program year.
       ``(4) Reallotment of reductions.--
       ``(A) In general.--The amounts available for reallotment 
     for a program year shall be reallotted to the States that 
     were not subject to a reduction of funds under paragraph 
     (1)(B) or paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection for such 
     program year (in this paragraph referred to individually as 
     an `eligible State').
       ``(B) Amounts available for reallotment.--In this 
     paragraph, the amounts available for reallotment for a 
     program year means the amounts available under section 
     127(b)(1)(C) and paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B), respectively, of 
     section 132(b) for such program year which would (in the 
     absence of paragraph (1)(B) or paragraph (2)(B) of this 
     subsection) have otherwise been reserved under section 
     128(a)(1) by a Governor of a State for such program year.
       ``(C) Reallotment amounts.--In making reallotments under 
     subparagraph (A) for a program year to eligible States, the 
     Secretary shall allot to each eligible State--
       ``(i) in the case of amounts available under section 
     127(b)(1)(C), an amount based on the relative amount of the 
     allotment made (before the allotments under this clause are 
     made) to such eligible State under section 127(b)(1)(C) for 
     such program year, compared to the total allotments made 
     (before the allotments under this clause are made) to all 
     eligible States under section 127(b)(1)(C) for such program 
     year; and
       ``(ii) in the case of amounts available under paragraph 
     (1)(B) or (2)(B), respectively, of section 132(b), an amount 
     based on the relative amount of the allotment made (before 
     the allotments under this clause are made) to such eligible 
     State under paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B), respectively, of 
     section 132(b) for such program year, compared to the total 
     allotments made (before the allotments under this clause are 
     made) to all eligible States under paragraph (1)(B) or 
     (2)(B), respectively, of section 132(b) for such program 
     year.''.
       (e) Sanctions for Local Area Failure To Meet Local 
     Performance Accountability Measures.--Section 116(g) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(g)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by inserting ``80 percent of the'' before ``local 
     performance''; and
       (B) by striking ``accountability measures'' and inserting 
     ``accountability levels of performance on an indicator of 
     performance, an average of 90 percent of the local levels of 
     performance across indicators for a single program, or an 
     average of 90 percent for a single performance indicator 
     across all programs''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) In general.--If such failure continues, the Governor 
     shall take corrective actions, which shall include--
       ``(i) in the case of a failure, for a second consecutive 
     year, on any individual indicator, across indicators for a 
     single program, or on a single indicator across programs, a 
     5-percent reduction in the amount that would have otherwise 
     been allocated (in the absence of this clause) to the local 
     area for the immediately succeeding program year under

[[Page H2197]]

     chapter 2 or 3 of subtitle B for the program subject to the 
     performance failure;
       ``(ii) in the case of a failure, as described in paragraph 
     (1), for a third consecutive year, the development of a 
     reorganization plan through which the Governor shall--

       ``(I) require the appointment and certification of a new 
     local board, consistent with the criteria established under 
     section 107(b);
       ``(II) prohibit the use of one-stop partners identified as 
     achieving a poor level of performance; and
       ``(III) revise or redesignate a local area, which may 
     include merging a local area with another local area if the 
     Governor determines that the likely cause of such continued 
     performance failure of a local area is due to such local 
     area's designation being granted without the appropriate 
     consideration of parameters described under section 
     106(b)(1)(B); or

       ``(iii) other significant actions determined appropriate by 
     the Governor.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting ``(ii)'' after 
     ``subparagraph (A)''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) Reallocation of reductions.--
       ``(i) In general.--With respect to any amounts available 
     under section 128(b), paragraph (2)(A) or (3) of section 
     133(b), and section 133(b)(2)(B) to a Governor for a program 
     year which would (in the absence of subparagraph (A)(i)) have 
     otherwise been allocated by such Governor to a local area for 
     such program year--

       ``(I) not more than 10 percent of the amounts available 
     under each such section may be reserved by the Governor to 
     provide technical assistance to local areas within the State 
     that were subject to a reduction of allocation amounts 
     pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i) for such program year; and
       ``(II) the amounts remaining after the reservations under 
     subclause (I) shall be reallocated by the Governor to the 
     local areas within the State that were not subject to a 
     reduction of allocation amounts pursuant to subparagraph 
     (A)(i) for such program year (in this subparagraph referred 
     to individually as an `eligible local area').

       ``(ii) Reallocation amounts.--In making reallocations under 
     clause (i)(II) for a program year to eligible local areas 
     within a State, the Governor of the State shall allocate to 
     each such eligible local area--

       ``(I) in the case of amounts remaining under section 
     128(b), an amount based on the relative amount of the 
     allocation made (before the allocations under this subclause 
     are made) to such eligible local area under section 128(b) 
     for such program year, compared to the total allocations made 
     (before the allocations under this subclause are made) to all 
     eligible local areas within the State under section 128(b) 
     for such program year;
       ``(II) in the case of amounts remaining under paragraph 
     (2)(A) or (3) of section 133(b), an amount based on the 
     relative amount of the allocation made (before the 
     allocations under this subclause are made) to such eligible 
     local area under paragraph (2)(A) or (3) of section 133(b), 
     as appropriate, for such program year, compared to the total 
     allocations made (before the allocations under this subclause 
     are made) under paragraph (2)(A) or (3) of section 133(b), as 
     appropriate, to all eligible local areas within the State for 
     such program year; and
       ``(III) in the case of amounts remaining under section 
     133(b)(2)(B), an amount based on the relative amount of the 
     allocation made (before the allocations under this subclause 
     are made) to such eligible local area under section 
     133(b)(2)(B) for such program year, compared to the total 
     allocations made (before the allocations under this subclause 
     are made) under section 133(b)(2)(B) to all eligible local 
     areas within the State for such program year.''.

       (f) Establishing Pay-for-Performance Contract Strategy 
     Incentives.--Section 116(h) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(h)) is amended by striking 
     ``non-Federal funds'' and inserting ``the funds reserved 
     under section 128(a)(1)''.
       (g) Fiscal and Management Accountability Information 
     Systems.--Section 116(i) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(i)) is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence of paragraph (2), by inserting 
     ``, and may use information provided from the National 
     Directory of New Hires in accordance with section 453(j)(8) 
     of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)(8))'' after 
     ``State law'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Designated entity.--The Governor shall designate a 
     State agency (or appropriate State entity) to assist in 
     carrying out the performance reporting requirements for core 
     programs and eligible training providers. The designated 
     State agency (or appropriate State entity) shall be 
     responsible for--
       ``(A) facilitating data matches using quarterly wage record 
     information, including wage record information made available 
     by other States, to measure employment and earnings outcomes;
       ``(B) data validation and reliability, as described in 
     subsection (d)(5); and
       ``(C) protection against disaggregation that would violate 
     applicable privacy standards, as described in subsection 
     (d)(6)(C).''.

       Subtitle C--Workforce Investment Activities and Providers

        CHAPTER 1--WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND PROVIDERS

     SEC. 121. ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE-STOP DELIVERY SYSTEMS.

       (a) One-Stop Partners.--Section 121(b) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(B)--
       (A) in clause (xi), by inserting ``and'' at the end; and
       (B) by striking clause (xii);
       (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``With'' and inserting 
     ``At the direction of the Governor or with''; and
       (3) in paragraph (2)(B)--
       (A) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating clause (vii) as clause (viii); and
       (C) by inserting after clause (vi) the following:
       ``(vii) workforce and economic development programs carried 
     out by the Economic Development Administration; and''.
       (b) One-Stop Operators.--Section 121(d) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(d)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(B)--
       (A) in clause (i), by inserting after ``education'' the 
     following: ``or an area career and technical education 
     school'';
       (B) in clause (v), by striking ``and'';
       (C) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (viii);
       (D) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
       ``(vi) a public library;
       ``(vii) a local board that meets the requirements of 
     paragraph (4); and'';
       (E) in clause (viii), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     after ``labor organization'' the following: ``joint labor-
     management organization''; and
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (5) and (6), respectively; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Responsibilities.--
       ``(A) In general.--In operating a one-stop system referred 
     to in subsection (e), a one-stop operator--
       ``(i) shall--

       ``(I) manage the physical and virtual infrastructure and 
     operations of the one-stop system in the local area; and
       ``(II) facilitate coordination among the partners in such 
     one-stop system; and

       ``(ii) may, subject to the requirements under subparagraph 
     (B), directly provide services to job seekers and employers.
       ``(B) Internal controls.--In a case in which a one-stop 
     operator seeks to operate as a service provider pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A)(ii), the local board shall establish 
     internal controls (which shall include written policies and 
     procedures)--
       ``(i) with respect to the competition in which the one-stop 
     operator will compete to be selected as such service 
     provider, and the subsequent oversight, monitoring, and 
     evaluation of the performance of such one-stop operator as 
     such service provider; and
       ``(ii) which--

       ``(I) require compliance with--

       ``(aa) relevant Office of Management and Budget circulars 
     relating to conflicts of interest; and
       ``(bb) any applicable State conflict of interest policy; 
     and

       ``(II) prohibit a one-stop operator from developing, 
     managing, or conducting the competition in which the operator 
     intends to compete to be selected as a service provider.

       ``(4) Local boards as one-stop operators.--Subject to 
     approval from the chief elected official and Governor and in 
     accordance with any other eligibility criteria established by 
     the State, a local board may serve as a one-stop operator, if 
     the local board--
       ``(A) enters into a written agreement with the chief 
     elected official that clarifies how the local board will 
     carry out the functions and responsibilities as a one-stop 
     operator in a manner that complies with the appropriate 
     internal controls to prevent any conflicts of interest, which 
     shall include how the local board, while serving as a one-
     stop operator, will--
       ``(i) comply with the relevant Office of Management and 
     Budget circulars relating to conflicts of interest; and
       ``(ii) any applicable State conflict of interest policy; 
     and
       ``(B) complies with the other applicable requirements of 
     this subsection.''.
       (c) One-Stop Delivery.--Section 121(e)(2) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(e)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), to read as follows:
       ``(A) shall make each of the programs, services, and 
     activities described in paragraph (1) available--
       ``(i) to individuals through electronic means, in a single, 
     virtually accessible location, and in a manner that improves 
     efficiency, coordination, and quality, as determined by the 
     State, in the delivery of such programs, services, and 
     activities; or
       ``(ii) at not less than 1 physical center in each local 
     area of the State; and'';
       (2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting after ``affiliated 
     sites'' the following: ``(such as any of the entities 
     described in subsection (d)(2)(B))'';
       (3) in subparagraph (C), by inserting after ``centers'' the 
     following: ``(which may be virtual or physical centers)'';
       (4) in subparagraph (D)--
       (A) by striking ``as applicable and practicable, shall'' 
     and inserting ``in the case of a one-stop delivery system 
     that is making each of the programs, services, and activities

[[Page H2198]]

     described in paragraph (1) accessible at not less than 1 
     physical center, as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the 
     one-stop delivery system shall, as applicable and 
     practicable,''; and
       (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (5) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) in the case of a one-stop delivery system that is 
     making each of the programs, services, and activities 
     accessible through electronic means, as described in 
     subparagraph (A)(i), the one-stop delivery system shall have 
     not less than two affiliated sites with a physical location 
     where individuals can access, virtually, each of the 
     programs, services, and activities described in paragraph (1) 
     that are virtually accessible.''.
       (d) Certification and Improvement Criteria.--Section 
     121(g)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     is amended by striking ``under subsections (h)(1)'' and 
     inserting ``under subsections (h)(1)(C)''.
       (e) Funding of One-Stop Infrastructure.--Section 121(h) of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (1);
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (1) and (2), respectively;
       (3) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated--
       (A) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) Partner contributions.--Subject to subparagraph (D), 
     the covered portions of funding for a fiscal year shall be 
     provided to the Governor from the programs described in 
     subsection (b)(1) to pay the costs of infrastructure of one-
     stop centers in local areas of the State.''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C)--
       (i) in clause (i)--

       (I) by striking ``for funding pursuant to clause (i)(II) or 
     (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) by each partner,''; and
       (II) by striking the third sentence; and

       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``under a provision 
     covered by section 3(13)(D)'' and inserting ``under a 
     provision covered by subparagraph (D) of the definition of 
     the term `core program provision' in section 3'';
       (C) in subparagraph (D)--
       (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``For local areas in a 
     State that are not covered by paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I), the'' 
     and inserting ``The'';
       (ii) in clause (ii)--

       (I) in subclause (I)--

       (aa) by striking ``WIA'' in the header and inserting 
     ``WIOA''; and
       (bb) by striking ``3 percent'' and inserting ``5 percent''; 
     and

       (II) by striking subclause (III); and

       (iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``For local areas in a 
     State that are not covered by paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I), an'' 
     and inserting ``An'';
       (4) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``purposes of 
     assisting in'' and inserting ``purpose of''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the first sentence, by striking ``not funding costs 
     of infrastructure under the option described in paragraph 
     (1)(A)(i)(I)''; and
       (ii) in the second sentence, by inserting after ``local 
     area,'' the following: ``the intensity of services provided 
     by such centers,'';
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (2), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(3) Supplemental infrastructure funding.--For any fiscal 
     year in which the allocation received by a local area under 
     paragraph (2) is insufficient to cover the total costs of 
     infrastructure of one-stop centers in such local area, the 
     local board, the chief elected official, and the one-stop 
     partners that have entered into the local memorandum of 
     understanding with the local board under subsection (c) may 
     agree to fund any such remaining costs using a method 
     described in such memorandum.''; and
       (6) in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``operation of the 
     one-stop center'' the following: ``(whether for in-person or 
     virtual service delivery)''.

     SEC. 122. IDENTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS AND PROGRAMS 
                   OF TRAINING SERVICES.

       (a) Eligibility.--Section 122(a) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (i), 
     the Governor, after consultation with the State board and 
     considering the State's adjusted levels of performance 
     described in section 116(b)(3)(A)(iv), shall establish--
       ``(A) procedures regarding the eligibility of providers of 
     training services to receive funds provided under section 
     133(b) for the provision of training services by programs 
     with standard eligibility or conditional eligibility under 
     this section (in this section referred to as `eligible 
     programs') in local areas in the State; and
       ``(B) the minimum levels of performance on the criteria for 
     a program to receive such standard or conditional 
     eligibility.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting before the semicolon 
     at the end the following: ``(other than an institution of 
     higher education described in subparagraph (C))'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) an institution of higher education that offers a 
     program that--
       ``(i) is of at least 150 clock hours of instruction, but 
     less than 600 clock hours of instruction, or an equivalent 
     number of credit hours;
       ``(ii) is offered during a minimum of 8 weeks, but less 
     than 15 weeks; and
       ``(iii) is an eligible program for purposes of the Federal 
     Pell Grant program; or''; and
       (E) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated--
       (i) by inserting ``(including providers of such a program 
     that is conducted (in whole or in part) online)'' before ``, 
     which may''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``providers of entrepreneurial skills 
     development programs, industry or sector partnerships, groups 
     of employers, trade or professional associations,'' after 
     ``organizations,''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``(C)'' and 
     inserting ``(D)'';
       (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``paragraph 
     (2)(B)'' the first place it appears and inserting 
     ``subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (2)''; and
       (C) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``or remains eligible for the Federal Pell Grant 
     program as described in paragraph (2)(C)''.
       (b) Criteria and Information Requirements.--Section 122(b) 
     of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3152(b)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Criteria and Information Requirements.--
       ``(1) General requirements.--
       ``(A) General criteria for programs.--Each provider shall 
     demonstrate that the program for which the provider is 
     seeking eligibility under this section--
       ``(i) prepares participants to meet the hiring requirements 
     of potential employers in the State or a local area within 
     the State for employment that--

       ``(I) is high skill and high wage; or
       ``(II) is in in-demand industry sectors or occupations;

       ``(ii) leads to a recognized postsecondary credential;
       ``(iii) has been offered by the provider for not less than 
     1 year; and
       ``(iv)(I) meets the performance requirements for standard 
     eligibility described in paragraph (2); or
       ``(II) has received conditional eligibility described in 
     paragraph (3).
       ``(B) Provider eligibility election.--Any provider may 
     elect to seek standard eligibility under paragraph (2) or 
     conditional eligibility under paragraph (3).
       ``(2) Performance criteria for standard eligibility.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Governor shall--
       ``(i) establish and publicize minimum levels of performance 
     for each of the criteria listed in subparagraph (B) that a 
     program offered by a provider of training services shall 
     achieve to receive and maintain standard eligibility under 
     this section; and
       ``(ii) verify the performance achieved by such a program 
     with respect to each such criteria to determine whether the 
     program meets the corresponding minimum level of performance 
     established under clause (i)--

       ``(I) in the case of the criteria described in (ii) through 
     (iv) of subparagraph (B), using State administrative data 
     (such as quarterly wage records); and
       ``(II) in the case of the criteria described in 
     subparagraph (B)(i), using any applicable method for such 
     verification; and

       ``(iii) in verifying the performance achievement of a 
     program, verify that such program included a sufficient 
     number of program participants to protect participant 
     personally identifiable information, and to be a reliable 
     indicator of performance achievement.
       ``(B) Performance criteria.--The performance criteria to 
     receive and maintain standard eligibility for a program under 
     this section are as follows:
       ``(i) The credential attainment rate of program 
     participants calculated as the percentage of program 
     participants who obtain the recognized postsecondary 
     credential for which the program prepares participants to 
     earn within 6 months of exit from the program.
       ``(ii) The job placement rate of program participants 
     calculated as the percentage of program participants in 
     unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit 
     from the program.
       ``(iii) The median earnings of program participants who are 
     in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after 
     exit from the program.
       ``(iv) The ratio of median earnings increase to the total 
     cost of program, calculated as follows:

       ``(I) The median value of the difference between--

       ``(aa) participant wages from unsubsidized employment 
     during the second quarter after program exit; and
       ``(bb) participant wages during the quarter prior to 
     entering the program, to

       ``(II) The total cost of the program (as described in 
     paragraph (5)(B)(iii)).

       ``(C) Local criteria.--With respect to any program 
     receiving standard eligibility under this section from a 
     Governor, a local board in the State may require higher 
     levels of performance than the minimum performance levels 
     established by the Governor under this paragraph, but may 
     not--

[[Page H2199]]

       ``(i) require any information or application from the 
     provider that is not required for such standard eligibility; 
     or
       ``(ii) establish a performance requirement with respect to 
     any criteria not listed in subparagraph (B).
       ``(3) Conditional eligibility.--
       ``(A) Requirements.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Governor shall establish procedures 
     and criteria for conditional eligibility for a program of a 
     provider of training services that does not meet the 
     requirements under subparagraph (2).
       ``(ii) Procedures and criteria.--In establishing the 
     procedures and criteria under this subparagraph for 
     conditional eligibility under this paragraph, the Governor--

       ``(I) shall establish the maximum period, not to exceed a 
     4-year period, that a program may receive and maintain such 
     conditional eligibility;
       ``(II) with respect to a program that has received 
     conditional eligibility for the maximum period established 
     under subclause (I) and that is seeking approval for an 
     additional period of conditional eligibility, may not 
     consider such program for such conditional eligibility during 
     the 3-year period that begins on the day after the end of 
     most recent period for which the program received conditional 
     eligibility; and
       ``(III) may establish other requirements related to program 
     performance, including setting separate minimum levels of 
     performance on the criteria described in paragraph (2) for a 
     program to maintain such conditional eligibility.

       ``(B) Payments.--Payments under this Act for the provision 
     of training services by a program with conditional 
     eligibility shall be made to the provider of such program, on 
     the basis of the achievement of successful outcomes by a 
     participant of such training services, in accordance with the 
     following:
       ``(i) Upon participant enrollment, the provider shall 
     receive not less than 25 percent of the total funds to be 
     provided under section 133(b) for the provision of training 
     services by such program to such participant.
       ``(ii) Upon participant completion and credential 
     attainment, the provider shall receive not less than 25 
     percent of such total funds.
       ``(iii) Upon verification of the participant's employment 
     during the second quarter after program completion, the 
     provider shall receive not less than 25 percent of such total 
     funds.
       ``(iv) The remainder of such total funds may be awarded at 
     any of the intervals described in clauses (i) through (iii) 
     as determined by the Governor in accordance with the 
     procedures established under subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Limitation on billing participants.--With respect to 
     a program participant for whom a provider expects to be paid 
     pursuant to subparagraph (B), the provider may not--
       ``(i) charge such participant tuition and refund such 
     charges after receiving such payments; or
       ``(ii) if such program participant does not achieve the 
     outcomes necessary for the provider to receive the provider's 
     full payment pursuant to subparagraph (B) for such 
     participant, bill a participant for any of the amounts 
     described in subparagraph (B).
       ``(4) Employer-sponsored or industry or sectoral 
     partnership designation.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Governor shall establish procedures 
     and criteria for providers to apply for an employer-sponsored 
     designation for a program that has received standard or 
     conditional eligibility under this paragraph, which shall 
     include a commitment from an employer or an industry or 
     sectoral partnership to--
       ``(i) pay to the provider, on behalf of each participant 
     enrolled in such program under this Act, not less than 25 
     percent of the cost of the program (as described in paragraph 
     (5)(B)(iii)), which shall be provided in lieu of 25 percent 
     of the amount that the provider would have otherwise received 
     under section 133(b) for the provision of training services 
     by such program to such participant; and
       ``(ii) guarantee an interview and consideration for a job 
     with the employer, or in the case of an industry or sectoral 
     partnership, an employer within such partnership, for each 
     such participant that successfully completes the program.
       ``(B) Restriction on financial arrangement.--A provider 
     receiving an employer-sponsored designation under this 
     paragraph may not--
       ``(i) have an ownership stake in the employer or industry 
     or sectoral partnership making a commitment described in 
     subparagraph (A); or
       ``(ii) enter into an arrangement to reimburse an employer 
     or partnership for the costs of a participant paid by such 
     employer or partnership.
       ``(5) Information requirements.--An eligible provider shall 
     submit appropriate, accurate, and timely information to the 
     Governor, to enable the Governor to carry out subsection (d), 
     with respect to all participants of each eligible program 
     (including participants for whom the provider receives 
     payments under this title) offered by the provider, which 
     shall--
       ``(A) be made available by the State in a common, linked, 
     open, and interoperable data format;
       ``(B) include information on--
       ``(i) the performance of the program with respect to the 
     performance accountability measures described in section 116 
     for such participants;
       ``(ii) the recognized postsecondary credentials received by 
     such participants, including, in relation to each such 
     credential, the issuing entity, any third-party endorsements, 
     the occupations for which the credential prepares 
     individuals, the competencies achieved, the level of mastery 
     of such competencies (including how mastery is assessed), and 
     any transfer value or stackability;
       ``(iii) the total cost of the program, including the costs 
     of the published tuition and fees, supplies, books, and any 
     other costs required by the provider for participants in the 
     program;
       ``(iv) the percentage of such participants that complete 
     the program within the expected time to completion; and
       ``(v) in the case of a provider offering programs seeking 
     or maintaining standard eligibility, the criteria described 
     in paragraph (2) and not otherwise included in clause (i) of 
     this subparagraph; and
       ``(C) with respect to employment and earnings measures 
     described in subclauses (I) through (III) of section 
     116(b)(2)(A)(i) for such participants--
       ``(i) the necessary information for the State to develop 
     program performance data using State administrative data 
     (such as wage records); and
       ``(ii) the necessary information to determine the 
     percentage of such participants who entered unsubsidized 
     employment in an occupation related to the program, to the 
     extent practicable.''.
       (c) Procedures.--Section 122(c) of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(c)) is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence of paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``, which shall be implemented in a manner that minimizes the 
     financial and administrative burden on the provider and shall 
     not require the submission of information in excess of the 
     information required to determine a program's eligibility 
     under subsection (b)'' after ``provision of training 
     services'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3), and 
     inserting the following after paragraph (1):
       ``(2) Approval.--A Governor shall make an eligibility 
     determination with respect to a provider of training services 
     and the program for which the provider is seeking eligibility 
     under this section not later than 30 days after receipt of an 
     application submitted by such provider consistent with the 
     procedures in paragraph (1).'';
       (3) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated--
       (A) by striking ``biennial'' and inserting ``annual''; and
       (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``that continue to meet the requirements under 
     subsection (b)''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following: ``Any program with 
     standard or conditional eligibility that, upon such review, 
     does not meet the eligibility criteria established under 
     subsection (b) for standard or conditional eligibility, 
     respectively, shall, except as otherwise provided in 
     subsection (g)(1)(E), no longer be an eligible program and 
     shall be removed from the list described in subsection 
     (d).''; and
       (4) by inserting at the end the following:
       ``(4) Multistate providers.--The procedures established 
     under subsection (a) shall specify the process for any 
     provider of training services offering a program in multiple 
     States to establish eligibility in such States, which shall, 
     to the extent practicable, minimize financial and 
     administrative burdens on any such provider by authorizing 
     the provider to submit the same application materials and 
     information to the Governor of each State in which such 
     program will be providing services, as long as the program 
     meets the applicable State requirements established under 
     subsection (b) for each such State.
       ``(5) Online providers.--If a participant chooses a 
     provider that delivers training services exclusively online 
     and is not located in the State of the local area that 
     approved such training services for the participant in 
     accordance with section 133(c)(3)(A)(i), such provider shall 
     be ineligible to receive payment for such participant from 
     funds allocated to such State unless such provider is on the 
     list of eligible providers of training services described in 
     subsection (d) for such State.''.
       (d) List and Information To Assist Participants in Choosing 
     Providers.--Section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as 
     paragraphs (3), (4), and (6), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Credential navigation feature.--In order to enhance 
     the ability of participants and employers to understand and 
     compare the value of the recognized postsecondary credentials 
     awarded by eligible programs offered by providers of training 
     services in a State, the Governor shall establish (or develop 
     in partnership with other States), a credential navigation 
     feature that allows participants and the public to search a 
     list of such recognized postsecondary credentials, and the 
     providers and programs awarding such a credential, which 
     shall include, with respect to each such credential 
     (aggregated for all participants in the State that have 
     received such credential)--
       ``(A) the information required under subsection 
     (b)(5)(B)(ii); and

[[Page H2200]]

       ``(B) the employment and earnings outcomes described in 
     subclause (I) through (III) of section 116(b)(2)(i).'';
       (3) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
       (A) by amending subparagraph (A), by striking ``(C) of 
     subsection (a)(2)'' and inserting ``(D) of subsection 
     (a)(2)'';
       (B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) with respect to a program described in subsection 
     (b)(3) that is offered by a provider, consist of information 
     designating the program as having conditional eligibility;''; 
     and
       (C) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
       ``(C) with respect to a program described in subsection 
     (b)(4) that is offered by a provider, consist of the 
     information promoting the program as having an employer-
     sponsored designation and identifying the employer or 
     partnership sponsoring the program.''.
       (4) by amending paragraph (4) (as so redesignated) to read 
     as follows:
       ``(4) Availability.--The list (including the credential 
     navigation feature described in paragraph (2)), and the 
     accompanying information shall be made available to such 
     participants and to members of the public through the one-
     stop delivery system in the State--
       ``(A) on a publicly accessible website that--
       ``(i) is consumer-tested; and
       ``(ii) is searchable, easily understandable, and navigable, 
     and allows for the comparison of eligible programs through 
     the use of common, linked, open-data descriptive language; 
     and
       ``(B) in a manner that does not reveal personally 
     identifiable information about an individual participant.''; 
     and
       (5) by inserting before paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), 
     the following:
       ``(5) Website technical assistance.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) upon request, provide technical assistance to a State 
     on establishing a website that meets the requirements of 
     paragraph (4); and
       ``(B) disseminate to each State effective practices or 
     resources from States and private sector entities related to 
     establishing a website that is consumer-tested to ensure that 
     the website is easily understood, searchable, and 
     navigable.''.
       (e) Provider Performance Incentives.--Section 122 of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152), as 
     amended by this section, is further amended--
       (1) in subsection (e), by striking ``information 
     requirements,'' in each place it appears;
       (2) by redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as 
     subsection (g) through (j), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after subsection (e), as so amended, the 
     following:
       ``(f) Provider Performance Incentives.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Governor or a local board may 
     establish a system of performance incentive payments to be 
     awarded to providers in addition to the amount paid under 
     section 133(b) to such providers for the provision of 
     training services to participants of eligible programs. Such 
     system of performance incentives may be established to award 
     eligible programs that--
       ``(A) achieve performance levels above the minimum levels 
     established by the Governor under subsection (b)(2);
       ``(B) serve a significantly higher number of individuals 
     with barriers to employment compared to training providers 
     offering similar training services; or
       ``(C) achieve other performance successes, including those 
     related to jobs that provide economic stability and upward 
     mobility (such as leading to jobs with high wages and family 
     sustainable benefits) as determined by the State or the local 
     board.
       ``(2) Incentive payments.--Incentive payments to providers 
     established under paragraph (1) shall be awarded to providers 
     from the following allotments:
       ``(A) In the case of a system of performance incentive 
     payments established by the Governor, from funds reserved by 
     the Governor under section 128(a).
       ``(B) In the case of a system of performance incentive 
     payments established by a local board, from the allocations 
     made to the local area for youth under section 128(b), for 
     adults under paragraph (2)(A) or (3) of section 133(b), or 
     for dislocated workers under section 133(b)(2)(B), as 
     appropriate.'';
       (f) Enforcement.--Section 122(g)(1) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (as redesignated by subsection 
     (e)(2)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) Failure to provide required information.--With 
     respect to a provider of training services that is eligible 
     under this section for a program year with respect to an 
     eligible program, but that does not provide the information 
     described in subsection (b)(5) with respect to such program 
     for such program year (including information on performance 
     necessary to determine if the program meets the minimum 
     levels on the criteria to maintain eligibility), the provider 
     shall be ineligible under this section with respect to such 
     program for the program year after the program year for which 
     the provider fails to provide such information.
       ``(E) Failure to meet performance criteria.--
       ``(i) First year.--An eligible program that has received 
     standard eligibility under subsection (c)(2) for a program 
     year but fails to meet the minimum levels of performance on 
     the criteria described in subsection (b)(2) during the most 
     recent program year for which performance data on such 
     criteria are available shall be notified of such failure by 
     the Governor.
       ``(ii) Second consecutive year.--A program that fails to 
     meet the minimum levels of performance for a second 
     consecutive program year shall lose standard eligibility for 
     such program for at least the program year following such 
     second consecutive program year.
       ``(iii) Reapplication.--

       ``(I) Standard eligibility.--A provider may reapply to 
     receive standard eligibility for the program according to the 
     criteria described in subsection (c) if the program 
     performance for the most recent program year for which 
     performance data is available meets the minimum levels of 
     performance required to receive such standard eligibility.
       ``(II) Conditional eligibility.--A program that loses 
     standard eligibility may apply to receive conditional 
     eligibility under the process and criteria established by the 
     Governor under subsection (b)(3).''.

       (g) On-the-Job Training, Employer-directed Skills 
     Development, Incumbent Worker Training, and Other Training 
     Exceptions.--Subsection (i) (as redesignated by subsection 
     (e)(2)) of section 122 of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``customized training'' and inserting 
     ``employer-directed skills development''; and
       (B) by striking ``subsections (a) through (f)'' and 
     inserting ``subsections (a) through (g)''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by amending the first sentence to 
     read as follows: ``A one-stop operator in a local area shall 
     collect the minimum amount of information from providers of 
     on-the-job training, employer-directed skills development, 
     incumbent worker training, internships, paid or unpaid work 
     experience opportunities, and transitional employment as 
     necessary to enable the use of State administrative data to 
     generate such performance information as the Governor may 
     require.''.
       (h) Technical Assistance.--Section 122 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152) is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(k) Technical Assistance.--The Governor may apply to the 
     Secretary for technical assistance, as described in section 
     168(c), for purposes of carrying out the requirements of 
     subsection (c)(4), or paragraph (2) or (5) of subsection (d), 
     or any other amendments made by the A Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act to this section, and the Secretary shall provide 
     such technical assistance in a timely manner.''.
       (i) Transition.--A Governor and local boards shall 
     implement the requirements of section 122 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152), as amended 
     by this Act, not later than the first day of the second full 
     program year after the date of enactment of this Act. In 
     order to facilitate early implementation of this section, the 
     Governor may establish transition procedures under which 
     providers eligible to provide training services under chapter 
     1 of subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.), as such chapter was 
     in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
     Act, may continue to be eligible to provide such services 
     until December 31, 2024, or until such earlier date as the 
     Governor determines to be appropriate.

            CHAPTER 2--YOUTH WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

     SEC. 131. RESERVATIONS; REALLOCATION.

       (a) Reservations for Statewide Activities.--Section 128(a) 
     of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3173(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``reserved amounts'' in 
     each place and inserting ``reserved amounts under paragraph 
     (1)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Statewide critical industry skills fund.--
       ``(A) Authorized reservation.--In addition to the 
     reservations required under paragraph (1) and section 
     133(a)(2), and subject to subparagraph (B), the Governor may 
     reserve not more than 10 percent of each of the amounts 
     allotted to the State under section 127(b)(1)(C) and 
     paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B) of section 132(b) for a fiscal 
     year to establish and administer a critical industry skills 
     fund described in section 134(a)(4).
       ``(B) Matching funds.--
       ``(i) Requirement.--The amount of funds reserved by a 
     Governor under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year may not 
     exceed the amount of funds that such Governor commits to 
     using from any of the funds listed in clause (ii) for such 
     fiscal year for the purposes of establishing and 
     administering the critical industry skills fund for which 
     funds are reserved under subparagraph (A).
       ``(ii) Sources of matching funds.--The funds listed in this 
     clause are as follows:

       ``(I) Funds reserved by the Governor under paragraph (1) of 
     this subsection.
       ``(II) Other Federal funds not described in subclause (I).
       ``(III) State funds.''.

       (b) Reallocation Among Local Areas.--Section 128(c) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(c)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting the following before the 
     period at the end: ``as performance-based incentive 
     payments''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4)--

[[Page H2201]]

       (A) by striking ``that does not'' and inserting the 
     following: ``that--
       ``(A) does not'';
       (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting a 
     semicolon; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) has met or exceeded an average of 100 percent of the 
     local level of performance described in section 116(c)(1)(B) 
     for the local area across all indicators for the youth 
     program authorized under this chapter for the most recent 
     program year for which performance data is available; and
       ``(C) was not subject to corrective action by the Governor 
     under section 184(a)(5)(A) for a determination of non-
     compliance with the uniform administrative requirements 
     described in section 184(a)(3) for the program year for which 
     the determination under paragraph (2) is made.''.

     SEC. 132. USE OF FUNDS FOR YOUTH WORKFORCE INVESTMENT 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Opportunity Youth.--Section 129 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164) is amended by 
     striking ``out-of-school'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``opportunity''.
       (b) Youth Participant Eligibility.--
       (1) Eligibility determination.--
       (A) Eligibility.--Subparagraph (A) of section 129(a)(1) of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3164(a)(1) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(A) Eligibility determination.--
       ``(i) In general.--To be eligible to participate in 
     activities carried out under this chapter during any program 
     year, an individual shall, at the time the eligibility 
     determination is made, be an opportunity youth or an in-
     school youth.
       ``(ii) Enrollment.--If a one-stop operator or eligible 
     provider of youth workforce activities carrying out 
     activities under this chapter reasonably believes that an 
     individual is eligible to participate in such activities, the 
     operator or provider may allow such individual to participate 
     in such activities for not more than a 30-day period during 
     which the operator or provider shall obtain the necessary 
     information to make an eligibility determination with respect 
     to such individual (which may involve working with such 
     individual, other entities in the local area, and available 
     sources of administrative data to obtain the necessary 
     information).
       ``(iii) Determination of ineligibility.--With respect to an 
     individual who is determined to be ineligible for activities 
     under this chapter by a one-stop operator or a service 
     provider during the period described in clause (ii) and who 
     does not qualify for an exception under paragraph (3)(A)(ii) 
     applicable to the local area involved, such operator or 
     service provider--

       ``(I) may--

       ``(aa) continue serving such individual using non-Federal 
     funds; or
       ``(bb) end the participation of such individual in 
     activities under this chapter and refer the individual to 
     other services that may be available in the local area for 
     which the individual may be eligible; and

       ``(II) shall be paid for any services provided to such 
     individual under this chapter during the period described in 
     clause (ii) by the local area involved using funds allocated 
     to such area under section 128(b).

       ``(iv) Determination process for homeless and foster 
     youth.--In determining whether an individual is eligible to 
     participate in activities carried out under this chapter on 
     the basis of being an individual who is a homeless child or 
     youth, or a youth in foster care, as described in 
     subparagraph (B)(iii)(V), the one-stop operator or service 
     provider involved shall--

       ``(I) if determining whether the individual is a homeless 
     child or youth, use a process that is in compliance with the 
     requirements of subsection (a) of section 479D of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965, as added by section 702(l) of the 
     FAFSA Simplification Act (Public Law 116-260), for financial 
     aid administrators; and
       ``(II) if determining whether the individual is a youth in 
     foster care, use a process that is in compliance with the 
     requirements of subsection (b) of section 479D of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965, as added by section 702(l) of the 
     FAFSA Simplification Act (Public Law 116-260), for financial 
     aid administrators.''.

       (B) Definition of opportunity youth.--Subparagraph (B) of 
     section 129(a)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(1) is amended--
       (i) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ``Out-of-
     school'' and inserting ``Opportunity'';
       (ii) in clause (i), by inserting ``, except that an 
     individual described in subparagraph (IV) or (V) of clause 
     (iii) may be attending school'' after ``(as defined under 
     State law)'';
       (iii) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon at 
     the end, the following : ``, except that an individual 
     described in subparagraph (IV) or (V) of clause (iii) may be 
     not younger than age 14 or older than age 24''; and
       (iv) in clause (iii)(III)--

       (I) in the matter preceding item (aa), by striking ``and 
     is'' and inserting ``and'';
       (II) in item (aa), by striking ``basic skills deficient;'' 
     and inserting ``has foundational skills needs;''; and
       (III) in item (bb), by striking ``an English language 
     learner'' and inserting ``is an English learner''.

       (C) Definition of in-school youth.--Subparagraph (C)(iv) of 
     section 129(a)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(1)) is amended--
       (i) in subclause (I), by striking ``Basic skills 
     deficient.'' and inserting ``An individual who has 
     foundational skills needs.'';
       (ii) in subclause (II), by striking ``language'';
       (iii) by striking subclauses (III) and (IV); and
       (iv) by redesignating subclauses (V), (VI), and (VII) as 
     subclauses (III), (IV), and (V), respectively.
       (2) Exception and limitation.--Section 129(a)(3) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3164(a)(1)) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``5'' and 
     inserting ``10''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``5'' inserting ``10''; and
       (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1)(C)(iv)(VII)'' and 
     inserting ``paragraph (1)(C)(iv)(V)''.
       (3) Opportunity youth priority.--Section 129(a)(4) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3164(a)(1)) is amended--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Out-of-school'' 
     and inserting ``Opportunity'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``75'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``65'';
       (ii) by inserting ``the total amount of'' before ``funds 
     available''; and
       (iii) by inserting ``in the State'' after ``subsection 
     (c)'';
       (C) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``75'' and 
     inserting ``65'';
       (D) by redesignating subparagraph (B), as so amended, as 
     subparagraph (C); and
       (E) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Local area targets.--The local board, the chief 
     elected official, and the Governor shall negotiate and reach 
     agreement on the minimum amount of funds provided to a local 
     area under subsection (c) that shall be used to provide youth 
     workforce investment activities for opportunity youth based 
     on the needs of youth in the local area, as necessary for the 
     State to meet the percentage described in subparagraph 
     (A).''.
       (c) Required Statewide Youth Activities.-- Section 
     129(b)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3164(b)(1))--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``sections 128(a)'' and inserting ``sections 128(a)(1)''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``through a website 
     that is consumer-tested to ensure that the website is easily 
     understood, searchable, and navigable and allows for 
     comparison of eligible providers based on the program 
     elements offered by such providers and the performance of 
     such providers on the primary indicators of performance for 
     the youth program as described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii)'' 
     after ``under section 123''.
       (d) Allowable Statewide Youth Activities.--Section 
     129(b)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3164(b)(2)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``sections 128(a)'' and inserting ``sections 128(a)(1)'';
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, which may include 
     providing guidance on career options in in-demand industry 
     sectors or occupations'' after ``in the State'';
       (3) in subparagraph (D)--
       (A) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (B) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
       ``(vi) supporting the ability to understand relevant tax 
     information and obligations;'';
       (4) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) establishing, supporting, and expanding work-based 
     learning opportunities, including transitional jobs, that are 
     aligned with career pathways;
       ``(G) raising public awareness (including through public 
     service announcements, such as social media campaigns and 
     elementary and secondary school showcases and school visits) 
     about career and technical education programs and community-
     based and youth services organizations, and other endeavors 
     focused on programs that prepare students for in-demand 
     industry sectors or occupations; and
       ``(H) developing partnerships between educational 
     institutions (including area career and technical schools and 
     institutions of higher education) and employers to create or 
     improve workforce development programs to address the 
     identified education and skill needs of the workforce and the 
     employment needs of employers in the regions or local areas 
     of the State, as determined based on the most recent analysis 
     conducted under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 
     102(b)(1).''.
       (e) Local Elements and Requirements.--
       (1) Program design.--Section 129(c)(1) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(1)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``(which, in the case 
     of a participant 18 years or older, may include co-enrollment 
     in any employment or training activity provided under section 
     134 for adults)'' after ``services for the participant'';
       (B) in subparagraph (C)(v), by inserting ``high-skill, 
     high-wage, or'' after ``small employers, in''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (D)--
       (i) by striking ``10'' and inserting ``40''; and
       (ii) by inserting before the period the following: ``, 
     except that after 2 consecutive

[[Page H2202]]

     years of the local board implementing such a pay-for-
     performance contract strategy, the local board may reserve 
     and use not more than 60 percent of such total funds 
     allocated to the local area for such strategy if--
       ``(i) the local board demonstrates to the Governor that 
     such strategy resulted in performance improvements; and
       ``(ii) the Governor approves a request to use such 
     percentage of total funds''.
       (2) Program elements.--Section 129(c)(2) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (C)--
       (i) in clause (i)--

       (I) by striking ``other'' and inserting ``year-round''; and
       (II) by inserting ``that meet the requirements of paragraph 
     (10)'' after ``school year'';

       (ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and job shadowing; 
     and'' and inserting the following: ``that, to the extent 
     practicable, are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or 
     occupations in the State or local area and for which 
     participants shall be paid (by the entity providing the 
     internship, through funds allocated to the local area 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) for the program, or by another 
     entity) if such internships are longer than--

       ``(I) 4 weeks in the summer or 8 weeks during the school 
     year for in-school youth and opportunity youth who are 
     enrolled in school; or
       ``(II) 8 weeks for opportunity youth who are not enrolled 
     in school;'';

       (iii) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and
       (iv) by inserting after clause (iii), as so amended, the 
     following:
       ``(iv) job shadowing; and'';
       (B) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``adult mentoring'' 
     and inserting ``coaching and adult mentoring services'';
       (C) in subparagraph (M)--
       (i) by inserting ``high-skill, high-wage, or'' before ``in-
     demand industry''; and
       (ii) by striking the ``and'' at the end;
       (D) in subparagraph (N), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(O) activities to develop fundamental workforce 
     readiness, which may include creativity, collaboration, 
     critical thinking, digital literacy, persistence, and other 
     relevant skills.''.
       (3) Priority.--Section 129(c)(4) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(2)) is 
     amended, by striking ``20'' and inserting ``40''.
       (4) Rule of construction.--Section 129(c)(5) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3164(c)(2)) is amended by inserting ``or local area'' after 
     ``youth services''.
       (5) Individual training accounts.--Section 129(c) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3164(c)(2)) is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(9) Individual training accounts.--Funds allocated 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) to a local area may be used to pay, 
     through an individual training account, an eligible provider 
     of training services described in section 122(d) for training 
     services described in section 134(c)(3) provided to in-school 
     youth who are not younger than age 16 and not older than age 
     21 and opportunity youth, in the same manner that an 
     individual training account is used to pay an eligible 
     provider of training services under section 134(c)(3)(F)(iii) 
     for training services provided to an adult or dislocated 
     worker.''.
       (6) Summer and year-round employment opportunities 
     requirements.--Section 129(c) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(2)) is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) Summer and year-round employment opportunities 
     requirements.--
       ``(A) In general.--A summer employment opportunity or a 
     year-round employment opportunity referred to in paragraph 
     (2)(C)(i) shall be a program that matches eligible youth 
     participating in such program with an appropriate employer 
     (based on factors including the needs of the employer and the 
     age, skill, and informed aspirations of the eligible youth) 
     that--
       ``(i) shall include--

       ``(I) a component of occupational skills education; and
       ``(II) not less than 2 of the activities described in 
     subparagraphs (G), (H), (I), (K), (M), and (O) of paragraph 
     (2);

       ``(ii) may not use funds allocated under this chapter to 
     subsidize more than 50 percent of the wages of each eligible 
     youth participant in such program;
       ``(iii) in the case of a summer employment opportunity, 
     complies with the requirements of subparagraph (B); and
       ``(iv) in the case of a year-round employment opportunity, 
     complies with the requirements of subparagraph (C).
       ``(B) Summer employment opportunity.--In addition to the 
     applicable requirements described in subparagraph (A), a 
     summer employment opportunity--
       ``(i) may not be less than 4 weeks; and
       ``(ii) may not pay less than the greater of the applicable 
     Federal, State, or local minimum wage.
       ``(C) Year-round employment opportunity.--In addition to 
     the applicable requirements described in subparagraph (B), a 
     year-round employment opportunity--
       ``(i) may not be shorter than 180 days or longer than 1 
     year;
       ``(ii) may not pay less than the greater of the applicable 
     Federal, State, or local minimum wage; and
       ``(iii) may not employ the eligible youth for less than 20 
     hours per week, except in instances when the eligible youth 
     are under the age of 18 or enrolled in school.
       ``(D) Priority.--In selecting summer employment 
     opportunities or year-round employment opportunities for 
     purposes of paragraph (2)(C)(i), a local area shall give 
     priority to programs that meet the requirements of this 
     paragraph, which are in existing or emerging high-skill, 
     high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations.''.

    CHAPTER 3--ADULT AND DISLOCATED WORKER EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 
                               ACTIVITIES

     SEC. 141. STATE ALLOTMENTS.

       Section 132(a)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3172(a)(2)(A)) is amended by--
       (1) striking ``, 169(c) (relating to dislocated worker 
     projects),''; and
       (2) by inserting ``, and under subsections (c) (related to 
     dislocated worker projects) and (d) (related to workforce 
     data quality initiatives) of section 169'' before ``; and''

     SEC. 142. RESERVATIONS FOR STATE ACTIVITIES; WITHIN STATE 
                   ALLOCATIONS; REALLOCATION.

       (a) Reservations for State Activities.--Section 133(a) of 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3173(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 128(a)'' and 
     inserting ``section 128(a)(1)'';
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Statewide critical industry skills fund.--In addition 
     to the reservations required under paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
     this subsection, the Governor may make the reservation 
     authorized under section 128(a)(3).''.
       (b) Within State Allocations.--Section 133(b)(1) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(b)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (a)(1)'' 
     and inserting ``paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a)''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``paragraph (1) or (2) 
     of subsection (a)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1), (2), or 
     (3) of subsection (a)''.
       (c) Reallocation Among Local Areas.--Section 133(c) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(c)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the 
     end, the following: ``as performance-based incentive 
     payments'';
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``that does not'' and inserting the 
     following: ``that--
       ``(i) does not'';
       (ii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) has met or exceeded an average of 100 percent of the 
     local level of performance described in section 116(c)(1)(B) 
     for the local area across all indicators for the adult 
     program authorized under this chapter for the most recent 
     program year for which performance data is available; and
       ``(iii) was not subject to corrective action by the 
     Governor under section 184(a)(5)(A) for a determination of 
     non-compliance with the uniform administrative requirements 
     described in section 184(a)(3) for the program year for which 
     the determination under paragraph (2) is made; and''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``that does not'' and inserting the 
     following: ``that--
       ``(i) does not'';
       (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting a 
     semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) has met or exceeded an average of 100 percent of the 
     local level of performance described in section 116(c)(1)(B) 
     for the local area across all indicators for the dislocated 
     worker program authorized under this chapter for the most 
     recent program year for which performance data is available; 
     and
       ``(iii) was not subject to corrective action by the 
     Governor under section 184(a)(5)(A) for a determination of 
     non-compliance with the uniform administrative requirements 
     described in section 184(a)(3) for the program year for which 
     the determination under paragraph (2) is made; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Use of incentive funds.--Any amounts provided to a 
     local area as a performance incentive payment under this 
     subsection shall not be subject to the requirements described 
     in section 134(c)(1)(B).''.

     SEC. 143. USE OF FUNDS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Statewide Employment and Training Activities.--
       (1) In general.--Section 134(a)(1) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(1))--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``128(a)'' and inserting ``128(a)(1)''; and
       (ii) in clause (ii)--

       (I) by striking the comma at the end and inserting ``or to 
     establish and administer a critical industry skills fund 
     under paragraph (4); and'' ; and

       (C) by inserting before the flush left text at the end the 
     following:
       ``(C) as described in section 128(a)(3), shall be used to 
     establish and administer a critical industry skills fund 
     described in paragraph (4).''.

[[Page H2203]]

       (2) Required statewide employment and training 
     activities.--
       (A) Statewide rapid response activities.--Section 
     134(a)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(2)(A)) is amended--
       (i) in clause (i)--

       (I) in subclause (I)--

       (aa) by striking ``working'' and inserting ``as a rapid 
     response unit working''; and
       (bb) by striking ``and'' at the end;

       (II) in subclause (II), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (III) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(III) provision of additional assistance to a local area 
     that has excess demand for individual training accounts for 
     dislocated workers in such local area and requests such 
     assistance under paragraph (5) of section 414(c) of the 
     American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 
     1998 (29 U.S.C. 3224a(5)), upon a determination by the State 
     that, in using funds allocated to such local area pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) of such section 414(c) and subsection (c)(1)(B) 
     of this section for the purpose described in paragraph (2)(A) 
     of such section 414(c), the local area was in compliance with 
     the requirements of such section 414(c).''; and

       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) Insufficient funds to meet excess demand.--If a 
     State determines that a local area with excess demand as 
     described in clause (i)(III) met the compliance requirements 
     described in such clause, but the State does not have 
     sufficient funds reserved under section 133(a)(2) to meet 
     such excess demand, the State--

       ``(I) shall notify the Secretary of such excess demand; and
       ``(II) if eligible, may apply for a national dislocated 
     worker grant under section 170 of this Act.''.

       (B) Statewide employment and training activities.--Section 
     134(a)(2)(B) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(2)(B) is amended--
       (i) in clause (i)--

       (I) in subclause (III), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (II) in subclause (IV)--

       (aa) by inserting ``the development and education of staff 
     to increase expertise in providing opportunities for covered 
     veterans (as defined in section 4212(a)(3)(A) of title 38, 
     United States Code) to enter in-demand industry sectors or 
     occupations and nontraditional occupations),'' after 
     ``exemplary program activities,''; and
       (bb) by adding ``and'' at the end; and

       (III) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(V) local boards and eligible training providers in 
     carrying out the performance reporting required under section 
     116(d), including facilitating data matches for program 
     participants using quarterly wage record information 
     (including the wage records made available by any other State 
     and information provided from the National Directory of New 
     Hires in accordance with section 453(j)(8) of the Social 
     Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)(8))) and other sources of 
     information, as necessary to measure the performance of 
     programs and activities conducted under chapter 2 or chapter 
     3 of this subtitle;'';

       (ii) in clause (v)--

       (I) in subclause (II), by striking ``customized training'' 
     and inserting ``employer-directed skills development''; and
       (II) in subclause (VI), by striking ``and'' at the end;

       (iii) in clause (vi), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(vii) coordinating (which may be done in partnership with 
     other States) with industry organizations, employers 
     (including small and mid-sized employers), industry or sector 
     partnerships, training providers, local boards, and 
     institutions of higher education to identify or develop 
     competency-based assessments that are a valid and reliable 
     method of collecting information with respect to, and 
     measuring, the prior knowledge, skills, and abilities of 
     individuals who are adults or dislocated workers for the 
     purpose of--

       ``(I) awarding, based on the knowledge, skills, and 
     abilities of such an individual validated by such 
     assessments--

       ``(aa) a recognized postsecondary credential that is used 
     by employers in the State for recruitment, hiring, retention, 
     or advancement purposes;
       ``(bb) postsecondary credit toward a recognized 
     postsecondary credential aligned with in-demand industry 
     sectors and occupations in the State for the purpose of 
     accelerating attainment of such credential; and
       ``(cc) postsecondary credit for progress along a career 
     pathway developed by the State or a local area within the 
     State;

       ``(II) developing individual employment plans under 
     subsection (c)(2)(B)(vii)(II) that incorporate the knowledge, 
     skills, and abilities of such an individual to identify--

       ``(aa) in-demand industry sectors or occupations that 
     require similar knowledge, skills, and abilities; and
       ``(bb) any upskilling needed for the individual to secure 
     employment in such a sector or occupation; and

       ``(III) helping such an individual communicate such 
     knowledge, skills, and abilities to prospective employers 
     through a skills-based resume, profile, or portfolio; and

       ``(viii) disseminating to local areas and employers 
     information relating to the competency-based assessments 
     identified or developed pursuant to clause (vii), including--

       ``(I) any credential or credit awarded pursuant to items 
     (aa) through (cc) of clause (vii)(I);
       ``(II) the industry organizations, employers, training 
     providers, and institutions of higher education located 
     within the State that recognize the knowledge, skills, and 
     abilities of an individual validated by such assessments;
       ``(III) how such assessments may be provided to, and 
     accessed by, individuals through the one-stop delivery 
     system; and
       ``(IV) information on the extent to which such assessments 
     are being used by employers and local areas in the State.''.

       (3) Allowable statewide employment and training 
     activities.--Section 134(a)(3)(A) of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(3)(A))--
       (A) in clause (i)--
       (i) by inserting ``or evidence-based'' after 
     ``innovative''; and
       (ii) by striking ``customized training'' and inserting 
     ``employer-directed skills development'';
       (B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``, or bringing evidence-
     based strategies to scale,'' after ``strategies'';
       (C) in clause (iii), by striking `` and prior learning 
     assessment to'' and inserting ``, prior learning assessment, 
     or a competency-based assessment identified or developed by 
     the State under paragraph (2)(B)(vii), to'';
       (D) in clause (viii)(II)--
       (i) in item (dd), by striking ``and literacy'' and 
     inserting ``, literacy, and digital literacy'';
       (ii) in item (ee), by striking ``ex-offenders in reentering 
     the workforce; and'' and inserting `` justice-involved 
     individuals in reentering the workforce;''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(gg) programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 
     U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) that support employment and economic 
     security; and'';
       (E) in clause (xiii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (F) in clause (xiv), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (G) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(xv) supporting employers seeking to implement skills-
     based hiring practices, which may include technical 
     assistance on the use and validation of employment 
     assessments (including competency-based assessments developed 
     or identified by the State pursuant to paragraph 
     (2)(B)(vii)), and support in the creation of skills-based job 
     descriptions;
       ``(xvi) developing partnerships between educational 
     institutions (including area career and technical education 
     schools, local educational agencies, and institutions of 
     higher education) and employers to create or improve 
     workforce development programs to address the identified 
     education and skill needs of the workforce and the employment 
     needs of employers in regions of the State, as determined by 
     the most recent analysis conducted under subparagraphs (A), 
     (B), and (C) of section 102(b)(1);
       ``(xvii) identifying and making available to residents of 
     the State, free or reduced cost access to online skills 
     development programs that are aligned with in-demand 
     industries or occupations in the State and lead to attainment 
     of a recognized postsecondary credential valued by employers 
     in such industries or occupations; and
       ``(xviii) establishing and administering a critical 
     industry skills fund under paragraph (4).''.
       (4) Critical industry skills fund.--Section 134(a) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)), 
     as amended, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(4) Critical industry skills fund.--
       ``(A) Performance-based payments.--A State shall use funds 
     reserved under paragraph (3)(A) of section 128(a), and any 
     funds reserved under paragraph (3)(B) of section 128(a), to 
     establish and administer a critical industry skills fund to 
     award performance-based payments on a per-worker basis to 
     eligible entities that provide eligible skills development 
     programs to prospective workers or incumbent workers (which 
     may include youth age 18 through age 24) in industries and 
     occupations identified by the Governor under subparagraph (B) 
     that will result in employment or retention with a 
     participating employer.
       ``(B) Industries and occupations.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Governor (in consultation with the 
     State board)--

       ``(I) shall identify the industries and occupations for 
     which an eligible skills development program carried out by 
     an eligible entity in the State may receive funds under this 
     paragraph; and
       ``(II) may select the industries and occupations identified 
     under subclause (I) that will receive priority for funds 
     under this paragraph.

       ``(ii) High growth and high wage.--In selecting industries 
     or occupations to prioritize pursuant to clause (i)(II), the 
     Governor may consider--

       ``(I) industries that have, or are expected to have, a high 
     rate of growth and an unmet demand for skilled workers; and
       ``(II) occupations--

       ``(aa) with wages that are significantly higher than an 
     occupation of similar level of skill or needed skill 
     development; or
       ``(bb) that are aligned with career pathways into higher 
     wage occupations.
       ``(C) Submission of proposals.--
       ``(i) In general.--To be eligible to receive a payment 
     under the critical industry skills fund established under 
     this paragraph by a State, an eligible entity shall submit a 
     proposal to the Governor in such form and at

[[Page H2204]]

     such time as the Governor may require (subject to the 
     requirements of clause (ii)), which shall include--

       ``(I) a description of the industries or occupations in 
     which the participating employer is seeking to fill jobs, the 
     specific skills or credentials necessary for an individual to 
     obtain such a job, and the salary range of such a job;
       ``(II) the expected number of individuals who will 
     participate in the skills development program to be carried 
     out by the eligible entity;
       ``(III) a description of the eligible skills development 
     program, including the provider, the length of the program, 
     the skills to be gained, and any recognized postsecondary 
     credentials that will be awarded;
       ``(IV) the total cost of providing the program;
       ``(V) for purposes of receiving a payment pursuant to 
     subparagraph (D)(i)(II)(bb), a commitment from the 
     participating employer in the eligible entity to employ each 
     participant of the program for not less than a 6-month period 
     (or a longer period as determined by the State) after 
     successful completion of the program; and
       ``(VI) an assurance that the entity will--

       ``(aa) establish the written agreements described in 
     subparagraph (D)(ii)(I);
       ``(bb) maintain and submit the documentation described in 
     subparagraph (D)(ii)(II); and
       ``(cc) maintain and submit the necessary documentation for 
     the State to verify participant outcomes and report such 
     outcomes as described in subparagraph (F).
       ``(ii) Administrative burden.--The Governor shall ensure 
     that the form and manner in which a proposal required to be 
     submitted under clause (i) is designed to minimize paperwork 
     and administrative burden for entities.
       ``(iii) Approval of subsequent proposals.--With respect to 
     an eligible entity that has had a proposal approved by the 
     Governor under this subparagraph and that submits a 
     subsequent proposal under this subparagraph, the eligible 
     entity may only receive approval from the Governor for the 
     subsequent proposal if--

       ``(I) with respect to the most recent proposal approved 
     under this subparagraph--

       ``(aa) the skills development program has ended;
       ``(bb) for any participants employed by the participating 
     employer in accordance with subparagraph (C)(i)(V), the 
     minimum periods of such employment described in such 
     subparagraph have ended;
       ``(cc) all the payments under subparagraph (D) owed to the 
     eligible entity have been made; and
       ``(dd) not fewer than 70 percent of the participants who 
     enrolled in the skills development program--
       ``(AA) completed such program; and
       ``(BB) after such completion, were employed by the 
     participating employer for the minimum period described in 
     subparagraph (C)(i)(V); and

       ``(II) the eligible entity meets any other requirements 
     that the Governor may establish with respect to eligible 
     entities submitting subsequent proposals.

       ``(D) Reimbursement for approved proposals.--
       ``(i) State requirements.--

       ``(I) In general.--With respect to each eligible entity 
     whose proposal under subparagraph (C) has been approved by 
     the Governor, the Governor shall make payments (in an amount 
     determined by the Governor and subject to the requirements of 
     subclause (II) of this clause, subparagraphs (E) and (G), and 
     any other limitations determined necessary by the State) from 
     the critical industry skills fund established under this 
     paragraph to such eligible entity for each participant of the 
     eligible skills development program described in such 
     proposal and with respect to whom the eligible entity meets 
     the requirements of clause (ii).
       ``(II) Payments.--In making payments to an eligible entity 
     under subclause (I) with respect to a participant--

       ``(aa) 50 percent of the total payment shall be made after 
     the participant completes the eligible skills development 
     program offered by the eligible entity; and
       ``(bb) the remaining 50 percent of such total payment shall 
     be made after the participant has been employed by the 
     participating employer for the minimum period described in 
     subparagraph (C)(i)(V).
       ``(ii) Eligible entity requirements.--To be eligible to 
     receive the payments described in clause (i) with respect to 
     a participant, an eligible entity described in such clause 
     shall--

       ``(I) establish a written agreement with the participant 
     that includes the information described in subclauses (I) and 
     (III) of subparagraph (C)(i); and
       ``(II) submit documentation as the Governor determines 
     necessary to verify that such participant has completed the 
     skills development program offered by the eligible entity and 
     has been employed by the participating employer for the 
     minimum period described in subparagraph (C)(i)(V).

       ``(E) Non-federal cost sharing.--
       ``(i) Limits on federal share.--An eligible entity may not 
     receive funds under subparagraph (D) with respect to a 
     participant of the eligible skills development program 
     offered by the eligible entity in excess of the following 
     costs of such program:

       ``(I) In the case of a participating employer of such 
     eligible entity with 25 or fewer employees, 90 percent of the 
     costs.
       ``(II) In the case of a participating employer of such 
     eligible entity with more than 25 employees, but fewer than 
     100 employees, 75 percent of the costs.
       ``(III) In the case of a participating employer of such 
     eligible entity with 100 or more employees, 50 percent of the 
     costs.

       ``(ii) Non-federal share.--

       ``(I) In general.--Any costs of the skills development 
     program offered to a participant by such eligible entity that 
     are not covered by the funds received under subparagraph (D) 
     shall be the non-Federal share provided by the eligible 
     entity (in cash or in-kind).
       ``(II) Employer cost sharing.--If the eligible skills 
     development program is being provided on-the-job, the non-
     Federal share provided by an eligible entity may include the 
     amount of the wages paid by the participating employer of the 
     eligible entity to a participant while such participant is 
     receiving the training.

       ``(F) Performance reporting.--
       ``(i) In general.--The State shall use the participant 
     information provided by eligible entities to submit to the 
     Secretary a report, on an annual basis, with respect to the 
     participants of the eligible skills development programs for 
     which the eligible entities received funds under this 
     paragraph for the most recent program year, which shall--

       ``(I) be made digitally available by the Secretary using 
     linked, open, and interoperable data, which shall include; 
     and
       ``(II) include--

       ``(aa) the number of individuals who participated in 
     programs, unless such information would reveal personally 
     identifiable information about an individual); and
       ``(bb) performance outcomes on the measures listed in 
     clause (ii).
       ``(ii) Measures.--The measures listed below are as follows:

       ``(I) The percentage of participants who completed the 
     skills development program.
       ``(II) The percentage of participants who were employed by 
     the participating employer for a 6-month period after program 
     completion.
       ``(III) The percentage of participants who were employed by 
     the participating employer as described in subclause (II), 
     and who remained employed by the participating employer 1 
     year after program completion.
       ``(IV) The median earnings of program participants who are 
     in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after 
     program completion.
       ``(V) The median earnings increase of program participants, 
     measured by comparing the earning of a participant in the 
     second quarter prior to entry into the program to the 
     earnings of such participant in the second quarter following 
     completion of the program.

       ``(G) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an 
     employer, a group of employers, an industry or sector 
     partnership, or another entity serving as an intermediary 
     (such as a local board) that is in a partnership with at 
     least one employer in an industry or occupation identified by 
     the Governor under subparagraph (B)(i) (referred to in this 
     paragraph as the `participating employer').
       ``(ii) Eligible skills development program.--The term 
     `eligible skills development program', with respect to which 
     a State may set a maximum and minimum length (in weeks)--

       ``(I) includes work-based education or related occupational 
     skills instruction that--

       ``(aa) develops the specific technical skills necessary for 
     successful performance of the occupations in which 
     participants are to be employed upon completion; and
       ``(bb) may be provided by the eligible entity or by any 
     training provider selected by the eligible entity and that is 
     not required to be on a list of eligible providers of 
     training services described in section 122(d); and

       ``(II) may not include employee onboarding, orientation, or 
     professional development generally provided to employees.''.

       (5) State-imposed requirements.--Section 134(a) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)), 
     as amended, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(5) State-imposed requirements.--Whenever a State or 
     outlying area implements any rule or policy relating to the 
     administration or operation of activities authorized under 
     this title that has the effect of imposing a requirement that 
     is not imposed under Federal law, or is not a requirement, 
     process, or criteria that the Governor or State is directed 
     to establish under Federal law, the State or outlying area 
     shall identify to local areas and eligible providers the 
     requirement as being imposed by the State or outlying 
     area.''.
       (b) Required Local Employment and Training Activities.--
       (1) Minimum amount for skills development.--Section 
     134(c)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking ``to'' and 
     inserting ``to provide business services described in 
     paragraph (4) and'';
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as so amended, the 
     following:
       ``(B) Minimum amount for skills development.--Not less than 
     50 percent of the funds described in subparagraph (A) shall 
     be used by the local area--
       ``(i) for the payment of training services--

[[Page H2205]]

       ``(I) provided to adults under paragraph (3)(F)(iii); and
       ``(II) provided to adults and dislocated workers under 
     paragraph (3)(G)(ii); and

       ``(ii) for the payment of training services under paragraph 
     (2)(A) of section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and 
     Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3224a(c)) after 
     funds allocated to such local area under paragraph (1) of 
     such section 414(c) have been exhausted.''; and
       (D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``and (ii)'' and inserting ``, (ii), and (iv)''.
       (2) Career services.--Section 134(c)(2) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as 
     subparagraphs (B) through (D), respectively;
       (B) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so 
     redesignated, the following:
       ``(A) Basic career services.--
       ``(i) In general.--The one-stop delivery system--

       ``(I) shall coordinate with the Employment Service office 
     colocated with the one-stop delivery system for such 
     Employment Service office to provide, using the funds 
     allotted to the State under section 6 of the Wagner-Peyser 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 49e), basic career services, which shall--

       ``(aa) include, at a minimum, the services listed in clause 
     (ii); and
       ``(bb) be available to individuals who are adults or 
     dislocated workers in an integrated manner to streamline 
     access to assistance for such individuals, to avoid 
     duplication of services, and to enhance coordination of 
     services; and

       ``(II) may use funds allocated under paragraph (1)(A), as 
     necessary, to supplement the services that are provided 
     pursuant to subclause (I) to individuals who are adults or 
     dislocated workers.

       ``(ii) Services.--The basic career services provided 
     pursuant to clause (i) shall include--

       ``(I) provision of workforce and labor market employment 
     statistics information, including the provision of accurate 
     (and, to the extent practicable, real-time) information 
     relating to local, regional, and national labor market areas, 
     including--

       ``(aa) job vacancy listings in such labor market areas;
       ``(bb) information on job skills necessary to obtain the 
     jobs described in item (aa); and
       ``(cc) information relating to local occupations in demand 
     (which may include entrepreneurship opportunities), and the 
     earnings, skill requirements, and opportunities for 
     advancement for such occupations;

       ``(II) labor exchange services, including job search and 
     placement assistance and, in appropriate cases, career 
     counseling, including--

       ``(aa) provision of information on in-demand industry 
     sectors and occupations;
       ``(bb) provision of information on nontraditional 
     employment; and
       ``(cc) provision of information on entrepreneurship, as 
     appropriate;

       ``(III)(aa) provision of information, in formats that are 
     usable by and understandable to one-stop center customers, 
     relating to the availability of supportive services or 
     assistance, including child care, child support, medical or 
     child health assistance under title XIX or XXI of the Social 
     Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. and 1397aa et seq.), 
     benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
     established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), assistance through the earned income 
     tax credit under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986, and assistance under a State program for temporary 
     assistance for needy families funded under part A of title IV 
     of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and other 
     supportive services and transportation provided through funds 
     made available under such part, available in the local area; 
     and
       ``(bb) referral to the services or assistance described in 
     item (aa), as appropriate;
       ``(IV) provision of information and assistance regarding 
     filing claims for unemployment compensation; and
       ``(V) assistance in establishing eligibility for programs 
     of financial aid assistance for training and education 
     programs that are not funded under this Act.'';

       (C) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated--
       (i) in the heading, by striking the heading and inserting 
     ``Individualized career'';
       (ii) by inserting ``individualized'' before ``career 
     services'';
       (iii) by inserting ``shall, to the extent practicable, be 
     evidence-based,'' before ``and shall'';
       (iv) in clause (iii), by inserting ``, and a determination 
     (considering factors including prior work experience, 
     military service, education, and in-demand industry sectors 
     and occupations in the local area) of whether such an 
     individual would benefit from a competency-based assessment 
     developed or identified by the State pursuant to subsection 
     (a)(2)(B)(vii) to accelerate the time to obtaining employment 
     that leads to economic self-sufficiency or career 
     advancement'' before the semi-colon at the end;
       (v) by striking clauses (iv), (vi), (ix), (x), and (xi);
       (vi) by redesignating clauses (v), (vii), (viii), (xii), 
     and (xiii) as clauses (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), and (viii), 
     respectively;
       (vii) in clause (v), as so redesignated, by inserting ``and 
     credential'' after ``by program''; and
       (viii) in clause (vii)(I)(aa), as so redesignated, by 
     inserting ``, including a competency-based assessment 
     developed or identified by the State pursuant to subsection 
     (a)(2)(B)(vii)'' after ``tools'';
       (D) by amending subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, to 
     read as follows:
       ``(C) Use of previous assessments.--A one-stop operator or 
     one-stop partner shall not be required to conduct a new 
     interview, evaluation, or assessment of a participant under 
     subparagraph (B)(vii) if the one-stop operator or one-stop 
     partner determines that--
       ``(i) it is appropriate to use a recent interview, 
     evaluation, or assessment of the participant conducted 
     pursuant to another education or training program; and
       ``(ii) using such recent interview, evaluation, or 
     assessment will accelerate an eligibility determination.''; 
     and
       (E) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated--
       (i) by inserting ``individualized'' before ``career''; and
       (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``, libraries, and 
     community-based organizations'' after ``nonprofit service 
     providers''.
       (3) Training services.--Section 134(c)(3) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in clause (i), in the matter preceding subclause (I), 
     by striking ``clause (ii)'' and inserting ``clause (ii) or 
     (iii)''
       (ii) in clause (i)(II)--

       (I) by striking ``or in'' and inserting ``in'' and
       (II) by inserting ``, or that may be performed remotely'' 
     after ``relocate'';

       (iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv);
       (iv) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
       ``(iii) Employer referral.--

       ``(I) In general.--A one-stop operator or one-stop partner 
     shall not be required to conduct an interview, evaluation, or 
     assessment of an individual under clause (i)(I) if such 
     individual--

       ``(aa) is referred by an employer to receive on-the-job 
     training or employer-directed skills development in 
     connection with that employer; and
       ``(bb) has been certified by the employer as being in need 
     of training services to obtain unsubsidized employment with 
     such employer and having the skills and qualifications to 
     successfully participate in the selected program of training 
     services.

       ``(II) Priority.--A one-stop operator or one-stop partner 
     shall follow the priority described in subparagraph (E) to 
     determine whether an individual that meets the requirements 
     of subclause (I) of this clause is eligible to receive 
     training services.''; and

       (v) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) Adult education and family literacy activities.--In 
     the case of an individual who is determined to not have the 
     skills and qualifications to successfully participate in the 
     selected program of training services under clause 
     (i)(I)(cc), the one-stop operator or one-stop partner shall 
     refer such individual to adult education and literacy 
     activities under title II, including for co-enrollment in 
     such activities, as appropriate.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in clause (i)--

       (I) in subclause (I), by striking ``other grant assistance 
     for such services, including'' and inserting ``assistance for 
     such services under''; and
       (II) by striking ``under other grant assistance programs, 
     including'' and inserting ``under''; and

       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) Participation during eligibility determination.--An 
     individual may participate in a program of training services 
     during the period which such individual's eligibility for 
     training services under clause (i) is being determined, 
     except that the provider of such a program shall only receive 
     reimbursement under this Act for the individual's 
     participation during such period if such individual is 
     determined to be eligible under clause (i).'';
       (C) in subparagraph (D)(xi), by striking ``customized 
     training'' and inserting ``employer-directed skills 
     development'';
       (D) in subparagraph (E)--
       (i) by striking ``are basic skills deficient'' and 
     inserting ``have foundational skill needs''; and
       (ii) by striking ``paragraph (2)(A)(xii)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)(B)(vii)'';
       (E) in subparagraph (G)(ii)--
       (i) in subclause (II), by striking ``customized training'' 
     and inserting ``employer-directed skills development''; and
       (ii) in subclause (IV), by striking ``is a'' and inserting 
     ``is an evidence-based'';
       (F) in subparagraph (H)--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``reimbursement described in 
     section 3(44)'' and inserting ``reimbursement described in 
     the definition of the term ``on-the-job training'' in section 
     3''; and
       (ii) in clause (ii)--

       (I) in subclause (I), by inserting ``, such as the extent 
     to which participants are individuals with barriers to 
     employment'' after ``participants''; and
       (II) in subclause (III), by inserting ``, including whether 
     the skills a participant will obtain are transferable to 
     other employers, occupations, or industries in the local area 
     or the State'' after ``opportunities''; and

       (G) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(I) Employer-directed skills development.--An employer 
     may receive a contract

[[Page H2206]]

     from a local board to provide employer-directed skills 
     development to a participant or group of participants if the 
     employer submits to the local board an agreement that 
     establishes--
       ``(i) the provider of the skills development program, which 
     may be the employer;
       ``(ii) the length of the skills development program;
       ``(iii) the recognized postsecondary credentials that will 
     be awarded to, or the occupational skills that will be gained 
     by, program participants;
       ``(iv) the cost of the skills development program;
       ``(v) the amount of such cost that will be paid by the 
     employer, which shall not be less than the amount specified 
     in subparagraph (C) of the definition of the term `employer-
     directed skills development' in section 3; and
       ``(vi) a commitment by the employer to employ the 
     participating individual or individuals upon successful 
     completion of the program.''.
       (c) Business Services.--Section 134(c) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)) is further 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(A)(iv), by inserting ``provide 
     business services described in paragraph (4) and'' before 
     ``establish''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Business services.--Funds described in paragraph (1) 
     shall be used to provide appropriate recruitment and other 
     business services and strategies on behalf of employers, 
     including small employers, that meet the workforce investment 
     needs of area employers, as determined by the local board and 
     consistent with the local plan under section 108, which 
     services--
       ``(A) may be provided through effective business 
     intermediaries working in conjunction with the local board, 
     and may also be provided on a fee-for-service basis or 
     through the leveraging of economic development, 
     philanthropic, and other public and private resources in a 
     manner determined appropriate by the local board; and
       ``(B) may include one or more of the following:
       ``(i) Developing and implementing industry sector 
     strategies (including strategies involving industry 
     partnerships, regional skills alliances, industry skill 
     panels, and sectoral skills partnerships).
       ``(ii) Developing and delivering innovative workforce 
     investment services and strategies for area employers, which 
     may include career pathways, skills upgrading, skill standard 
     development and certification for recognized postsecondary 
     credential or other employer use, apprenticeship, and other 
     effective initiatives for meeting the workforce investment 
     needs of area employers and workers.
       ``(iii) Assistance to area employers in managing reductions 
     in force in coordination with rapid response activities 
     provided under subsection (a)(2)(A) and developing strategies 
     for the aversion of layoffs, which strategies may include 
     early identification of firms at risk of layoffs, use of 
     feasibility studies to assess the needs of and options for 
     at-risk firms, and the delivery of employment and training 
     activities to address risk factors.
       ``(iv) The marketing of business services offered under 
     this title to appropriate area employers, including small and 
     mid-sized employers.
       ``(v) Technical assistance or other support to employers 
     seeking to implement skills-based hiring practices, which may 
     include technical assistance on the use and validation of 
     employment assessments, including competency-based 
     assessments developed or identified by the State pursuant to 
     paragraph (2)(B)(vii), and support in the creation of skills-
     based job descriptions.
       ``(vi) Other services described in this subsection, 
     including providing information and referral to 
     microenterprise services, as appropriate, and specialized 
     business services not traditionally offered through the one-
     stop delivery system.''.
       (d) Permissible Local Employment and Training Activities.--
       (1) Activities.--Section 134(d)(1)(A) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(1)(A)) is 
     amended--
       (A) by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
       ``(iii) implementation of a pay-for-performance contract 
     strategy for training services, for which the local board may 
     reserve and use not more than 40 percent of the total funds 
     allocated to the local area under paragraph (2) or (3) of 
     section 133(b), except that after 2 fiscal years of a local 
     board implementing such pay-for-performance contract 
     strategy, the local board may request approval from the 
     Governor to reserve and use not more than 60 percent of the 
     total funds allocated to the local area under paragraph (2) 
     or (3) of section 133(b) for such strategy for the following 
     fiscal year if the local board can demonstrate to the 
     Governor the performance improvements achieved through the 
     use of such strategy;'';
       (B) in clause (vii)--
       (i) in subclause (II), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subclause (III), by inserting ``and'' at the end; 
     and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(IV) to strengthen, through professional development 
     activities, the knowledge and capacity of staff to use the 
     latest digital technologies, tools, and strategies to deliver 
     high quality services and outcomes for jobseekers, workers, 
     and employers;'';

       (C) in clause (ix)(II)--
       (i) in item (cc), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in item (dd), by inserting ``and'' at the end; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ee) technical assistance or other support to employers 
     seeking to implement skills-based hiring practices, which may 
     include technical assistance on the use and validation of 
     employment assessments, including competency-based 
     assessments developed or identified by the State pursuant to 
     paragraph (2)(B)(vii), and support in the creation of skills-
     based job descriptions;'';
       (D) in clause (xi), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (E) in clause (xii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (F) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(xiii) the use of competency-based assessments for 
     individuals upon initial assessment of skills (pursuant to 
     subsection (c)(2)(A)(iii)) or completion of training services 
     or other learning experiences; and
       ``(xiv) the development of partnerships between educational 
     institutions (including area career and technical education 
     schools, local educational agencies, and institutions of 
     higher education) and employers to create or improve 
     workforce development programs to address the identified 
     education and skill needs of the workforce and the employment 
     needs of employers in a region, as determined based on the 
     most recent analysis conducted by the local board under 
     section 107(d)(2).''.
       (2) Incumbent worker training programs.--
       (A) In general.--Section 134(d)(4)(A) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(4)(A)) is 
     amended--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``20'' and inserting ``30' 
     ''
       (ii) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses 
     (iii) and (iv), respectively; and
       (iii) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
       ``(ii) Increase in reservation of funds.--Notwithstanding 
     clause (i)--

       ``(I) with respect to a local area that had a rate of 
     unemployment of not more than 3 percent for not less than 6 
     months during the preceding program year, clause (i) shall be 
     applied by substituting `40 percent' for `30 percent'; or
       ``(II) with respect to a local area that meets the 
     requirement in subclause (I) and is located in a State that 
     had a labor force participation rate of not less than 68 
     percent for not less than 6 months during the preceding 
     program year, clause (i) shall be applied by substituting `45 
     percent' for `30 percent'.''.

       (B) Incumbent worker upskilling accounts.--Section 
     134(d)(4) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3174(d)(4)) is further amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(E) Incumbent worker upskilling accounts.--
       ``(i) In general.--To establish incumbent worker upskilling 
     accounts through which an eligible provider of training 
     services under section 122 may be paid for the program of 
     training services provided to an incumbent worker, a local 
     board--

       ``(I) (aa) may use, from the funds reserved by the local 
     area under subparagraph (A)(i), an amount that does not 
     exceed 5 percent of the funds allocated to such local area 
     under section 133(b); or
       ``(bb) if the local area reserved funds under subparagraph 
     (A)(ii), may use, from the funds reserved by the local area 
     under subparagraph (A)(ii), an amount that does not exceed 10 
     percent of the funds allocated to such local area under 
     section 133(b); and
       ``(II) may use funds reserved under section 134(a)(2)(A) 
     for statewide rapid response activities and provided by the 
     State to local area to establish such accounts.

       ``(ii) Eligibility.--

       ``(I) In general.--Subject to subclause (II), a local board 
     that seeks to establish incumbent worker upskilling accounts 
     under clause (i) shall establish criteria for determining the 
     eligibility of an incumbent worker to receive such an 
     account, which shall take into account factors of--

       ``(aa) the wages of the incumbent worker as of the date of 
     determining such worker's eligibility under this clause;
       ``(bb) the career advancement opportunities for the 
     incumbent worker in the occupation of such worker as of such 
     date; and
       ``(cc) the ability of the incumbent worker to, upon 
     completion of the program of training services selected by 
     such worker, secure employment in an in-demand industry or 
     occupation in the local area that will lead to economic self-
     sufficiency and wages higher than the current wages of the 
     incumbent worker.

       ``(II) Limitation.--

       ``(aa) In general.--An incumbent worker described in item 
     (bb) shall be ineligible to receive an incumbent worker 
     upskilling account under this subparagraph.
       ``(bb) Ineligibility.--Item (aa) shall apply to an 
     incumbent worker--
       ``(AA) whose total annual wages for the most recent year 
     are greater than the median household income of the State; or
       ``(BB) who has earned a baccalaureate or professional 
     degree.
       ``(iii) Cost sharing for certain incumbent workers.--With 
     respect to an incumbent worker determined to be eligible to 
     receive an incumbent worker upskilling account who is not a 
     low-income individual--

[[Page H2207]]

       ``(I) such incumbent worker shall pay not less than 25 
     percent of the cost of the program of training services 
     selected by such worker; and
       ``(II) funds provided through the incumbent worker 
     upskilling account established for such worker shall cover 
     the remaining 75 percent of the cost of the program.''.

               CHAPTER 4--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

     SEC. 145. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 136 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3181) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 136. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) Youth Workforce Investment Activities.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities 
     described in section 127(a) $976,573,900 for each of the 
     fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
       ``(b) Adult Employment and Training Activities.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities 
     described in section 132(a)(1) $912,218,500 for each of the 
     fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
       ``(c) Dislocated Worker Employment and Training 
     Activities.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
     out the activities described in section 132(a)(2) 
     $1,451,859,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 
     2030.''.

                         Subtitle D--Job Corps

     SEC. 151. PURPOSES.

       Section 141 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3191) is amended by striking ``centers'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``campuses''.

     SEC. 152. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 142 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3192) is amended--
       (1) in paragraphs (1), (7), (8), and (10), by striking 
     ``center'' each place it appears and inserting ``campus''; 
     and
       (2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``center'' in the header 
     and inserting ``campus''.

     SEC. 153. INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR THE JOB CORPS.

       Section 144 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3194) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``21'' and inserting ``24'';
       (ii) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) an individual who is age 16 or 17 shall be eligible 
     only upon an individual determination by the director of a 
     Job Corps campus that such individual meets the criteria 
     described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 145(b)(1); 
     and''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``either'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting after ``individual'' the 
     following: ``or a resident of a qualified opportunity zone as 
     defined in section 1400Z-1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by amending subparagraph (A) to read 
     as follows:
       ``(A) Has foundational skill needs.'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by inserting after ``a veteran'' the 
     following: ``or a member of the Armed Forces eligible for 
     preseparation counseling of the Transition Assistance Program 
     under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code''; and
       (3) by inserting at the end the following:
       ``(c)  Special Rule for Homeless and Foster Youth.--In 
     determining whether an individual is eligible to enroll for 
     services under this subtitle on the basis of being an 
     individual who is a homeless child or youth, or a youth in 
     foster care, as described in subsection (a)(3)(C), staff 
     shall--
       ``(1) if determining whether the individual is a homeless 
     child or youth, use a process that is in compliance with the 
     requirements of subsection (a) of section 479D of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965, as added by section 702(l) of the 
     FAFSA Simplification Act (Public Law 116-260), for financial 
     aid administrators; and
       ``(2) if determining whether the individual is a youth in 
     foster care, use a process that is in compliance with the 
     requirements of subsection (b) of such section 479D of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965, as added by section 702(l) of 
     the FAFSA Simplification Act (Public Law 116-260), for 
     financial aid administrators.''.

     SEC. 154. RECRUITMENT, SCREENING, SELECTION, AND ASSIGNMENT 
                   OF ENROLLEES.

       Section 145 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3195) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) prescribe procedures for--
       ``(i) administering drug tests to enrollees; and
       ``(ii) informing such enrollees that drug tests will be 
     administered;'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) assist applicable one-stop centers and other entities 
     identified in paragraph (3) in developing joint applications 
     for Job Corps, YouthBuild, and the youth activities described 
     in section 129.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Drug test procedures.--The procedures prescribed 
     under paragraph (2)(A)(i) shall require that--
       ``(A) each enrollee take a drug test not more than 48 hours 
     after such enrollee arrives on campus;
       ``(B) if the result of the drug test taken by an enrollee 
     pursuant to subparagraph (A) is positive, the enrollee take a 
     subsequent drug test at the earliest appropriate time 
     (considering the substance and potency levels identified in 
     the initial test) to determine if the enrollee has continued 
     to use drugs since arriving on campus, the results of which 
     must be received not later than 50 days after the enrollee 
     arrived on campus; and
       ``(C) if the result of the subsequent test administered 
     under subparagraph (B) is positive, the enrollee be 
     terminated from the program and referred to a substance use 
     disorder treatment program.''; and
       (2) in subsections (b), (c), and (d)--
       (A) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus''; and
       (B) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus''.

     SEC. 155. JOB CORPS CAMPUSES.

       Section 147 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3197) is amended--
       (1) in the header, by striking ``centers'' and inserting 
     ``campuses'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after ``area career 
     and technical education school,'' the following: ``an 
     institution of higher education,'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus''; and
       (II) by inserting after ``United States Code,'' the 
     following: ``and paragraph (2)(C)(iii) of section 159(f),''; 
     and

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (i)--

       (aa) by striking ``operate a Job Corps center'' and 
     inserting ``operate a Job Corps campus'';
       (bb) by striking subclause (IV);
       (cc) by redesignating subclauses (I), (II), (III), and (V), 
     as subclauses (III), (IV), (V), and (VI), respectively;
       (dd) by inserting before subclause (III), as so 
     redesignated, the following:

       ``(I) (aa) in the case of an entity that has previously 
     operated a Job Corps campus, a numeric metric of the past 
     achievement on the primary indicators of performance for 
     eligible youth described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii); or
       ``(bb) in the case of an entity that has not previously 
     operated a Job Corps campus, an alternative numeric metric on 
     the past effectiveness of the entity in successfully 
     assisting at-risk youth to connect to the labor force, based 
     on such primary indicators of performance for eligible youth;
       ``(II) in the case of an entity that has previously 
     operated a Job Corps campus, any information regarding the 
     entity included in any report developed by the Office of 
     Inspector General of the Department of Labor;'';

       (ee) in subclauses (III) and (IV), as so redesignated, by 
     striking ``center'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``campus'';
       (ff) in subclause (V), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``center is located'' and inserting ``campus is located, 
     including agreements to provide off-campus work-based 
     learning opportunities aligned with the career and technical 
     education provided to enrollees''; and
       (gg) by amending subclause (VI), as so redesignated, to 
     read as follows:

       ``(VI) the ability of the entity to implement an effective 
     behavior management plan, as described in section 152(a), and 
     maintain a safe and secure learning environment for 
     enrollees.''; and
       (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``center'' and inserting 
     ``campus'';

       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting after ``is located'' 
     the following: ``, including agreements to provide off-campus 
     work-based learning opportunities aligned with the career and 
     technical education provided to enrollees'';
       (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), (H), 
     (I), (J), and (K) as subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), 
     (K), and (L), respectively; and
       (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) A description of the policies that will be 
     implemented at the campus regarding security and access to 
     campus facilities, including procedures to report on and 
     respond to criminal actions and other emergencies occurring 
     on campus.'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the header, by striking ``Centers'' and inserting 
     ``Campuses'';
       (B) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (C) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campuses'';
       (D) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``20 percent'' and 
     inserting ``25 percent''; and
       (E) by striking paragraph (3);
       (4) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``centers'' and inserting ``campuses''; and
       (B) by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``30 
     percent'';
       (5) in subsection (d) by striking ``centers'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``campuses'';
       (6) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``centers'' and 
     inserting ``campuses'';

[[Page H2208]]

       (7) in subsection (f), by striking ``2-year period'' and 
     inserting ``3-year period''; and
       (8) in subsection (g)--
       (A) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking subparagraph (A);
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (A);
       (iii) by amending subparagraph (A), as so redesignated--

       (I) by striking ``50 percent'' and inserting ``80 
     percent''; and
       (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and

       (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as so 
     redesignated and amended, the following:
       ``(B) failed to achieve an average of 80 percent of the 
     level of enrollment that was agreed to in the agreement 
     described in subsection (a)(1)(A).'';
       (C) in paragraph (3) by striking ``shall provide'' and 
     inserting ``shall provide, at least 30 days prior to renewing 
     the agreement''; and
       (D) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); 
     and
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) has maintained a safe and secure campus environment; 
     and''.

     SEC. 156. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES.

       Section 148 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3198) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``center'' and inserting ``campus'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the 
     end the following: ``, and productive activities, such as 
     tutoring or other skills development opportunities, for 
     enrollees to participate in outside of regular class time and 
     work hours in order to increase supervision of enrollees and 
     reduce behavior infractions''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campuses''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``the eligible providers'' and inserting 
     ``any eligible provider''; and
       (ii) by inserting after ``under section 122'' the 
     following: ``that is aligned with the career and technical 
     education an enrollee has completed''.

     SEC. 157. SUPPORT.

       Section 150 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3200) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``centers'' and 
     inserting ``campuses''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Period of Transition.--Notwithstanding the 
     requirements of section 146(b), a Job Corps graduate may 
     remain an enrollee and a resident of a Job Corps campus for 
     not more than one month after graduation as such graduate 
     transitions into independent living and employment if such 
     graduate--
       ``(1) has not had a behavioral infraction in the 90 days 
     prior to graduation; and
       ``(2) receives written approval from the director of the 
     Job Corps campus to remain such a resident.''.

     SEC. 158. OPERATIONS.

       Section 151 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3201) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Local Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to the limitations of the budget 
     approved by the Secretary for a Job Corps campus, the 
     operator of a Job Corps campus shall have the authority, 
     without prior approval from the Secretary, to--
       ``(A) hire staff and provide staff professional 
     development;
       ``(B) set terms and enter into agreements with Federal, 
     State, or local educational partners, such as secondary 
     schools, institutions of higher education, child development 
     centers, units of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps 
     programs established under section 2031 of title 10, United 
     States Code, or employers; and
       ``(C) engage with and educate stakeholders about Job Corps 
     operations and activities.
       ``(2) Limitation of liability.--In the case of an agreement 
     described in paragraph (1)(B) that does not involve the Job 
     Corps operator providing monetary compensation to the entity 
     involved in such agreement from the funds made available 
     under this subtitle, such agreement shall not be considered a 
     subcontract (as defined in section 8701 of title 41, United 
     States Code).
       ``(e) Prior Notice.--Prior to making a change to the 
     agreement described in section 147(a) or an operating plan 
     described in this section, the Secretary shall solicit from 
     the operators of the Job Corps campuses information on any 
     operational costs the operators expect to result from such 
     change.''.

     SEC. 159. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT.

       Section 152 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3202) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campuses'';
       (2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``As part of the 
     operating plan required under section 151(a), the director of 
     each Job Corps campus shall develop and implement a behavior 
     management plan consistent with the standards of conduct and 
     subject to the approval of the Secretary.'' at the end; and
       (3) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking ``or disruptive'';
       (4) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
       ``(c) Appeal Process.--
       ``(1) Enrollee appeals.--A disciplinary measure taken by a 
     director under this section shall be subject to expeditious 
     appeal in accordance with procedures established by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(2) Director appeals.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an appeals 
     process under which the director of a Job Corps campus may 
     submit a request that an enrollee who has engaged in an 
     activity which is a violation of the guidelines established 
     pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(A) remain enrolled in the 
     program, but be subject to other disciplinary actions.
       ``(B) Contents.--An request under paragraph (A) shall 
     include--
       ``(i) a signed certification from the director attesting 
     that, to the belief of the director, the continued enrollment 
     of such enrollee would not impact the safety or learning 
     environment of the campus; and
       ``(ii) the behavioral records of such enrollee.
       ``(C) Timeline.--The Secretary shall review such appeal and 
     either approve or deny the appeal within 30 days of receiving 
     such appeal.
       ``(D) Ineligibility for appeal.--The Secretary shall reject 
     an appeal made by a director of a Job Corps campus if such 
     campus has been found out of compliance with the requirements 
     under subsection (d) at any time during the previous 5 
     years.''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Incident Reporting.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require that the 
     director of a Job Corps campus report to the appropriate 
     regional office--
       ``(A) not later than 2 hours after the campus management 
     becomes aware of the occurrence of--
       ``(i) an enrollee or on-duty staff death;
       ``(ii) any incident--

       ``(I) requiring law enforcement involvement;
       ``(II) involving a missing minor student; or
       ``(III) where substantial property damage has occurred; or

       ``(iii) a level 1 infraction;
       ``(B) in the case of a level 2 infraction, on a quarterly 
     basis, including the number and type of such infractions that 
     occurred during such time period; and
       ``(C) in the case of a minor infraction, as determined 
     necessary by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Infractions defined.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Level 1 infraction.--The term `level 1 infraction' 
     means an activity described in subsection (b)(2)(A).
       ``(B) Level 2 infraction.--The term `level 2 infraction' 
     means an activity, other than a level 1 infraction, 
     determined by the Secretary to be a serious infraction.
       ``(C) Minor infraction.--The term `minor infraction' means 
     an activity, other than a level 1 or 2 infraction, determined 
     by the Secretary to be an infraction.
       ``(3) Law enforcement agreements.--The director of each Job 
     Corps campus shall enter into an agreement with the local law 
     enforcement agency with jurisdiction regarding procedures for 
     the prompt reporting and investigation of potentially illegal 
     activity on Job Corps campuses.''.

     SEC. 160. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.

       Section 153 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3203) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (2) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campuses''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), in the heading, by striking 
     ``Centers'' and inserting ``Campuses''.

     SEC. 161. WORKFORCE COUNCILS.

       Section 154 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3204) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (2) in subsection (d), in the heading, by striking ``New 
     Centers'' and inserting ``New Campuses''.

     SEC. 162. ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

       Section 155 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3205) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(a) In 
     General.--The Secretary'';
       (2) by striking ``centers'' and inserting ``campuses''
       (3) by striking ``center'' and inserting ``campus''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Advisory Committee to Improve Job Corps Safety.--Not 
     later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the A 
     Stronger Workforce for America Act, the Secretary shall 
     establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations on 
     effective or evidence-based strategies to improve--
       ``(1) safety, security, and learning conditions on Job 
     Corps campuses; and
       ``(2) the standards for campus safety established under 
     section 159(c)(4).''.

     SEC. 163. EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       Section 156 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3206) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``center'' and inserting ``campus'';

[[Page H2209]]

       (2) by striking ``centers'' and inserting ``campuses'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
       (4) by inserting the following after subsection (a):
       ``(b) Job Corps Scholars.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants, on a 
     competitive basis, to institutions of higher education to 
     enroll cohorts of Job Corps eligible youth in Job Corps 
     Scholars activities for a 24-month period and pay the tuition 
     and necessary costs for enrollees for such period.
       ``(2) Activities.--Job Corps Scholar activities shall 
     include--
       ``(A) intensive counseling services and supportive 
     services;
       ``(B) a 12-month career and technical education component 
     aligned with in-demand industries and occupations in the 
     State where the institution of higher education that is 
     receiving the grant is located; and
       ``(C) a 12-month employment placement period that follows 
     the component described in subparagraph (B).
       ``(3) Performance data.--The Secretary shall collect 
     performance information from institutions of higher education 
     receiving grants under this subsection on the primary 
     indicators of performance for eligible youth described in 
     section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii), the cost per participant and cost 
     per graduate, and other information as necessary to evaluate 
     the success of Job Corps Scholars grantees in improving 
     outcomes for at-risk youth.
       ``(4) Evaluation.--At the end of each 2-year period for 
     which the Secretary awards grants under this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall provide for an independent, robust evaluation 
     that compares--
       ``(A) the outcomes achieved by Job Corps Scholars 
     participants with the outcomes achieved by other participants 
     in the Job Corps program during such 2-year period; and
       ``(B) the costs of the Job Corps Scholars programs with the 
     costs of other Job Corps programs during such 2-year 
     period.''; and
       (5) in subsection (c)(1), as so redesignated, is amended by 
     striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C) and by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(D) in the development and implementation of a behavior 
     management plan under section 152(a); and
       ``(E) maintaining a safe and secure learning environment; 
     and''.

     SEC. 164. SPECIAL PROVISIONS.

       Section 158 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3208) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)--
       (A) by striking ``may accept on behalf of the Job Corps or 
     individual Job Corps centers charitable donations of cash'' 
     and inserting ``, on behalf of the Job Corps, or a Job Corps 
     campus operator, on behalf of such campus, may accept grants, 
     charitable donations of cash,''; and
       (B) by inserting at the end the following: 
     ``Notwithstanding sections 501(b) and 522 of title 40, United 
     States Code, any property acquired by a Job Corps campus 
     shall be directly transferred, on a nonreimbursable basis, to 
     the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 165. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION.

       (a) Levels of Performance.--Section 159 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3209) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary''.
       (ii) by inserting ``that are ambitious yet achievable and'' 
     after ``program''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
       ``(B) Levels of performance.--In establishing the expected 
     performance levels under subparagraph (A) for a Job Corps 
     campus, the Secretary shall take into account--
       ``(i) how the levels involved compare with the recent 
     performance of such campus and the performance of other 
     campuses within the same State or geographic region;
       ``(ii) the levels of performance set for the primary 
     indicators of performance for eligible youth described in 
     section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) for the State in which the campus is 
     located;
       ``(iii) the differences in actual economic conditions 
     (including differences in unemployment rates and job losses 
     or gains in particular industries) between the local area of 
     such campus and other local areas with a campus; and
       ``(iv) the extent to which the levels involved promote 
     continuous improvement in performance on the primary 
     indicators of performance by such campus and ensure optimal 
     return on the use of Federal funds.
       ``(C) Performance per contract.--The Secretary shall ensure 
     the expected levels of performance are established in the 
     relevant contract or agreement.
       ``(D) Revisions based on economic conditions and 
     individuals served during the program year.--
       ``(i) In general.--In the event of a significant economic 
     downturn, the Secretary may revise the applicable adjusted 
     levels of performance for each of the campuses for a program 
     year to reflect the actual economic conditions during such 
     program year.
       ``(ii) Report to congress.--Prior to implementing the 
     revisions described in clause (i), the Secretary shall submit 
     to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report explaining the 
     reason for such revisions.
       ``(E) Review of performance levels.--The Office of 
     Inspector General of the Department of Labor shall, every 5 
     years, submit to the Committee on Education and the Workforce 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and publish in 
     the Federal Register and on a publicly available website of 
     the Department, a report containing--
       ``(i) a quadrennial review of the expected levels of 
     performance; and
       ``(ii) an evaluation of whether--

       ``(I) the Secretary is establishing such expected levels of 
     performance in good faith; and
       ``(II) such expected levels have led to continued 
     improvement of the Job Corps program.'';

       (B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) Campus safety.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish campus and 
     student safety standards. A Job Corps campus failing to 
     achieve such standards shall be required to take the 
     performance improvement actions described in subsection (f).
       ``(B) Considerations.--In establishing the campus and 
     student safety standards under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall take into account--
       ``(i) incidents reported under section 152(d);
       ``(ii) survey data from enrollees, faculty, staff, and 
     community members; and
       ``(iii) any other considerations identified by the 
     Secretary after reviewing the recommendations of the advisory 
     group described in section 155(b).'';
       (D) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) the number of contracts that were awarded a renewal 
     compared to those eligible for a renewal;
       ``(D) the number of campuses where the contract was awarded 
     to a new operator; and
       ``(E) the number of campuses that were required to receive 
     performance improvement, as described under subsection 
     (f)(2), including whether any actions were taken as described 
     in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of such subsection.''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Wage records.--The Secretary shall make arrangements 
     with a State or other appropriate entity to facilitate the 
     use of State wage records to evaluate the performance of Job 
     Corps campuses on the employment and earnings indicators 
     described in clause (i)(III) of subparagraph (A) of section 
     116(b)(2)(A) and subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (ii) of 
     such subparagraph for the purposes of the report required 
     under paragraph (5).'';
       (3) in subsection (d)(1)--
       (A) by inserting ``and make available on the website of the 
     Department pertaining to the Job Corps program in a manner 
     that is consumer-tested to ensure it is easily understood, 
     searchable, and navigable,'' after ``subsection (c)(4),'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``gender'' and 
     inserting ``sex'';
       (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (J) through (O) as 
     subparagraphs (K) through (P), respectively; and
       (D) by inserting the following after subparagraph (I):
       ``(J) the number of appeals under section 152(c) and a 
     description of each appeal that was approved;''; and
       (4) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``comply'' and 
     inserting ``attest to compliance''.
       (b) Performance Assessments and Improvements.--Section 
     159(f) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3209) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(f) Performance Assessments and Improvements.--
       ``(1) Assessments.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual 
     assessment of the performance of each Job Corps campus on the 
     primary indicators of performance described in section 
     116(b)(2)(A)(ii), where each indicator shall be given equal 
     weight in determining the overall performance of the campus. 
     Based on the assessment, the Secretary shall take measures to 
     continuously improve the performance of the Job Corps 
     program.
       ``(2) Performance improvement.--
       ``(A) Initial failure.--With respect to a Job Corps campus 
     that fails to meet an average of 90 percent on the expected 
     levels of performance across all the primary indicators of 
     performance specified in subsection (c)(1) or is ranked among 
     the lowest 10 percent of Job Corps campuses, the Secretary 
     shall, after each program year of such performance failure, 
     develop and implement a performance improvement plan for such 
     campus. Such a plan shall require action to be taken during a 
     1-year program year period, which shall include providing 
     technical assistance to the campus.
       ``(B) Repeat failure.--With respect to a Job Corps campus 
     that, for two consecutive program years, fails to meet an 
     average of 85 percent on the expected levels of performance 
     across all the primary indicators of performance or is ranked 
     among the lowest 10

[[Page H2210]]

     percent of Job Corps campuses, the Secretary shall take 
     substantial action to improve the performance of such campus, 
     which shall include--
       ``(i) changing the management staff of the campus;
       ``(ii) changing the career and technical education and 
     training offered at the campus;
       ``(iii) replacing the operator of the campus; or
       ``(iv) reducing the capacity of the campus.
       ``(C) Chronic failure.--With respect to a Job Corps campus 
     that, for the two consecutive program years immediately 
     following the Secretary taking substantial performance action 
     under subparagraph (B), fails to meet an average of 85 
     percent on the expected levels of performance across all the 
     primary indicators or is ranked among the lowest 10 percent 
     of Job Corps campuses, the Secretary shall take further 
     substantial action to improve the performance of such campus, 
     which shall include--
       ``(i) relocating the campus;
       ``(ii) closing the campus; or
       ``(iii) awarding funding directly to the State in which the 
     campus is located for operation of the campus, and for which 
     the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding 
     with such State for purposes of operating the campus in its 
     current location and may encourage innovation in such 
     memorandum of understanding by waiving any statutory or 
     regulatory requirement of this subtitle except for those 
     related to participant eligibility under section 144, 
     standards of conduct under section 152, and performance 
     reporting and accountability under this section.
       ``(3) Additional performance improvement.--In addition to 
     the performance improvement plans required under paragraph 
     (2), the Secretary may develop and implement additional 
     performance improvement plans for a Job Corps campus that 
     fails to meet criteria established by the Secretary other 
     than the expected levels of performance described in 
     subsection (c)(1).
       ``(4) Civilian conservation centers.--With respect to a 
     Civilian Conservation Center that, for 3 consecutive program 
     years, fails to meet an average of 90 percent of the expected 
     levels of performance across all the primary indicators of 
     performance specified in subsection (c)(1), the Secretary of 
     Labor or, if appropriate, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     select, on a competitive basis, an entity to operate part or 
     all of the Civilian Conservation Center in accordance with 
     the requirements of section 147.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 159 of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3209) is further 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``campuses''; and
       (2) in subsection (g)(1), in the header, by striking 
     ``Center'' and inserting ``Campus''.

     SEC. 166. JOB CORPS OVERSIGHT AND REPORTING.

       Section 161 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3211) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(d) Report on Implementation of Recommendations.--The 
     Secretary shall, on an annual basis, prepare and submit to 
     the appropriate committees a report regarding the 
     implementation of all outstanding recommendations from the 
     Office of Inspector General of the Department of Labor or the 
     Government Accountability Office.''.

     SEC. 167. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 162 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3212) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 162. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     subtitle $1,760,155,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 
     through 2030.''.

                     Subtitle E--National Programs

     SEC. 171. NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS.

       Section 166 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3221) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by inserting at the end the following:
       ``(C) are evidence-based, to the extent practicable.'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(2)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
     and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Administrative costs.--Not more than 10 percent of 
     the funds provided to an entity under this section may be 
     used for the administrative costs of the activities and 
     services carried out under subparagraph (A).'';
       (3) in subsection (h), by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
     following:
       ``(3) Wage records.--The Secretary shall make arrangements 
     with a State or other appropriate entity to facilitate the 
     use of State wage records to evaluate the performance of 
     entities funded under this section on the employment and 
     earnings indicators described in subclauses (I) through (III) 
     of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) for the purposes of the report 
     required under paragraph (4).
       ``(4) Performance results.--For each program year, the 
     Secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible 
     website of the Department a report on the performance, during 
     such program year, of entities funded under this section on--
       ``(A) the primary indicators of performance described in 
     section 116(b)(2)(A);
       ``(B) any additional indicators established under paragraph 
     (1)(A); and
       ``(C) the adjusted levels of performance for such entities 
     as described in paragraph (2).'';
       (4) in subsection (i)--
       (A) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``and judicial 
     review.'' and inserting ``judicial review, and performance 
     accountability pertaining to the primary indicators of 
     performance described in section 116(b)(2)(A).''; and
       (B) in paragraph (4)(B)--
       (i) by striking ``The Council'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) In general.--The Council''; and
       (ii) by inserting at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Vacancies.--An individual appointed to fill a 
     vacancy on the Council occurring before the expiration of the 
     term for which the predecessor of such individual was 
     appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that 
     term. Such an individual may serve on the Council after the 
     expiration of such term until a successor is appointed.''; 
     and
       (5) by amending subsection (k)(2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection 
     $542,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''.

     SEC. 172. MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKER PROGRAMS.

       Section 167 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3222) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Wage records.--The Secretary shall make arrangements 
     with a State or other appropriate entity to facilitate the 
     use of State wage records to evaluate the performance of 
     entities funded under this section on the employment and 
     earnings indicators described in subclauses (I) through (III) 
     of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) for the purposes of the report 
     required under paragraph (4).
       ``(6) Performance results.--For each program year, the 
     Secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible 
     website of the Department a report on the performance, during 
     such program year, of entities funded under this section on--
       ``(A) the primary indicators of performance described in 
     section 116(b)(2)(A); and
       ``(B) the adjusted levels of performance for such entities 
     as described in paragraph (3).'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), (h), and 
     (i) as subsections (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) Administrative Costs.--Not more than 10 percent of 
     the funds provided to an entity under this section may be 
     used for the administrative costs of the activities and 
     services carried out under subsection (d).''; and
       (4) in subsection (i), as so redesignated, to read as 
     follows:
       ``(i) Funding Allocation; Funding Obligation.--
       ``(1) Funding allocation.--From the funds appropriated and 
     made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall 
     reserve not more than 1 percent for discretionary purposes, 
     such as providing technical assistance to eligible entities.
       ``(2) Funding obligation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Funds appropriated and made available to 
     carry out this section for any fiscal year may be obligated 
     by the Secretary during the period beginning on April 1 of 
     the calendar year that begins during such fiscal year and 
     ending on June 30 of the following calendar year to be made 
     available to an entity described in subsection (b) for the 
     period described in subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Obligated amount.--Funds made available under this 
     section for a fiscal year to any entity described in 
     subsection (b) may be spent or reserved for spending by such 
     entity during the period beginning on July 1 of the calendar 
     year that begins during such fiscal year, and ending on June 
     30 of the following calendar year.''.

     SEC. 173. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) General Technical Assistance.--Section 168(a)(1) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3223(a)(1)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``appropriate training, technical 
     assistance, staff development'' and inserting ``appropriate 
     education, technical assistance, professional development for 
     staff'';
       (2) in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), by striking 
     ``training'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``professional development'';
       (3) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as 
     subparagraphs (J) and (K), respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
       ``(G) assistance to the one-stop delivery system and the 
     Employment Service established under the Wagner-Peyser Act 
     for the integration of basic career service activities 
     pursuant to section 134(c)(2)(A);
       ``(I) assistance to States with maintaining, and making 
     accessible to jobseekers and employers, the lists of eligible 
     providers of training services required under section 122;
       ``(H) assistance to States that apply for such assistance 
     under section 122(k) for the purposes described in such 
     subsection;''.
       (b) Performance Accountability Technical Assistance.--
     Section 168(b) of the

[[Page H2211]]

     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3223(b)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the header, by striking ``Dislocated Worker'' and 
     inserting ``Performance Accountability''; and
       (2) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence--
       (A) by inserting ``, pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
     section 116(f),'' after ``technical assistance''; and
       (B) by striking ``with respect to employment and training 
     activities for dislocated workers'' and inserting ``with 
     respect to the core programs''.
       (c) Communities Impacted by Opioid Use Disorders.--Section 
     168 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3223) is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(d) Communities Impacted by Opioid Use Disorders.--The 
     Secretary shall, as part of the activities described in 
     subsection (c)(2), evaluate and disseminate to States and 
     local areas information regarding evidence-based and 
     promising practices for addressing the economic workforce 
     impacts associated with high rates of opioid use disorders, 
     which information shall--
       ``(1) be updated annually to reflect the most recent and 
     available research; and
       ``(2) include information--
       ``(A) shared by States and local areas regarding effective 
     practices for addressing such impacts; and
       ``(B) on how to apply for any funding that may be available 
     under section 170(b)(1)(E).''.

     SEC. 174. EVALUATIONS AND RESEARCH.

       (a) In General.--Section 169 of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3224) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``; and'' at the end 
     and inserting a period; and
       (iii) by striking subparagraph (G);
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary may not use the authority 
     described in subparagraph (A) if the evaluations required 
     under paragraph (1) have not been initiated or completed in 
     the time period required.''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2019'' and inserting 
     ``2028''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
       ``(4) Studies and reports.--
       ``(A) Study on employment conditions.--The Secretary, in 
     coordination with other heads of Federal agencies, as 
     appropriate, may conduct a study examining the nature of 
     participants' unsubsidized employment after exit from 
     programs carried out under this Act, including factors such 
     as availability of paid time off, health and retirement 
     benefits, workplace safety standards, predictable and stable 
     work schedule, stackable credentials, and advancement 
     opportunities.
       ``(B) Study on improving workforce services for individuals 
     with disabilities.--The Secretary of Labor, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health 
     and Human Services, may conduct studies that analyze the 
     access to services by individuals with disabilities, 
     including whether an individual who is unable to receive 
     services under title IV due to a wait list for such services 
     is able to receive services under titles I through III.
       ``(C) Study on the effectiveness of pay for performance.--
     The Secretary shall, not more than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of A Stronger Workforce for America Act, conduct a 
     study that compares the effectiveness of the pay-for-
     performance strategies used under sections 129, 134, and 172 
     after such date of enactment to the awarding of grants and 
     contracts under such sections as in effect on the day before 
     the date of enactment of such Act.
       ``(D) Study on individual training accounts for dislocated 
     workers.--The Secretary shall, not more than 4 years after 
     the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America 
     Act, conduct a study that compares the usage of Individual 
     Training Accounts for dislocated workers after such date of 
     enactment to the usage of such accounts prior to such date of 
     enactment, including--
       ``(i) the types of training services and occupations 
     targeted by dislocated workers when using their Individual 
     Training Accounts; and
       ``(ii) the effectiveness of such skills development.
       ``(E) Study on statewide critical industry skills funds.--
     The Secretary shall, not more than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, 
     conduct a study that will review the usage of statewide 
     critical industry skills funds established by States under 
     section 134(a)(4) and identify, for purposes of measuring the 
     overall effectiveness of the program--
       ``(i) the industries targeted by such Funds;
       ``(ii) the occupations workers are being upskilled for;
       ``(iii) how frequently skills development is provided to 
     prospective workers and incumbent workers, and
       ``(iv) the reported performance outcomes.
       ``(F) Study on the effectiveness of employer-based 
     training.--The Secretary shall, not more than 4 years after 
     the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America 
     Act, conduct a study that measures the effectiveness of on-
     the-job training, employer-directed skills training, 
     apprenticeship, and incumbent worker training under this 
     title in preparing jobseekers and workers, including those 
     with barriers to employment, for unsubsidized employment. 
     Such study shall include the cost per participant and wage 
     and employment outcomes, as compared to other methods of 
     training.
       ``(G) Reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate 
     to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce 
     of the House of Representatives, and on the publicly 
     available website of the Department, reports containing the 
     results of the studies conducted under this paragraph.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (5), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Evaluation of grants.--
       ``(i) In general.--For each grant or contract awarded under 
     this paragraph, the Secretary shall conduct a rigorous 
     evaluation of the multistate project to determine the impact 
     of the activities supported by the project, including the 
     impact on the employment and earnings of program 
     participants.
       ``(ii) Report.--The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate 
     to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce 
     of the House of Representatives, and to the public, including 
     through electronic means, reports containing the results of 
     evaluations conducted under this subparagraph.''.
       (b) Workforce Data Quality Initiative.--Section 169 of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3224) is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Workforce Data Quality Initiative.--
       ``(1) Grant program.--Of amount made available pursuant to 
     section 132(a)(2)(A) for any program year, the Secretary 
     shall use 5 percent of such amount, and may also use funds 
     authorized for purposes of carrying out this section, to 
     award grants to eligible entities to create workforce 
     longitudinal data systems and associated resources for the 
     purposes of strengthening program quality, building State 
     capacity to produce evidence for decisionmaking, meeting 
     performance reporting requirements, protecting privacy, and 
     improving transparency.
       ``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner 
     as the Secretary may require, which shall include--
       ``(A) a description of the proposed activities that will be 
     conducted by the eligible entity, including a description of 
     the need for such activities and a detailed budget for such 
     activities;
       ``(B) a description of the expected outcomes and outputs 
     (such as systems or products) that will result from the 
     proposed activities and the proposed uses of such outputs;
       ``(C) a description of how the proposed activities will 
     support the reporting of performance data, including 
     employment and earnings outcomes, for the performance 
     accountability requirements under section 116, including 
     outcomes for eligible training providers;
       ``(D) a description of the methods and procedures the 
     eligible entity will use to ensure the security and privacy 
     of the collection, storage, and use of all data involved in 
     the systems and resources supported through the grant, 
     including compliance with State and Federal privacy and 
     confidentiality statutes and regulations; and
       ``(E) a plan for how the eligible entity will continue the 
     activities or sustain the use of the outputs created with the 
     grant funds after the grant period ends.
       ``(3) Priority.--In awarding grants under the subsection, 
     the Secretary shall give priority to--
       ``(A) eligible entities that are--
       ``(i) a State agency of a State that has not previously 
     received a grant from the Secretary for the purposes of this 
     subsection and demonstrates a substantial need to improve its 
     data infrastructure; or
       ``(ii) a consortium of State agencies that is comprised of 
     State agencies from multiple States and includes at least one 
     State agency described in clause (i) and has the capacity to 
     make significant contributions toward building interoperable, 
     cross-State data infrastructure; and
       ``(B) eligible entities that will use grant funds to--
       ``(i) expand the adoption and use of linked, open, and 
     interoperable data on credentials, including through the 
     development of a credential registry or other tools and 
     services designed to help learners and workers make informed 
     decisions, such as the credential navigation feature 
     described in section 122(d)(2);
       ``(ii) participate in and contribute data to a multistate 
     data collaborative, including data that provide participating 
     States the ability to better understand--

       ``(I) earnings and employment outcomes of individuals who 
     work out-of-State; and
       ``(II) cross-State earnings and employment trends;

       ``(iii) enhance collaboration with private sector workforce 
     and labor market data entities and the end-users of workforce 
     and labor

[[Page H2212]]

     market data, including individuals, employers, economic 
     development agencies, and workforce development providers; or
       ``(iv) leverage the use of non-Federal contributions to 
     improve workforce data infrastructure, including staff 
     capacity building.
       ``(4) Use of funds.--In addition to the activities 
     described in paragraph (3)(B), an eligible entity awarded a 
     grant under this subsection may use funds to carry out any of 
     the following activities:
       ``(A) Developing or enhancing a State's workforce 
     longitudinal data system, including by participating and 
     contributing data to the State's data system, if applicable, 
     that links with elementary and secondary school and 
     postsecondary data.
       ``(B) Accelerating the replication and adoption of data 
     systems, projects, products, or practices already in use in 
     one or more States to other States.
       ``(C) Research and labor market data improvement activities 
     to improve the timeliness, relevance, and accessibility of 
     such data through pilot projects that are developed locally 
     but designed to scale to other regions or States.
       ``(D) Establishing, enhancing, or connecting to a system of 
     interoperable learning and employment records that provides 
     individuals who choose to participate in such system 
     ownership of a verified and secure record of their skills and 
     achievements and the ability to share such record with 
     employers and education providers.
       ``(E) Developing policies, guidelines, and security 
     measures for data collection, storing, and sharing to ensure 
     compliance with relevant Federal and State privacy laws and 
     regulations.
       ``(F) Increasing local board access to and integration with 
     the State's workforce longitudinal data system in a secure 
     manner.
       ``(G) Creating or participating in a data exchange for 
     collecting and using standards-based jobs and employment data 
     including, at a minimum, job titles or occupation codes.
       ``(H) Improving State and local staff capacity to 
     understand, use, and analyze data to improve decisionmaking 
     and improve participant outcomes.
       ``(5) Administration.--
       ``(A) Duration.--A grant awarded under this subsection may 
     be for a period of up to 3 years.
       ``(B) Supplement, not supplant.--Funds made available under 
     this subsection shall be used to supplement, and not 
     supplant, other Federal, State, or local funds used for 
     development of State data systems.
       ``(C) Report.--Each eligible entity that receives a grant 
     under this subsection shall submit a report to the Secretary 
     not later than 180 days after the conclusion of the grant 
     period on the activities supported through the grant and 
     improvements in the use of workforce and labor market 
     information that have resulted from such activities.
       ``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection, the term `eligible 
     entity' means a State agency or consortium of State agencies, 
     including a multistate data collaborative, that is or 
     includes the State agencies responsible for--
       ``(A) State employer wage records used by the State's 
     unemployment insurance programs in labor market information 
     reporting and analysis and for fulfilling the reporting 
     requirements of this Act;
       ``(B) the production of labor market information; and
       ``(C) the direct administration of one or more of the core 
     programs.''.

     SEC. 175. NATIONAL DISLOCATED WORKER GRANTS.

       Section 170 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3225) is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a)(1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) Emergency or disaster.--The term `emergency or 
     disaster' means an emergency or a major disaster, as defined 
     in paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, of section 102 of 
     the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
     Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122 (1) and (2)).'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (D)--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``spouses described in 
     section 3(15)(E)'' and inserting ``spouses described in 
     subparagraph (E) of the definition of the term `dislocated 
     worker' in section 3''; and
       (II) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and

       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) to an entity described in subsection (c)(1)(B) to 
     provide employment and training activities related to the 
     prevention and treatment of opioid use disorders, including 
     addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and pain 
     management, in an area that, as a result of widespread opioid 
     use, addiction, and overdoses, has higher-than-average demand 
     for such activities that exceeds the availability of State 
     and local resources to provide such activities.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Performance results.--The Secretary shall collect the 
     necessary information from each entity receiving a grant 
     under this section to determine the performance of such 
     entity on the primary indicators of performance described in 
     section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) and make such information available 
     on the publicly accessible website of the Department in a 
     format that does not reveal personally identifiable 
     information.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
       (i) by striking ``subsection (b)(1)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``subparagraph (A) or (E) of subsection (b)(1)''; and
        (ii) by striking ``, in such manner, and containing such 
     information'' and inserting ``and in such manner''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in the heading, by striking ``Retraining'' and 
     inserting ``Reskilling''; and
       (II) by striking ``retraining'' and inserting 
     ``reskilling'';

       (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as 
     subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) Opioid-related grants.--In order to be eligible to 
     receive employment and training assistance under a national 
     dislocated worker grant awarded pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(1)(E), an individual shall be--
       ``(i) a dislocated worker;
       ``(ii) a long-term unemployed individual;
       ``(iii) an individual who is unemployed or significantly 
     underemployed as a result of widespread opioid use in the 
     area; or
       ``(iv) an individual who is employed or seeking employment 
     in a health care profession involved in the prevention and 
     treatment of opioid use disorders, including such professions 
     that provide addiction treatment, mental health treatment, or 
     pain management.''.

     SEC. 176. YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM.

       Section 171 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3226) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), to read as follows:
       ``(1) Amount of grants; reservation.--
       ``(A) Amount of grants.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
     Secretary is authorized to make grants to applicants for the 
     purpose of carrying out YouthBuild programs approved under 
     this section.
       ``(B) Reservation for rural areas and indian tribes.--
       ``(i) In general.--In any fiscal year in which the amount 
     appropriated to carry out this section is greater than 
     $90,000,000, the Secretary shall reserve not less than 20 
     percent of the amount appropriated that is in excess of 
     $90,000,000 and use such reserved amount to make grants to 
     covered applicants (in addition to any other grants that may 
     be awarded under this subsection for such fiscal year to 
     covered applicants) for the purpose of carrying out 
     YouthBuild programs approved under this section.
       ``(ii) Covered applicant defined.--In this subparagraph, 
     the term `covered applicant' means an applicant that--

       ``(I) is located in a rural area; or
       ``(II) is an Indian Tribe or is carrying out a YouthBuild 
     program approved under this section for the benefit of 
     members of an Indian Tribe.'';

       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in clause (iv)(II), by striking ``language learners'' 
     and inserting ``learners''; and
       (II) in clause (vii), by inserting after ``enable 
     individuals'' the following: ``, including those with 
     disabilities,''; and

       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(I) Provision of meals and other food assistance to 
     participants in conjunction with another activity described 
     in this paragraph.'';
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information'' and inserting 
     ``such time and in such manner''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in the header, by striking ``Minimum requirements'' and 
     inserting ``Requirements'';
       (II) by striking ``, at a minimum'';
       (III) in clause (xx), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (IV) in clause (xxi) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (V) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(xxii) a description of the levels of performance the 
     applicant expects to achieve on the primary indicators of 
     performance described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii).''; and
       (D) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) by striking ``such selection criteria as the Secretary 
     shall establish under this section, which shall include 
     criteria'' and inserting ``selection criteria'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (J)(iii), by adding ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) in subparagraph (K), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period; and
       (iv) by striking subparagraph (L);
       (2) in subsection (e)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``offender'' and 
     inserting ``who is a justice-involved individual''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``are basic skills 
     deficient'' and inserting ``have foundational skill needs'';
       (3) in subsection (f), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Use of wage records.--The Secretary shall make 
     arrangements with a State or other appropriate entity to 
     facilitate the use of State wage records to evaluate the 
     performance of YouthBuild programs funded under this section 
     on the employment and earnings indicators described in 
     section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) for the purposes of the report 
     required under paragraph (3).

[[Page H2213]]

       ``(3) Performance results.--For each program year, the 
     Secretary shall make available, on a publicly accessible 
     website of the Department, a report on the performance of 
     YouthBuild programs, during such program year, funded under 
     this section on--
       ``(A) the primary indicators of performance described in 
     section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii); and
       ``(B) the expected levels of performance for such programs 
     as described in paragraph (1).'';
       (4) in subsection (g), by inserting at the end the 
     following:
       ``(4) Annual release of funding opportunity announcement.--
     The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent practicable, 
     announce new funding opportunities for grants under this 
     section during the same time period each year for which such 
     grants are available.''; and
       (5) by amending subsection (i) to read as follows:
       ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
     $108,150,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 
     2030.''.

     SEC. 178. REENTRY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

       Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.), is further 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 172 as section 174; and
       (2) by inserting after section 171 the following:

     ``SEC. 172. REENTRY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

       ``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       ``(1) to improve the employment, earnings, and skill 
     attainment, and reduce recidivism, of adults and youth who 
     have been involved with the justice system;
       ``(2) to prompt innovation and improvement in the reentry 
     of justice-involved individuals into the workforce so that 
     successful initiatives can be established or continued and 
     replicated; and
       ``(3) to further develop the evidence on how to improve 
     employment, earnings, and skill attainment, and reduce 
     recidivism, of justice-involved individuals, through rigorous 
     evaluations of specific services provided, including how they 
     affect different populations and how they are best combined 
     and sequenced, and disseminate such evidence to entities 
     supporting the reentry of justice-involved individuals into 
     the workforce.
       ``(b) Reentry Employment Competitive Grants, Contracts, and 
     Cooperative Agreements Authorized.--
       ``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated under 
     section 174(e) and not reserved under subsection (h), the 
     Secretary--
       ``(A) shall, on a competitive basis, make grants to, or 
     enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible 
     entities to implement reentry projects that serve eligible 
     adults or eligible youth;
       ``(B) may use not more than 30 percent of such amounts to 
     award funds under subparagraph (A) to eligible entities to 
     serve as national or regional intermediaries to provide such 
     funds to other eligible entities to--
       ``(i) implement reentry projects described in subparagraph 
     (A); and
       ``(ii) monitor and support such entities;
       ``(C) shall use 30 percent of such amounts to award funds 
     under subparagraph (A) to eligible entities using pay-for-
     performance contracts--
       ``(i) that specify a fixed amount that will be paid to the 
     entity based on the achievement of specified levels of 
     performance on the indicators of performance described in 
     subsections (e)(1)(A)(i) and (e)(2)(A) within a defined 
     timetable; and
       ``(ii) which may provide for bonus payments to such entity 
     to expand capacity to provide effective services; and
       ``(D) shall ensure grants awarded under this section are 
     awarded to eligible entities from geographically diverse 
     areas, in addition to the priorities described in paragraph 
     (4).
       ``(2) Award periods.--The Secretary shall award funds under 
     this section for an initial period of not more than 4 years.
       ``(3) Additional awards.--The Secretary may award, for a 
     period of not more than 4 years, one or more additional 
     grants to an eligible entity that received a grant under this 
     section if the eligible entity achieved the performance 
     levels agreed upon with the Secretary (as described in 
     subsection (e)(3)) for the most recent award period.
       ``(4) Priority.--In awarding funds under this section, the 
     Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities whose 
     applications submitted under subsection (c) demonstrate a 
     commitment to use such funds to implement reentry projects--
       ``(A) that will serve high-poverty areas;
       ``(B) that will enroll eligible youth or eligible adults--
       ``(i) prior to the release of such individuals from 
     incarceration in a correctional institution; or
       ``(ii) not later than 90 days after such release;
       ``(C) whose strategy and design are evidence-based;
       ``(D) that establish partnerships with--
       ``(i) businesses; or
       ``(ii) institutions of higher education or providers under 
     section 122 (as determined by the State where services are 
     being provided) to provide project participants with programs 
     of study leading to recognized postsecondary credentials in 
     in-demand occupations; or
       ``(E) that provide training services, including customized 
     training and on-the-job training, that are designed to meet 
     the specific requirements of an employer (including a group 
     of employers), industry, or sector, and are conducted with a 
     commitment by the employer to employ individuals upon 
     successful completion of the preparation.
       ``(c) Application.--
       ``(1) Form and procedure.--To be qualified to receive funds 
     under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an 
     application at such time, and in such manner, as determined 
     by the Secretary, and containing the information described in 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted by an eligible 
     entity under paragraph (1) shall contain the following:
       ``(A) A description of the eligible entity, including the 
     experience of the eligible entity in providing employment and 
     training services for justice-involved individuals.
       ``(B) A description of the needs that will be addressed by 
     the reentry project supported by the funds received under 
     this section, and the target participant population and the 
     geographic area to be served.
       ``(C) A description of the proposed employment and training 
     activities and supportive services, if applicable, to be 
     provided under such reentry project, and how such activities 
     and services will prepare participants for employment in in-
     demand industry sectors and occupations within the geographic 
     area to be served by such reentry project.
       ``(D) The anticipated schedule for carrying out the 
     activities proposed under the reentry project.
       ``(E) A description of--
       ``(i) the partnerships the eligible entity will establish 
     with agencies and entities within the criminal justice 
     system, local boards and one-stops, community-based 
     organizations, and employers (including local businesses) to 
     provide participants of the reentry project with work-based 
     learning, job placement, and recruitment (if applicable); and
       ``(ii) how the eligible entity will coordinate its 
     activities with other services and benefits available to 
     justice-involved individuals in the geographic area to be 
     served by the reentry project.
       ``(F) A description of the manner in which individuals will 
     be recruited and selected for participation for the reentry 
     project.
       ``(G) A detailed budget and a description of the system of 
     fiscal controls, and auditing and accountability procedures, 
     that will be used to ensure fiscal soundness for the reentry 
     project.
       ``(H) A description of the expected levels of performance 
     to be achieved with respect to the performance measures 
     described in subsection (e).
       ``(I) A description of the evidence-based practices the 
     eligible entity will use in administration of the reentry 
     project.
       ``(J) An assurance that the eligible entity will collect, 
     disaggregate by each subpopulation of individuals with 
     barriers to employment, and by race, ethnicity, sex, and age, 
     and report to the Secretary the data required with respect to 
     the reentry project carried out by the eligible entity for 
     purposes of determining levels of performance achieved and 
     conducting the evaluation under this section.
       ``(K) An assurance that the eligible entity will provide 
     matching funds, as described in subsection (d)(4).
       ``(L) A description of how the eligible entity plans to 
     continue the reentry project after the award period.
       ``(3) Additional content for intermediary applicants.--An 
     application submitted by an eligible entity seeking to serve 
     as a national or regional intermediary as described in 
     subsection (b)(1)(B) shall also contain the following:
       ``(A) An identification and description of the eligible 
     entities that will be subgrantees of such intermediary and 
     implement the reentry projects, which shall include 
     subgrantees in--
       ``(i) three or more noncontiguous metropolitan areas or 
     rural areas; and
       ``(ii) not less than 2 States.
       ``(B) A description of the services and supports the 
     intermediary will provide to the subgrantees, including 
     administrative and fiscal support to ensure the subgrantees 
     comply with all grant requirements.
       ``(C) A description of how the intermediary will facilitate 
     the replication of evidence-based practices or other best 
     practices identified by the intermediary across all 
     subgrantees.
       ``(D) If such intermediary is currently receiving, or has 
     previously received, funds under this section as an 
     intermediary to implement a reentry project, an assurance 
     that none of the subgrantees identified under subparagraph 
     (A) were previous subgrantees of the intermediary for such 
     reentry project and failed to meet the levels of performance 
     established for such reentry project.
       ``(d) Uses of Funds.--
       ``(1) Required activities.--An eligible entity that 
     receives funds under this section shall use such funds to 
     implement a reentry project for eligible adults, eligible 
     youth, or both that provides each of the following:
       ``(A) One or more of the individualized career services 
     listed in subclauses (I) through (IX) of section 
     134(c)(2)(A)(xii).
       ``(B) One or more of the training services listed in 
     clauses (i) through (x)(i) in section 134(c)(3)(D), including 
     subsidized employment opportunities through transitional 
     jobs.

[[Page H2214]]

       ``(C) For participants who are eligible youth, one or more 
     of the program elements listed in subparagraphs (A) through 
     (N) of section 129(c)(2).
       ``(2) Allowable activities.--An eligible entity that 
     receives funds under this section may use such funds to 
     provide to eligible adults or eligible youth the following:
       ``(A) Followup services after placement in unsubsidized 
     employment as described in section 134(c)(2)(A)(xiii).
       ``(B) Apprenticeship programs.
       ``(C) Education in digital literacy skills.
       ``(D) Mentoring.
       ``(E) Assistance in obtaining employment, including as a 
     result of the eligible entity--
       ``(i) establishing and developing relationships and 
     networks with large and small employers; and
       ``(ii) coordinating with employers to develop customized 
     training programs and on-the-job training.
       ``(F) Assistance with driver's license reinstatement and 
     fees for driver's licenses and other necessary documents for 
     employment.
       ``(G) Provision of or referral to evidence-based mental 
     health treatment by licensed practitioners.
       ``(H) Provision of or referral to substance use disorder 
     treatment services, provided that funds awarded under this 
     section are only used to provide such services to 
     participants who are unable to obtain such services through 
     other programs providing such services.
       ``(I) Provisions of or referral to supportive services, 
     provided that no more than 5 percent of funds awarded to an 
     eligible entity under this section may be used to provide 
     such services to participants who are able to obtain such 
     services through other programs providing such services.
       ``(3) Administrative cost limit.--An eligible entity may 
     not use more than 7 percent of the funds received under this 
     section for administrative costs, including for costs related 
     to collecting information, analysis, and coordination for 
     purposes of subsection (e) or (f).
       ``(4) Matching funds.--An eligible entity shall provide a 
     non-Federal contribution, which may be provided in cash or 
     in-kind, for the costs of the project in an amount that is 
     not less than 25 percent of the total amount of funds awarded 
     to the entity for such period, except that the Secretary may 
     waive the matching funds requirement, on a case-by-case basis 
     and for not more than 20 percent of all grants awarded, if 
     the eligible entity demonstrates significant financial 
     hardship.
       ``(e) Levels of Performance.--
       ``(1) Establishment of levels.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish expected 
     levels of performance for reentry projects funded under this 
     section for--
       ``(i) each of the primary indicators of performance for 
     adults and youth described in section 116(b); and
       ``(ii) an indicator of performance established by the 
     Secretary with respect to participant recidivism.
       ``(B) Updates.--The levels established under subparagraph 
     (A) shall be updated for each 4-year-award period.
       ``(2) Agreement on performance levels.--In establishing and 
     updating performance levels under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall reach agreement on such levels with the 
     eligible entities receiving awards under this section that 
     will be subject to such levels, based on, as the Secretary 
     determines relevant for each indicator of performance, the 
     following factors:
       ``(A) The expected performance levels of each such eligible 
     entity described in the application submitted under 
     subsection (c)(2)(H).
       ``(B) The local economic conditions of the geographic area 
     to be served by each such eligible entity, including 
     differences in unemployment rates and job losses or gains in 
     particular industries.
       ``(C) The characteristics of project participants when 
     entering the project involved, including--
       ``(i) criminal records;
       ``(ii) indicators of poor work history;
       ``(iii) lack of work experience;
       ``(iv) lack of educational or occupational skills 
     attainment;
       ``(v) low levels of literacy or English proficiency;
       ``(vi) disability status;
       ``(vii) homelessness; and
       ``(viii) receipt of public assistance.
       ``(3) Failure to meet performance levels.--In the case of 
     an eligible entity that fails to meet the performance levels 
     established under paragraph (1) and updated to reflect the 
     actual economic conditions and characteristics of 
     participants (as described in paragraph (2)(C)) served by the 
     reentry project involved for any award year, the Secretary 
     shall provide technical assistance to the eligible entity, 
     including the development of a performance improvement plan.
       ``(f) Evaluation of Reentry Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the first 
     award of funds under this section is made, the Secretary 
     (acting through the Chief Evaluation Officer) shall meet each 
     of the following requirements:
       ``(A) Design and conduct of evaluation.--Design and conduct 
     an evaluation to evaluate the effectiveness of the reentry 
     projects funded under this section, which meets the 
     requirements of paragraph (2), and includes an evaluation of 
     each of the following:
       ``(i) The effectiveness of such projects in assisting 
     individuals with finding employment and maintaining 
     employment at the second quarter and fourth quarter after 
     unsubsidized employment is obtained.
       ``(ii) The effectiveness of such projects in assisting 
     individuals with earning recognized postsecondary 
     credentials.
       ``(iii) The effectiveness of such projects in relation to 
     their cost, including the extent to which the projects 
     improve reentry outcomes, including in employment, 
     compensation (which may include wages earned and benefits), 
     career advancement, measurable skills gains, credentials 
     earned, and recidivism of participants in comparison to 
     comparably situated individuals who did not participate in 
     such projects.
       ``(iv) The effectiveness of specific services and 
     interventions provided and of the overall project design.
       ``(v) If applicable, the extent to which such projects 
     effectively serve various demographic groups, including 
     people of different geographic locations, ages, races, 
     national origins, sex, and criminal records, and individuals 
     with disabilities.
       ``(vi) If applicable, the appropriate sequencing, 
     combination, or concurrent structure, of services for each 
     subpopulation of individuals who are participants of such 
     projects, such as the order, combination, or concurrent 
     structure and services in which transitional jobs and 
     occupational skills development are provided, to ensure that 
     such participants are prepared to fully benefit from 
     employment and training services provided under the project.
       ``(vii) Limitations or barriers to education and employment 
     as a result of occupational or educational licensing 
     restrictions.
       ``(B) Data accessibility.--Make available, on the publicly 
     accessible website of the Department of Labor, data collected 
     during the course of evaluation under this subsection, in an 
     aggregated format that does not disclose personally 
     identifiable information.
       ``(2) Design requirements.--An evaluation under this 
     subsection--
       ``(A) shall--
       ``(i) be designed by the Secretary (acting through the 
     Chief Evaluation Officer) in conjunction with the eligible 
     entities carrying out the reentry projects being evaluated;
       ``(ii) include analysis of participant feedback and outcome 
     and process measures; and
       ``(iii) use designs that employ the most rigorous 
     analytical and statistical methods that are reasonably 
     feasible, such as the use of control groups; and
       ``(B) may not--
       ``(i) collect personally identifiable information, except 
     to the extent such information is necessary to conduct the 
     evaluation; or
       ``(ii) reveal or share personally identifiable information.
       ``(3) Publication and reporting of evaluation findings.--
     The Secretary (acting through the Chief Evaluation Officer) 
     shall--
       ``(A) in accordance with the timeline determined to be 
     appropriate by the Chief Evaluation Officer, publish an 
     interim report on such evaluation;
       ``(B) not later than 90 days after the date on which any 
     evaluation is completed under this subsection, publish and 
     make publicly available such evaluation; and
       ``(C) not later than 60 days after the completion date 
     described in subparagraph (B), submit to the Committee on 
     Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 
     of the Senate a report on such evaluation.
       ``(g) Annual Report.--
       ``(1) Contents.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
     shall post, using transparent, linked, open, and 
     interoperable data formats, on its publicly accessible 
     website, an annual report on--
       ``(A) the number of individuals who participated in 
     projects assisted under this section for the preceding year;
       ``(B) the percentage of such individuals who successfully 
     completed the requirements of such projects;
       ``(C) the performance of eligible entities on such projects 
     as measured by the performance indicators set forth in 
     subsection (e); and
       ``(D) an explanation of any waivers granted by the 
     Secretary of the matching requirement under subsection (d)(4) 
     .
       ``(2) Disaggregation.--The information provided under 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1) with respect 
     to a year shall be disaggregated by each project assisted 
     under this section for such year.
       ``(h) Reservation of Funds.--Of the funds appropriated 
     under section 174(e) for a fiscal year, the Secretary--
       ``(1) may reserve not more than 5 percent for the 
     administration of grants, contracts, and cooperative 
     agreements awarded under this section, of which not more than 
     2 percent may be reserved for the provision of--
       ``(A) technical assistance to eligible entities that 
     receive funds under this section; and
       ``(B) outreach and technical assistance to eligible 
     entities desiring to receive such funds, including assistance 
     with application development and submission; and
       ``(2) shall reserve not less than 1 percent and not more 
     than 2.5 percent for the evaluation activities under 
     subsection (f) or to support eligible entities with any 
     required data collection, analysis, and coordination related 
     to such evaluation activities.
       ``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Chief evaluation officer.--The term `Chief Evaluation 
     Officer' means the head of

[[Page H2215]]

     the independent evaluation office located in the Office of 
     the Assistant Secretary for Policy of the Department of 
     Labor.
       ``(2) Community supervision.--The term `community 
     supervision' means mandatory oversight (including probation 
     and parole) of a formerly incarcerated person--
       ``(A) who was convicted of a crime by a judge or parole 
     board; and
       ``(B) who is living outside a secure facility.
       ``(3) Correctional institution.--The term `correctional 
     institution' has the meaning given the term in section 
     225(e).
       ``(4) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(A) a private nonprofit organization under section 
     501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including a 
     community-based or faith-based organization;
       ``(B) a local board;
       ``(C) a State or local government;
       ``(D) an Indian or Native American entity eligible for 
     grants under section 166;
       ``(E) a labor organization or joint labor-management 
     organization;
       ``(F) an industry or sector partnership;
       ``(G) an institution of higher education; or
       ``(H) a consortium of the entities described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (H).
       ``(5) Eligible adult.--The term `eligible adult' means a 
     justice-involved individual who is age 25 or older.
       ``(6) Eligible youth.--The term `eligible youth' means a 
     justice-involved individual who is not younger than age 14 or 
     older than age 24.
       ``(7) High-poverty.--The term `high-poverty', when used 
     with respect to a geographic area, means an area with a 
     poverty rate of at least 20 percent as determined based on 
     the most recently available data from the American Community 
     Survey conducted by the Bureau of the Census.
       ``(8) Justice-involved individual.--The term `justice-
     involved individual' means--
       ``(A) an individual of any age who--
       ``(i) has been convicted and imprisoned under Federal or 
     State law; and
       ``(ii) was released from imprisonment not more than 3 years 
     prior to enrollment in a project funded under this section; 
     or
       ``(B) an individual who--
       ``(i) is not younger than age 14 or older than age 24; and
       ``(ii) has been--

       ``(I) charged with, or convicted of, any criminal offense 
     in an adult court; or
       ``(II) charged with, or adjudicated of, a delinquent act in 
     a juvenile court.''.

     SEC. 179. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY COLLEGES GRANT PROGRAM.

        Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.), is further amended 
     by inserting after section 172, as added by the preceding 
     section, the following:

     ``SEC. 173. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY COLLEGES WORKFORCE 
                   DEVELOPMENT GRANTS PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       ``(1) to establish, improve, or expand high-quality 
     workforce development programs at community colleges; and
       ``(2) to expand opportunities for individuals to obtain 
     recognized postsecondary credentials that are nationally or 
     regionally portable and stackable for high-skill, high-wage, 
     or in-demand industry sectors or occupations.
       ``(b) Strengthening Community Colleges Workforce 
     Development Grants Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated to carry 
     out this section under section 174(f) and not reserved under 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a competitive basis, 
     make grants to eligible institutions to carry out the 
     activities described in subsection (e).
       ``(2) Reservation.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry 
     out this section under section 174(f), the Secretary may 
     reserve not more than two percent for the administration of 
     grants awarded under this section, including--
       ``(A) providing technical assistance and targeted outreach 
     to support eligible institutions serving a high number or 
     high percentage of low-income individuals or individuals with 
     barriers to employment, and rural-serving eligible 
     institutions, to provide guidance and assistance in the 
     process of applying for grants under this section; and
       ``(B) evaluating and reporting on the performance and 
     impact of programs funded under this section in accordance 
     with subsections (f) through (h).
       ``(c) Award Period.--
       ``(1) Initial grant period.--Each grant under this section 
     shall be awarded for an initial period of not more than 4 
     years.
       ``(2) Subsequent grants.--An eligible institution that 
     receives an initial grant under this section may receive one 
     or more additional grants under this section for additional 
     periods of not more than 4 years each if the eligible 
     institution demonstrates that, during the most recently 
     completed grant period for a grant received under this 
     section, such eligible institution achieved the levels of 
     performance agreed to by the eligible institution with 
     respect to the performance indicators specified in subsection 
     (f).
       ``(d) Application.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an eligible institution shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner 
     as the Secretary may require.
       ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted by an eligible 
     institution under paragraph (1) shall include a description 
     of each the following:
       ``(A) The extent to which the eligible institution has 
     demonstrated success building partnerships with employers in 
     in-demand industry sectors or occupations to provide students 
     with the skills needed for occupations in such industries and 
     an explanation of the results of any such partnerships.
       ``(B) The methods and strategies the eligible institution 
     will use to engage with employers in in-demand industry 
     sectors or occupations, including any arrangements to place 
     individuals who complete the workforce development programs 
     supported by the grant into employment with such employers.
       ``(C) The proposed eligible institution and industry 
     partnership that the eligible institution will establish or 
     maintain to comply with subsection (e)(1), including--
       ``(i) the roles and responsibilities of each employer, 
     organization, agency, or institution of higher education that 
     the eligible institution will partner with to carry out the 
     activities under this section; and
       ``(ii) the needs that will be addressed by such eligible 
     institution and industry partnership.
       ``(D) One or more industries that such partnership will 
     target and real-time labor market data demonstrating that 
     those industries are aligned with employer demand in the 
     geographic area to be served by the eligible institution.
       ``(E) The extent to which the eligible institution can--
       ``(i) leverage additional resources to support the programs 
     to be funded with the grant, which shall include written 
     commitments of any leveraged or matching funds for the 
     proposed programs; and
       ``(ii) demonstrate the future sustainability of each such 
     program.
       ``(F) The steps the institution will take to ensure the 
     high quality of each program to be funded with the grant, 
     including the career pathways within such programs.
       ``(G) The population and geographic area to be served by 
     the eligible institution, including the number of individuals 
     the eligible institution intends to serve during the grant 
     period.
       ``(H) The workforce development programs to be supported by 
     the grant.
       ``(I) The recognized postsecondary credentials that are 
     expected to be earned by participants in such workforce 
     development programs and the related high-wage, high skill, 
     or in-demand industry sectors or occupations for which such 
     programs will prepare participants.
       ``(J) The evidence upon which the education and skills 
     development strategies to be used in such workforce 
     development programs are based and an explanation of how such 
     evidence influenced the design of the programs to improve 
     education and employment outcomes.
       ``(K) How activities of the eligible institution are 
     expected to align with the workforce strategies identified 
     in--
       ``(i) any State plan or local plan submitted under this Act 
     by the State, outlying area, or locality in which the 
     eligible institution is expected to operate;
       ``(ii) any State plan submitted under section 122 of the 
     Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 
     (20 U.S.C. 2342) by such State or outlying area; and
       ``(iii) any economic development plan of the chief 
     executive of such State or outlying area.
       ``(L) The goals of the eligible institution with respect 
     to--
       ``(i) capacity building (as described in subsection 
     (f)(1)(B)); and
       ``(ii) the expected performance of individuals 
     participating in the programs to be offered by the eligible 
     institution, including with respect to any performance 
     indicators applicable under section 116 or subsection (f) of 
     this section.
       ``(3) Consideration of previous experience.--The Secretary 
     may not disqualify an eligible institution from receiving a 
     grant under this section solely because such institution 
     lacks previous experience in building partnerships, as 
     described in paragraph (2)(A).
       ``(4) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
     Secretary shall give priority to eligible institutions that--
       ``(A) will use the grant to serve--
       ``(i) individuals with barriers to employment; or
       ``(ii) incumbent workers who need to gain or improve 
     foundational skills to enhance their employability;
       ``(B) use competency-based assessments, such as the 
     competency-based assessment identified by the State in which 
     the eligible institution is located under section 
     134(a)(2)(B)(vii), to award academic credit for prior 
     learning for programs supported by the grant; or
       ``(C) have, or will seek to have, the career education 
     programs supported by the grant included on the list of 
     eligible providers of training services under section 122 for 
     the State in which the eligible institution is located.
       ``(e) Uses of Funds.--
       ``(1) Eligible institution and industry partnership.--For 
     the purpose of carrying out the activities specified in 
     paragraphs (2) and (3), an eligible institution that receives 
     a grant under this section shall establish a partnership (or 
     continue an existing partnership) with one or more employers 
     in an in-demand industry sector or occupation (in

[[Page H2216]]

     this section referred to as an `eligible institution and 
     industry partnership') and shall maintain such partnership 
     for the duration of the grant period. The eligible 
     institution shall ensure that the partnership--
       ``(A) targets one or more specific high-skill, high-wage, 
     or in-demand industries;
       ``(B) includes collaboration with the workforce development 
     system;
       ``(C) serves adult and dislocated workers, incumbent 
     workers, and new entrants to the workforce;
       ``(D) uses an evidence-based program design that is 
     appropriate for the activities carried out by the 
     partnership;
       ``(E) incorporates work-based learning opportunities, as 
     defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
     Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302); and
       ``(F) incorporates, to the extent appropriate, virtual 
     service delivery to facilitate technology-enabled learning.
       ``(2) Required activities.--An eligible institution that 
     receives a grant under this section shall, in consultation 
     with the employers in the eligible institution and industry 
     partnership described in paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) establish, improve, or expand high quality, evidence-
     based workforce development programs, career pathway 
     programs, or work-based learning programs (including 
     apprenticeship programs or preapprenticeships);
       ``(B) provide career services to individuals participating 
     in the programs funded with the grant to facilitate retention 
     and program completion, which may include--
       ``(i) career navigation, coaching, mentorship, and case 
     management services, including providing information and 
     outreach to individuals with barriers to employment to 
     encourage such individuals to participate in programs funded 
     with the grant; and
       ``(ii) providing access to course materials, technological 
     devices, required equipment, and other supports necessary for 
     participation in and successful completion of such programs; 
     and
       ``(C) make available, in a format that is open, searchable, 
     and easily comparable, information on--
       ``(i) curricula and recognized postsecondary credentials 
     offered through programs funded with the grant, including any 
     curricula or credentials created or further developed using 
     such grant, which for each recognized postsecondary 
     credential, shall include--

       ``(I) the issuing entity of such credential;
       ``(II) any third-party endorsements of such credential;
       ``(III) the occupations for which the credential prepares 
     individuals;
       ``(IV) the skills and competencies necessary to achieve to 
     earn such credential;
       ``(V) the level of mastery of such skills and competencies 
     (including how mastery is assessed); and
       ``(VI) any transfer value or stackability of the 
     credential;

       ``(ii) any skills or competencies developed by individuals 
     who participate in such programs beyond the skills and 
     competencies identified as part of the recognized 
     postsecondary credential awarded; and
       ``(iii) related employment and earnings outcomes on the 
     primary indicators of performance described in subclauses (I) 
     through (III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i).
       ``(3) Additional activities.--In addition to the activities 
     required under paragraph (2), an eligible institution that 
     receives a grant under this section shall, in consultation 
     with the employers in the eligible institution and industry 
     partnership described in paragraph (1), carry out one or more 
     of the following activities:
       ``(A) Establish, improve, or expand--
       ``(i) articulation agreements (as defined in section 
     486A(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1093a(a)));
       ``(ii) credit transfer agreements;
       ``(iii) corequisite remediation programs that enable a 
     student to receive remedial education services while enrolled 
     in a postsecondary course rather than requiring the student 
     to receive remedial education before enrolling in a such a 
     course;
       ``(iv) dual or concurrent enrollment programs;
       ``(v) competency-based education and assessment; or
       ``(vi) policies and processes to award academic credit for 
     prior learning or for the programs described in paragraph 
     (2)(A).
       ``(B) Establish or implement plans for providers of the 
     programs described in paragraph (2)(A) to meet the criteria 
     and carry out the procedures necessary to be included on the 
     eligible training services provider list described in section 
     122(d).
       ``(C) Purchase, lease, or refurbish specialized equipment 
     as necessary to carry out such programs, provided that not 
     more than 15 percent of the funds awarded to the eligible 
     institution under this section may be used for activities 
     described in this subparagraph.
       ``(D) Reduce or eliminate unmet financial need relating to 
     the cost of attendance (as defined under section 472 of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll)) of 
     participants in such programs.
       ``(4) Administrative cost limit.--An eligible institution 
     may use not more than 7 percent of the funds awarded under 
     this section for administrative costs, including costs 
     related to collecting information, analysis, and coordination 
     for purposes of subsection (f).
       ``(f) Performance Levels and Performance Reviews.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and 
     implement guidance that establishes the levels of performance 
     that are expected to be achieved by each eligible institution 
     receiving a grant under this section. Such performance levels 
     shall be established on the following indicators:
       ``(A) Each of the primary indicators of performance for 
     adults described in section 116(b), which shall be applied 
     for all individuals who participated in a program that 
     received funding from a grant under this section.
       ``(B) The extent to which the eligible institution built 
     capacity by--
       ``(i) increasing the breadth and depth of employer 
     engagement and investment in workforce development programs 
     in the in-demand industry sectors and occupations targeted by 
     the eligible institution and industry partnership established 
     or maintained by the eligible institution under subsection 
     (e)(1);
       ``(ii) designing or implementing new and accelerated 
     instructional techniques or technologies, including the use 
     of advanced online and technology-enabled learning (such as 
     immersive technology); and
       ``(iii) increasing program and policy alignment across 
     systems and decreasing duplicative services or service gaps.
       ``(C) With respect to individuals who participated in a 
     workforce development program funded with the grant--
       ``(i) the percentage of participants who successfully 
     completed the program; and
       ``(ii) of the participants who were incumbent workers at 
     the time of enrollment in the program, the percentage who 
     advanced into higher level positions during or after 
     completing the program.
       ``(2) Consultation and determination of performance 
     levels.--
       ``(A) Consideration.--In developing performance levels in 
     accordance with paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into 
     consideration the goals of the eligible institution pursuant 
     to subsection (d)(2)(L).
       ``(B) Determination.--After completing the consideration 
     required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
     separately determine the performance levels that will apply 
     to each eligible institution, taking into account--
       ``(i) the expected performance levels of each eligible 
     institution with respect to the goals described by the 
     eligible institution pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(L); and
       ``(ii) local economic conditions in the geographic area to 
     be served by the eligible institution, including differences 
     in unemployment rates and job losses or gains in particular 
     industries.
       ``(C) Notice and acknowledgment.--
       ``(i) Notice.--The Secretary shall provide each eligible 
     institution with a written notification that sets forth the 
     performance levels that will apply to the eligible 
     institution, as determined under subparagraph (B).
       ``(ii) Acknowledgment.--After receiving the notification 
     described in clause (i), each eligible institution shall 
     submit to the Secretary written confirmation that the 
     eligible institution--

       ``(I) received the notification; and
       ``(II) agrees to be evaluated in accordance with the 
     performance levels determined by the Secretary.

       ``(3) Performance reviews.--On an annual basis during each 
     year of the grant period, the Secretary shall evaluate the 
     performance during such year of each eligible institution 
     receiving a grant under this section in a manner consistent 
     with the performance levels determined for such institution 
     pursuant to paragraph (2).
       ``(4) Failure to meet performance levels.--After conducting 
     an evaluation under paragraph (3), if the Secretary 
     determines that an eligible institution did not achieve the 
     performance levels applicable to the eligible institution 
     under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) provide technical assistance to the eligible 
     institution; and
       ``(B) develop a performance improvement plan for the 
     eligible institution.
       ``(g) Evaluations and Reports.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date on 
     which the first grant is made under this section, the 
     Secretary shall design and conduct an evaluation to determine 
     the overall effectiveness of the eligible institutions 
     receiving a grant under this section.
       ``(2) Elements.--The evaluation of the effectiveness of 
     eligible institutions conducted under paragraph (1) shall 
     include an assessment of the general effectiveness of 
     programs and activities supported by the grants awarded to 
     such eligible institutions under this section, including the 
     extent to which the programs and activities--
       ``(A) developed new, or expanded existing, successful 
     industry sector strategies, including the extent to which 
     such eligible institutions deepened employer engagement and 
     developed workforce development programs that met industry 
     skill needs;
       ``(B) created, expanded, or enhanced career pathways, 
     including the extent to which the eligible institutions 
     developed or improved competency-based education and 
     assessment, credit for prior learning, modularized and self-
     paced curricula, integrated education and workforce 
     development, dual enrollment in secondary and postsecondary 
     career pathways, stacked and latticed credentials, and online 
     and distance learning;

[[Page H2217]]

       ``(C) created alignment between eligible institutions and 
     the workforce development system;
       ``(D) assisted individuals with finding, retaining, or 
     advancing in employment;
       ``(E) assisted individuals with earning recognized 
     postsecondary credentials; and
       ``(F) provided equal access to various demographic groups, 
     including people of different geographic locations, ages, 
     races, national origins, and sexes.
       ``(3) Design requirements.--The evaluation under this 
     subsection shall--
       ``(A) be designed by the Secretary (acting through the 
     Chief Evaluation Officer) in conjunction with the eligible 
     institutions being evaluated;
       ``(B) include analysis of program participant feedback and 
     outcome and process measures; and
       ``(C) use designs that employ the most rigorous analytical 
     and statistical methods that are reasonably feasible, such as 
     the use of control groups.
       ``(4) Data accessibility.--The Secretary shall make 
     available on a publicly accessible website of the Department 
     of Labor any data collected as part of the evaluation under 
     this subsection. Such data shall be made available in an 
     aggregated format that does not reveal personally 
     identifiable information and that ensures compliance with 
     relevant Federal laws, including section 444 of the General 
     Education Provisions Act (commonly known as the `Family 
     Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974') (20 U.S.C. 
     1232g).
       ``(5) Publication and reporting of evaluation findings.--
     The Secretary (acting through the Chief Evaluation Officer) 
     shall--
       ``(A) in accordance with the timeline determined to be 
     appropriate by the Chief Evaluation Officer, publish an 
     interim report on the preliminary results of the evaluation 
     conducted under this subsection;
       ``(B) not later than 60 days after the date on which the 
     evaluation is completed under this subsection, submit to the 
     Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on such 
     evaluation; and
       ``(C) not later than 90 days after such completion date, 
     publish and make the results of such evaluation available on 
     a publicly accessible website of the Department of Labor.
       ``(h) Annual Reports.--The Secretary shall make available 
     on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Labor, 
     in transparent, linked, open, and interoperable data formats, 
     the following information:
       ``(1) The performance of eligible institutions on the 
     capacity-building performance indicator set forth under 
     subsection (f)(1)(B).
       ``(2) The performance of eligible institutions on the 
     workforce development participant outcome performance 
     indicators set forth under subsection (f)(1)(C).
       ``(3) The number of individuals enrolled in workforce 
     development programs funded with a grant under this section.
       ``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Community college.--The term `community college' 
     means--
       ``(A) a public institution of higher education (as defined 
     in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
     1001(a)), at which--
       ``(i) the highest degree awarded is an associate degree; or
       ``(ii) an associate degree is the most frequently awarded 
     degree;
       ``(B) a branch campus of a 4-year public institution of 
     higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), if, at such branch 
     campus--
       ``(i) the highest degree awarded is an associate degree; or
       ``(ii) an associate degree is the most frequently awarded 
     degree;
       ``(C) a 2-year Tribal College or University (as defined in 
     section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3))); or
       ``(D) a degree-granting Tribal College or University (as 
     defined in section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3))) at which--
       ``(i) the highest degree awarded is an associate degree; or
       ``(ii) an associate degree is the most frequently awarded 
     degree.
       ``(2) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible 
     institution' means--
       ``(A) a community college;
       ``(B) a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
     section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002(c))); or
       ``(C) a consortium of such colleges or institutions.
       ``(j) Supplement Not Supplant.--Funds made available under 
     this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, 
     other Federal, State, and local public funds made available 
     for carrying out the activities described in this section.''.

     SEC. 180. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 174 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act, as so redesignated, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections 
     (g) and (h), respectively; and
       (2) by striking subsections (a) through (d) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(a) Native American Programs.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 166 (not including 
     subsection (k) of such section) $61,800,000 for each of the 
     fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
       ``(b) Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 167 
     $100,317,900 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
       ``(c) Technical Assistance.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 168 $5,000,000 for each of 
     the fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
       ``(d) Evaluations and Research.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 169 $12,720,000 for each of 
     the fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
       ``(e) Reentry Program.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 172 $115,000,000 for each 
     of the fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
       ``(f) Strengthening Community Colleges Program.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 173 
     $65,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 
     2030.''.

                       Subtitle F--Administration

     SEC. 191. REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS.

       (a) Labor Standards.--Section 181(b) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3241(b)) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Consultation.--If an employer provides on-the-job 
     training, incumbent worker training, or employer-directed 
     skills development with funds made available under this title 
     directly to employees of such employer that are subject to a 
     collective bargaining agreement with the employer, the 
     employer shall consult with the labor organization that 
     represents such employees on the planning and design of such 
     training or development.''.
       (b) Relocation.--Section 181(d) of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3241(d)) is amended by 
     striking ``incumbent worker training,'' and inserting 
     ``incumbent worker training, employer-directed skills 
     development,''.

     SEC. 192. GENERAL WAIVERS OF STATUTORY OR REGULATORY 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 189(i)(3)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3249(i)(3)(A)(i)) is amended by 
     striking ``procedures for review and approval of plans'' and 
     inserting ``the procedures for review and approval of plans, 
     the performance reports described in section 116(d), and the 
     requirement described in section 134(c)(1)(B)''.

     SEC. 193. STATE INNOVATION DEMONSTRATION AUTHORITY.

       Section 190 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3250) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 190. STATE INNOVATION DEMONSTRATION AUTHORITY.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to--
       ``(1) authorize States to apply under this section, in the 
     case of an eligible State, on behalf of the entire State, or 
     for any State, on behalf of a local area or a consortium of 
     local areas in the State, to receive the allotments or 
     allocations of the State or the local areas, respectively, 
     for youth workforce investment activities and adult and 
     dislocated worker employment and training activities under 
     this Act, as a consolidated grant for 5 years for the purpose 
     of carrying out a demonstration project to pursue innovative 
     reforms to achieve better outcomes for jobseekers, employers, 
     and taxpayers; and
       ``(2) require that rigorous evaluations be conducted to 
     demonstrate if better outcomes and associated innovative 
     reforms were achieved as a result of such demonstration 
     projects.
       ``(b) General Authority.--
       ``(1) Waivers and demonstration grant amounts.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the 
     demonstration period applicable to a demonstration project 
     approved for a State pursuant to subsection (d)(3), the 
     Secretary shall comply with each of the following:
       ``(A) Waivers.--Subject to paragraph (2), waive for the 
     State as a whole, or for the local area or the consortium of 
     local areas in such State selected by the State to carry out 
     such demonstration project, all the statutory and regulatory 
     requirements of subtitle A and subtitle B.
       ``(B) Demonstration grant amounts.--For each fiscal year 
     applicable to such demonstration period:
       ``(i) State as a whole.--In a case of a State approved to 
     carry out a demonstration project under this section on 
     behalf of the State as a whole, distribute as a consolidated 
     sum to the State, for purposes of carrying out the project, 
     the State's total allotment for such fiscal year under--

       ``(I) subsections (b)(1)(C) and subsection (c) of section 
     127; and
       ``(II) paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B) of section 132(b); and
       ``(III) section 132(c).

       ``(ii) Local area.--In a case of a local area selected by a 
     State to carry out a demonstration project under this 
     section, require the State to--

       ``(I) distribute as a consolidated sum to the local board 
     for such local area, for purposes of carrying out the 
     project, the local area's allocation for such fiscal year 
     under--

       ``(aa) subsections (b) and (c) of section 128; and
       ``(bb) subsections (b) and (c) of section 133; or

       ``(II) if the local board of the local area enters into a 
     written agreement with the State for the State to serve as 
     the fiscal agent for the local board during the demonstration 
     project, use the funds described in subclause (I) for 
     purposes of carrying out the project on behalf of the local 
     board.

[[Page H2218]]

       ``(iii) Consortium of local areas.--In a case of a 
     consortium of local areas selected by a State to carry out a 
     demonstration project under this section, require the State 
     to--

       ``(I) distribute as a consolidated sum to the consortium, 
     for purposes of carrying out the project, the total amount of 
     the allocations for the local areas in such consortium for 
     such fiscal year under--

       ``(aa) subsections (b) and (c) of section 128; and
       ``(bb) subsections (b) and (c) of section 133; or

       ``(II) if the consortium enters into a written agreement 
     with the State for the State to serve as the fiscal agent for 
     the consortium during the demonstration project, use the 
     funds described in subclause (I) for purposes of carrying out 
     the project on behalf of such consortium.

       ``(2) Exceptions.--
       ``(A) In general.--A State, local area, or consortium of 
     local areas carrying out a demonstration project under this 
     section shall comply with statutory or regulatory 
     requirements of this Act relating to--
       ``(i) performance accountability and reporting, except as 
     otherwise provided in this section;
       ``(ii) the membership of local or State boards in instances 
     where a State carrying out a demonstration project will 
     maintain the use of such boards during the demonstration 
     period; and
       ``(iii) the priority of service described in section 
     134(c)(3)(E).
       ``(B) Applicability of defined terms.--In carrying out a 
     demonstration project under this section, a State, local 
     area, or consortium of local areas may only use a term 
     defined in section 3 to describe an activity carried out 
     under such demonstration project if the State, local area, or 
     consortium of local areas gives such term the same meaning as 
     such term is given under such section.
       ``(3) Authority for third-party evaluation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the first 
     demonstration project is approved under this section, the 
     Secretary shall contract with a third-party evaluator to 
     conduct a rigorous evaluation of each demonstration project 
     approved under this section. The evaluation shall--
       ``(i) cover the 5-year period of each demonstration 
     project;
       ``(ii) compare the employment and earnings outcomes of 
     participants in activities carried out under the 
     demonstration project to--

       ``(I) the outcomes of similarly situated individuals that 
     do not participate in such activities who are located in such 
     State, local area, or a local area in such consortium; and
       ``(II) the outcomes of participants in activities under 
     this chapter in the State, local area, or a local area in the 
     consortium that was awarded a waiver prior to the award of 
     such waiver;

       ``(iii) conduct a qualitative analysis that identifies any 
     promising practices or innovate strategies that--

       ``(I) would not have been conducted without the waiving of 
     statutory or regulatory provisions through the demonstration 
     project; and
       ``(II) lead to positive employment and earnings outcomes 
     for the participants; and

       ``(iv) compare the outcomes for subclauses (I) and (II) of 
     clause (i) with respect to the subpopulations described in 
     section 116(d)(2)(B).
       ``(B) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the fifth year 
     of each demonstration project approved under this section, 
     the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and 
     the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the 
     results of the evaluation of such conducted under this 
     paragraph.
       ``(c) Demonstration Period; Limitations.--
       ``(1) In general.--A demonstration project approved under 
     this section for a State, local area, or consortium--
       ``(A) shall be carried out for a 5-year demonstration 
     period; and
       ``(B) may be renewed for an additional 5-year demonstration 
     period, if the State, local area, or consortium--
       ``(i) for each of the final 3 years of the preceding 5-year 
     demonstration period, meets its expected levels of 
     performance established under subsection (f)(1)(C); and
       ``(ii) on the final year of the preceding 5-year 
     demonstration period, achieves a performance improvement of 
     not less than an average of a 5-percent increase across all 
     of the indicators of performance described in clauses (i) and 
     (ii) of subsection (f)(1)(A), compared with--

       ``(I) the highest level of performance for the 
     corresponding indicators of performance, as described in 
     subsection (f)(1)(B)(i) with respect to such State, for the 
     most recent program year that ended prior to the beginning of 
     the first year of the preceding 5-year demonstration period; 
     or
       ``(II) the alternate baseline level of performance for the 
     corresponding indicators of performance that is agreed upon 
     between the State and the Secretary under subsection 
     (f)(1)(B)(ii).

       ``(2) Limitations.--
       ``(A) Demonstration period limitations.--For each 5-year 
     demonstration period (including renewals of such period) the 
     Secretary may not approve--
       ``(i) more than 4 demonstration projects for States 
     described in paragraph (3) to carry out a demonstration 
     project described in subsection (b)(1)(B)(i); and
       ``(ii) more than 6 demonstration projects for local areas 
     (or consortia of local areas) to carry out a demonstration 
     project described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subsection 
     (b)(1)(B).
       ``(B) State limitations.--No more than 1 demonstration 
     project may be approved under this section per State. For 
     purposes of this subparagraph, a demonstration project 
     described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subsection (b)(1)(B) 
     approved for a local area or a consortium of local areas, 
     respectively, in a State shall be considered a demonstration 
     project approved under this section for the State.
       ``(3) Eligible states.--The Secretary may not approve a 
     demonstration project for a State as a whole described in 
     subsection (b)(1)(B)(i) unless, at the time of submission of 
     the application, such State is--
       ``(A) a State designated as a single State local area; or
       ``(B) a State with--
       ``(i) a labor force participation rate that is less than 60 
     percent for the most recent program year; and
       ``(ii) a population of less than 6,000,000, as determined 
     by the most recent data released by the Census Bureau.
       ``(d) Application.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to carry out a 
     demonstration project under this section, a State shall 
     submit to the Secretary an application at such time and in 
     such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require, and 
     containing the information described in paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Content.--Each application submitted by a State under 
     this subsection shall include the following:
       ``(A) A description of the demonstration project to be 
     carried out under this section, including--
       ``(i) whether the project will be carried out--

       ``(I) by the State as a whole;
       ``(II) by a local area, and if so--

       ``(aa) an identification of--
       ``(AA) such local area;
       ``(BB) whether the local board for such local area is the 
     fiscal agent for the project, or whether the local board has 
     entered into a written agreement with the State for the State 
     to serve as the fiscal agent during the project; and
       ``(bb) written verification from the local board for such 
     local area that such local board agrees--
       ``(AA) to carry out such project; and
       ``(BB) to the fiscal agent identified in item (aa)(BB); and

       ``(III) by a consortium of local areas in the State, and if 
     so--

       ``(aa) an identification of--
       ``(AA) each local area that comprises the consortium; and
       ``(BB) the local area that will serve as the fiscal agent 
     for the consortium during the project, or whether the 
     consortium has entered into a written agreement with the 
     State for the State to serve as the fiscal agent; and
       ``(bb) written verification from each local board of each 
     local area identified in item (aa)(AA) that such local board 
     agrees--
       ``(AA) to carry out such project as a consortium; and
       ``(BB) to the fiscal agent for the consortium identified in 
     item (aa)(BB);
       ``(ii) a description of the activities to be carried out 
     under the project; and
       ``(iii) the goals the State, local area, or consortium 
     intends to achieve through such activities, which shall be 
     aligned with purpose described in subsection (a).
       ``(B) A description of the performance outcomes the State, 
     the local area, or consortium expects to achieve for such 
     activities for each year of the demonstration period as 
     described in subsection (f)(1).
       ``(C) A description of how the State, local area, or 
     consortium consulted with employers, the State board, and the 
     local boards in the State in determining the activities to 
     carry out under the demonstration project.
       ``(D) A description of how the State will make such 
     activities available to jobseekers and employers in each of 
     the local areas in the State or, in a case of a project that 
     will be carried out by a local area or a consortium, a 
     description of how such services will be made available to 
     jobseekers and employers in such local area or each of the 
     local areas in the consortium.
       ``(E) A description, if appropriate, of how the State, 
     local area, or consortium will integrate the funds received, 
     and the activities carried out, under the demonstration 
     project under this section with State workforce development 
     programs and other Federal, State, or local workforce, 
     education, or social service programs (including the programs 
     and activities listed in section 103(a)(2), the program of 
     adult education and literacy activities authorized under 
     title II, and the program authorized under title I of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.)).
       ``(F) An assurance that the State, local area, or 
     consortium will meet the requirements of this section.
       ``(3) Secretarial approval.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which a State submits an application under this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) in a case in which the application meets the 
     requirements of this section and is not subject to the 
     limitations described in subsection (c)(2), approve such 
     application

[[Page H2219]]

     and the demonstration project described in such application; 
     or
       ``(ii) provide to the State a written explanation of 
     initial disapproval that meets the requirements of 
     subparagraph (C).
       ``(B) Default approval.--With respect to an application 
     submitted by a State under this subsection that is not 
     subject to the limitations described in subsection (c), if 
     the Secretary fails to approve such application or provide an 
     explanation of initial disapproval for such application as 
     required under subparagraph (A), the application and the 
     demonstration project described in such application shall be 
     deemed approved by the Secretary.
       ``(C) Initial disapproval.--An explanation of initial 
     disapproval provided by the Secretary to a State under 
     subparagraph (A)(ii) shall provide the State--
       ``(i) a detailed explanation of why the application does 
     not meet the requirements of this section; and
       ``(ii) if the State is not subject to the limitations 
     described in subsection (c), an opportunity to revise and 
     resubmit the State's application under this section.
       ``(e) State Demonstration Project Requirements.--A State, 
     local area, or consortium that has been approved to carry out 
     a demonstration project under this section shall meet each of 
     the following requirements:
       ``(1) Use of funds.--Use the funds received pursuant to 
     subsection (b)(1)(B) solely to carry out the activities of 
     the demonstration project to achieve the goals described in 
     subsection (d)(2)(A).
       ``(2) Administrative costs limitation.--Use not more than 
     10 percent of the funds received pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(1)(B) for a fiscal year for the administrative costs of 
     carrying out the demonstration project.
       ``(3) Priority for services.--Give priority for services 
     under the project to veterans and their eligible spouses in 
     accordance with the requirements of section 4215 of title 38, 
     United States Code, recipients of public assistance, low-
     income individuals, and individuals who have foundational 
     skills needs.
       ``(4) Number of participants.--Serve a number of 
     participants under the activities of the demonstration 
     project for each year of the demonstration period that--
       ``(A) is greater than the number of participants served by 
     such State, local area, or consortium under the programs 
     described in subparagraph (A) of the definition of the term 
     `core program provision' under section 3 for the most recent 
     program year that ended prior to the beginning of the first 
     year of the demonstration period; or
       ``(B) is not less than the number of participants to be 
     served under the activities of the demonstration project that 
     is agreed upon between the State, local area, or consortium, 
     and the Secretary--
       ``(i) prior to the Secretary's approval of the application 
     submitted under subsection (d); and
       ``(ii) after the Secretary takes into account--

       ``(I) the goals the State, local area, or consortium 
     intends to achieve through the demonstration project; and
       ``(II) the participants the State, local area, or 
     consortium intends to serve under such project; and

       ``(iii) prior to approval of the application submitted 
     under subsection (d).
       ``(5) Reporting outcomes.--Submit, on an annual basis, to 
     the Secretary a report, with respect to such State, local 
     area, or consortium, on--
       ``(A) participant outcomes for each indicator of 
     performance described in subsection (f)(1)(A) for the 
     activities carried out under the project; and
       ``(B) the applicable requirements of section 116(d)(2), 
     including subparagraphs (B) through (G) and subparagraph (J), 
     as such subparagraphs are applicable to activities under the 
     demonstration project.
       ``(6) Compliance with certain existing requirements.--
     Comply with the statutory or regulatory requirements listed 
     in subsection (b)(2).
       ``(f) Performance Accountability.--
       ``(1) Establishment of baseline level for performance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each State shall describe in the 
     application submitted under subsection (d), for each year of 
     the demonstration period--
       ``(i) with respect to participants who are at least 25 
     years old, the expected levels of performance for each of the 
     indicators of performance under section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) for 
     the activities carried out under the project under this 
     section, which shall meet the requirements of subparagraph 
     (B); and
       ``(ii) with respect to participants who are at least 16 
     years old and no older than 24 years old, the expected levels 
     of performance for each of the indicators of performance 
     under section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) for the activities carried out 
     under the project under this section, which shall meet the 
     requirements of subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) 5th year.--Each of the expected levels of performance 
     established pursuant to subparagraph (A) for each of the 
     indicators of performance for the 5th year of the 
     demonstration period shall be higher than--
       ``(i) the highest level of performance for the 
     corresponding indicator of performance for the programs 
     described in subparagraph (A) of the definition of the term 
     `core program provisions' under section 3 for the most recent 
     program year for such State that ended prior to the beginning 
     of the first year of the demonstration period; or
       ``(ii) an alternate baseline level of performance that is 
     agreed upon between the State and the Secretary--

       ``(I) prior to the Secretary's approval of the application 
     submitted under subsection (d); and
       ``(II) after the Secretary takes into account--

       ``(aa) the goals the State intends to achieve through the 
     demonstration project; and
       ``(bb) the participants the State intends to serve under 
     such project.
       ``(C) Agreed level for performance on expected levels of 
     performance.--Prior to approving an application for a 
     demonstration project submitted by a State, and using the 
     expected levels of performance described in such application, 
     the Secretary shall reach an agreement with such State on the 
     expected levels of performance for each of the indicators of 
     performance. In reaching an agreement on such expected levels 
     of performance, the Secretary and the State may consider the 
     factors described in section 116(b)(3)(A)(v).
       ``(2) Sanctions.--
       ``(A) In general.--The sanctions described in section 
     116(f)(1)(B) shall apply to a State, local area, or 
     consortium beginning on the 3rd year of the demonstration 
     period for such State, local area, or consortium, except that 
     the levels of performance established under subsection 
     (f)(1)(C) of this section shall be--
       ``(i) deemed to be the State negotiated levels of 
     performance for purposes of this paragraph; and
       ``(ii) adjusted at the end of each program year to reflect 
     the actual characteristics of participants served and the 
     actual economic conditions experienced using a statistical 
     adjustment model similar to the model described in section 
     116(b)(3)(A)(viii).
       ``(B) Ineligibility for renewal.--A State, local area, or 
     consortium that is subject to such sanctions shall be 
     ineligible to renew its demonstration period under subsection 
     (c).
       ``(3) Impact of local or consortium demonstrations on 
     statewide accountability.--With respect to a State with an 
     approved demonstration project for a local area or consortium 
     of local areas in the State--
       ``(A) the performance of such local area or consortium for 
     the programs described in subparagraph (A) of the definition 
     of the term `core program provision' under section 3 shall 
     not be included in the levels of performance for such State 
     for any of such programs for purposes of section 116 for any 
     program year that is applicable to any year of the 
     demonstration period; and
       ``(B) with respect to any local areas of the State that are 
     not part of the demonstration project, the State shall reach 
     a new agreement with the Secretary, for purposes of section 
     116(b)(3)(A), on levels of performance for such programs for 
     such program years.
       ``(g) Termination.--Except as provided under subsection 
     (c)(1)(B), the Secretary may not approve a demonstration 
     project after December 31, 2030.''.

                 TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY

     SEC. 201. PURPOSE.

       Section 202 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3271) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(including digital 
     literacy skills)'' before ``necessary''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``English language 
     learners'' and inserting ``English learners''.

     SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 203 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3272) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``listen,'' after 
     ``write,'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); 
     and
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) develop and use digital literacy skills; and'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (17) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (18), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy 
     skills' means the skills associated with using existing and 
     emerging technologies to find, evaluate, organize, create, 
     communicate information, and to complete tasks.'';
       (4) in paragraph (5)(C) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
       ``(i) has foundational skills needs;''; and
       (B) in clause (iii), by striking ``English language 
     learner'' and inserting ``English learner'';
       (5) in paragraph (7)(A) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``English language learners'' and inserting ``English 
     learners'';
       (6) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in the paragraph header, by striking ``language''; and
       (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``English language learner'' and inserting ``English 
     learner'';
       (7) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) in paragraph 
     (10) (as so redesignated), by

[[Page H2220]]

     inserting ``and educational'' after ``the economic'';
       (8) in paragraph (13) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``English language learners'' and inserting 
     ``English learners''; and
       (B) by striking ``workforce training'' and inserting 
     ``skills development, preparation for postsecondary education 
     or employment, and financial literacy instruction''; and
       (9) in paragraph (14) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``and solve'' and inserting ``solve''; and
       (B) by inserting ``and use digital technology,'' after 
     ``problems,''.

     SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 206 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3275) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 206. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     title $751,042,100 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 
     2030.''.

     SEC. 204. SPECIAL RULE.

       Section 211(e)(3) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3291(e)(3)) is amended by striking 
     ``period described in section 3(45)'' and inserting ``period 
     described in subparagraph (B) of the definition of the term 
     `outlying area' in section 3''.

     SEC. 205. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

       Section 212 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3292) is amended by striking ``section 116.'' and 
     inserting ``section 116, except that the indicator described 
     in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i)(VI) of such section shall be 
     applied as if it were the percentage of program participants 
     who exited the program during the program year and completed 
     an integrated education and training program.''.

     SEC. 206. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.

       Section 222(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3302(b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Public availability of information on matching 
     funds.--Each eligible agency shall maintain, on a publicly 
     accessible website of such agency and in an easily accessible 
     format, information documenting the non-Federal contributions 
     made available to adult education and family literacy 
     programs pursuant to this subsection, including--
       ``(A) the sources of such contributions, except that in the 
     case of private contributions, names of the individuals or 
     entities providing such contributions may not be disclosed; 
     and
       ``(B) in the case of funds made available by a State or 
     outlying area, an explanation of how such funds are 
     distributed to eligible providers.''.

     SEC. 207. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

       Section 223(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3303(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``activities.'' and 
     inserting ``activities and the identification of 
     opportunities to coordinate with activities supported under 
     the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 
     2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) to expand integrated education 
     and training programs.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (C)--
       (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) assistance in reporting participant outcomes for the 
     performance accountability system described in section 212, 
     including facilitating partnerships with the appropriate 
     State entities to conduct matches with State administrative 
     data (such as wage records) to determine program performance 
     on the indicators of performance described in subclauses (I) 
     through (III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i).'';
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (F); 
     and
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) The development or identification (which may be done 
     in coordination with other States) of instructional materials 
     that--
       ``(i) are designed to meet the needs of adult learners and 
     English learners;
       ``(ii) to the extent practicable, are evidence-based; and
       ``(iii) will improve the instruction provided pursuant to 
     the local activities required under section 231(b).
       ``(E) The dissemination of instructional materials 
     described in subparagraph (D) to eligible providers to 
     improve the instruction provided pursuant to the local 
     activities required under section 231(b), including 
     instructional materials that--
       ``(i) were developed for integrated education and training 
     in an in-demand industry or occupation within the State; and
       ``(ii) lead to English language acquisition, a recognized 
     postsecondary credential, or both.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (I)(i)--
       (i) by striking ``mathematics, and English'' and inserting 
     ``mathematics, English''; and
       (ii) by striking ``acquisition;'' and inserting 
     ``acquisition, and digital literacy skills;'';
       (B) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``retention.'' and 
     inserting ``retention, such as the development and 
     maintenance of policies for awarding recognized postsecondary 
     credentials to adult educators who demonstrate effectiveness 
     at improving the achievement of adult students.'';
       (C) in subparagraph (K), by striking ``English language 
     learners,'' and inserting ``English learners,'';
       (D) by redesignating subparagraph (M) as subparagraph (P); 
     and
       (E) by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following:
       ``(M) Performance incentive payments to eligible providers, 
     including incentive payments linked to increased use of 
     integrated employment and training or other forms of 
     instruction linking adult education with the development of 
     occupational skills for an in-demand occupation in the State.
       ``(N) Strengthening the quality and effectiveness of adult 
     education and family literacy programs in the State through 
     support for program quality standards and accreditation 
     requirements.
       ``(O) Raising public awareness (including through public 
     service announcements, such as social media campaigns) about 
     career and technical education programs and community-based 
     organizations, and other endeavors focused on programs that 
     prepare individuals for in-demand industry sectors or 
     occupations.''.

     SEC. 208. PROGRAMS FOR CORRECTIONS EDUCATION AND OTHER 
                   INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS.

       Section 225 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3305)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (e) and (f), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Coordination.--Each eligible agency that is using 
     assistance provided under this section to carry out a program 
     for criminal offenders within a correctional institution 
     shall--
       ``(1) coordinate such educational programs with career and 
     technical education activities provided to individuals in 
     State institutions from funds reserved under section 
     112(a)(2)(A) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
     Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2322(a)(2)(A)); and
       ``(2) identify opportunities to develop integrated 
     education and training opportunities for such individuals.''.

     SEC. 209. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.

       Section 231 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3321) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by striking ``English language 
     learners'' and inserting ``English learners'';
       (B) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and'' at the end; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) uses instructional materials that are designed to 
     meet the needs of adult learners and English learners and are 
     evidence-based (to the extent practicable), which may 
     include, but shall not be required to include, the 
     instructional materials disseminated by the State under 
     section 223(a)(1)(D);''; and
       (C) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) by striking ``speaking,'' and inserting ``speaking and 
     listening,''; and
       (ii) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the 
     following: ``, which may include the application of the 
     principles of universal design for learning''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Cost Analysis.--In determining the amount of funds to 
     be awarded in grants or contracts under this section, the 
     eligible agency may consider the costs of providing learning 
     in context, including integrated education and training and 
     workplace adult education and literacy activities, and the 
     extent to which the eligible provider intends to serve 
     individuals using such activities, in order to align the 
     amount of funds awarded with such costs.''.

     SEC. 210. LOCAL APPLICATION.

       Section 232 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3322) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and coordinate with 
     the appropriate State entity'' after ``data'';
       (2) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
       ``(7) a description of how the eligible provider will 
     provide learning in context, including through partnerships 
     with employers to offer workplace adult education and 
     literacy activities and integrated education and training; 
     and''.

     SEC. 211. LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST LIMITS.

       Section 233(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3323(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``95'' and inserting 
     ``85''; and
       (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) of the remaining amount--
       ``(A) not more than 10 percent may be used for professional 
     development for adult educators; and
       ``(B) not more than 5 percent shall be used for planning, 
     administration (including carrying out the requirements of 
     section 116),

[[Page H2221]]

     professional development of administrative staff, and the 
     activities described in paragraphs (3) and (5) of section 
     232.''.

     SEC. 212. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

       Section 242 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (29 U.S.C. 3332) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``116;'' and 
     inserting ``116, including the dissemination of effective 
     practices used by States to use administrative data to 
     determine program performance and reduce the data collection 
     and reporting burden on eligible providers;'';
       (2) in paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(C)(vii)(I) of subsection 
     (c), by striking ``English language learners'' and inserting 
     ``English learners''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as subparagraph (I); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
       ``(G) developing and rigorously evaluating programs for the 
     preparation of effective adult educators and disseminating 
     the results of such evaluations;
       ``(H) carrying out initiatives to support the effectiveness 
     and impact of adult education, that States may adopt on a 
     voluntary basis, through--
       ``(i) the development and dissemination of staffing models 
     that prioritize demonstrated effectiveness and continuous 
     improvement in supporting the learning of adult students; and
       ``(ii) the evaluation and improvement of program quality 
     standards and accreditation requirements; and''.

     SEC. 213. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION.

       Section 243(c)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3333(c)(1)) is amended by striking 
     ``English language learners'' and inserting ``English 
     learners''.

                  TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS

     SEC. 301. AMENDMENTS TO THE WAGNER-PEYSER ACT.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 2(5) of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 
     U.S.C. 49a(5)) is amended by inserting ``the Commonwealth of 
     the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa,'' after 
     ``Guam,''.
       (b) Unemployment Compensation Law Requirement.--Section 
     5(b)(1) of such Act is amended by inserting ``the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American 
     Samoa,'' after ``Guam,''.
       (c) Allotments.--Section 6 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 49e) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``except for Guam'' and inserting ``except 
     for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
     and American Samoa'';
       (B) by striking ``first allot to Guam and the Virgin 
     Islands'' and inserting the following: ``first allot--
       ``(1) to Guam and the Virgin Islands'';
       (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) beginning with the first fiscal year for which the 
     total amount available for allotments under this section is 
     greater than the total amount available for allotments under 
     this section for fiscal year 2024, and for each succeeding 
     fiscal year, to each of the Commonwealth of the Northern 
     Mariana Islands and American Samoa, an amount which is equal 
     to one-half of the amount allotted to Guam under paragraph 
     (1) for such fiscal year.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(1), in the matter following 
     subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, the Commonwealth of the 
     Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa,'' after ``Guam''.
       (d) Use of Funds.--Section 7 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 49f) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``and referral to 
     employers'' and inserting ``referral to employers, and the 
     services described in section 134(c)(2)(A)(ii) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3174(c)(2)(A)(ii)) when provided by the employment service 
     office colocated with the one-stop delivery system''; and
       (2) in subsection (e), by inserting before the period at 
     the end the following: ``and in accordance with the 
     requirements of section 134(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3174(c)(2)(A)(i)(I))''.
       (e) Workforce and Labor Market Information System.--Section 
     15 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-2) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``timely manner'' and inserting ``manner that is as close to 
     real-time as practicable'';
       (ii) in clause (i), by striking ``part-time, and seasonal 
     workers'' and inserting ``part-time, contingent, and seasonal 
     workers, and workers engaged in alternative employment 
     arrangements'';
       (iii) by redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as clauses 
     (iv) and (v), respectively; and
       (iv) by inserting after clause (ii), the following:
       ``(iii) real-time trends in new and emerging occupational 
     roles, and in new and emerging skills by occupation and 
     industry, with particular attention paid to State and local 
     conditions;'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting ``(including, to 
     the extent practicable, real-time)'' after ``current''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``user-friendly manner 
     and'' and inserting ``manner that is available on-demand and 
     is user-friendly,'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)(F)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
     ``(including, to the extent practicable, provided in real 
     time);'';
       (B) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
       (C) by inserting after clause (i), as so amended, the 
     following:
       ``(ii) the capabilities of digital technology and modern 
     data collection approaches are effectively utilized; and''; 
     and
       (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
       ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
     $64,532,600 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 
     2030.''.

     SEC. 302. JOB TRAINING GRANTS.

       Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and 
     Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3224a) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Job Training Grants.--
       ``(1) Allotment.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the funds available under section 
     286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1356(s)(2)), the Secretary of Labor shall--
       ``(i) return permanently 12 percent of such amounts in each 
     fiscal year to the general fund of the Treasury; and
       ``(ii) of the remainder, make allotments to each State that 
     receives an allotment under section 132(b) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3172) for the 
     purpose of providing training services through individual 
     training accounts for eligible dislocated workers as 
     described in paragraph (2)(A).
       ``(B) Reservation; allotment among states.--
       ``(i) Reservation.--From the amount made available under 
     subparagraph (A)(ii) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     reserve not more than \1/4\ of 1 percent of such amount to 
     provide assistance to the outlying areas for the purpose 
     described in paragraph (2)(A).
       ``(ii) Allotment among states.--The Secretary shall use the 
     remainder of the amount made available under subparagraph 
     (A)(ii) for a fiscal year to make allotments to States 
     described in such subparagraph on the following basis:

       ``(I) 33 and \1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis 
     of the relative number of unemployed individuals in each such 
     State, compared to the total number of unemployed individuals 
     in all such States.
       ``(II) 33 and \1/3\ percent shall be allotted based on the 
     relative number of disadvantaged adults in each such State, 
     compared to the total number of disadvantaged adults in all 
     such States.
       ``(III) 33 and \1/3\ percent shall be allotted on the basis 
     of the relative number of individuals in the civilian labor 
     force in each such State, compared to the total number in the 
     civilian labor force in all such States.

       ``(iii) Disadvantaged adult defined.--For purposes of this 
     subparagraph and subparagraph (C), the term `disadvantaged 
     adult' has the meaning given such term in section 
     132(b)(1)(B)(v)(IV) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3172(b)(1)(B)(v)(IV)).
       ``(iv) Reallotment.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Secretary of Labor shall, in 
     accordance with this clause, reallot to eligible States 
     amounts that are made available to States from allotments 
     made under this subparagraph (referred to individually in 
     this subsection as a `State allotment') and that are 
     available for reallotment.
       ``(II) Amount.--The amount available for reallotment for a 
     program year is equal to the amount by which the unobligated 
     balance of the State allotment, at the end of the program 
     year prior to the program year for which the determination 
     under this subclause is made, exceeds 20 percent of such 
     allotment for the prior program year.
       ``(III) Reallotment.--In making reallotments to eligible 
     States of amounts available pursuant to subclause (II) for a 
     program year, the Secretary shall allot to each eligible 
     State an amount based on the relative amount of the State 
     allotment for the program year for which the determination is 
     made, as compared to the total amount of the State allotments 
     for all eligible States for such program year.
       ``(IV) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, an 
     eligible State means a State that does not have an amount 
     available for reallotment under subclause (II) for the 
     program year for which the determination under subclause (II) 
     is made.

       ``(C) Within state allocations.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Governor shall allocate the funds 
     allotted to the State under subparagraph (B)(ii) for a fiscal 
     year to the local areas in the State on the following basis:

       ``(I) 33 and \1/3\ percent of the funds on the basis 
     described in subparagraph (B)(ii)(I).
       ``(II) 33 and \1/3\ percent of the funds on the basis 
     described in subparagraph (B)(ii)(II).
       ``(III) 33 and \1/3\ percent of the funds on the basis 
     described in subparagraph (B)(ii)(III).

       ``(ii) Application.--For purposes of carrying out clause 
     (i)--

       ``(I) references in subparagraph (B)(ii) to a State shall 
     be deemed to be references to a local area; and

[[Page H2222]]

       ``(II) references in subparagraph (B)(ii) to all States 
     shall be deemed to be references to all local areas in the 
     State involved.

       ``(iii) Reallocation among local areas.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Governor may, in accordance with 
     this clause and after consultation with the State board, 
     reallocate to eligible local areas within the State amounts 
     that are made available to local areas from allocations made 
     under this subparagraph (referred to individually in this 
     subsection as a `local allocation') and that are available 
     for reallocation.
       ``(II) Amount.--The amount available for reallocation for a 
     program year is equal to the amount by which the unobligated 
     balance of the local allocation, at the end of the program 
     year prior to the program year for which the determination 
     under this subclause is made, exceeds 20 percent of such 
     allocation for the prior program year.
       ``(III) Reallocation.--In making reallocations to eligible 
     local areas of amounts available pursuant to subclause (II) 
     for a program year, the Governor shall allocate to each 
     eligible local area within the State an amount based on the 
     relative amount of the local allocation for the program year 
     for which the determination is made, as compared to the total 
     amount of the local allocations for all eligible local areas 
     in the State for such program year.
       ``(IV) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, an 
     eligible local area means a local area that does not have an 
     amount available for reallotment under subclause (II) for the 
     program year for which the determination under subclause (II) 
     is made.

       ``(2) Use of funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--Funds allocated pursuant to paragraph 
     (1) to a local area shall be used to pay, through the use of 
     an individual training account in the accordance with section 
     134(c)(3)(F)(iii) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)(F)(iii)), an eligible provider of 
     training services from the list of eligible providers of 
     training services described in section 122(d) of such Act (29 
     U.S.C. 3152(d)) for training services provided to eligible 
     dislocated workers in the local area.
       ``(B) Requirements for local areas.--As a condition of 
     receipt of funds under paragraph (1), a local area shall 
     agree to each of the following:
       ``(i) Required notice to workers.--Prior to an eligible 
     dislocated worker selecting a program of training services 
     from 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)), the local area shall 
     inform such dislocated worker of any opportunities the 
     dislocated worker may have to participate in on-the-job 
     training or employer-directed skills development funded 
     through such local area.
       ``(ii) Amounts available.--Except as provided in clause 
     (iv)(II), a local area--

       ``(I) may not limit the maximum amount available for an 
     individual training account for an eligible dislocated worker 
     under subparagraph (A) to an amount that is less than $5,000; 
     and
       ``(II) may not pay an amount, through the use of an 
     individual training account under subparagraph (A), for 
     training services provided to an eligible dislocated worker 
     that exceeds the costs of such services.

       ``(iii) WIOA funds.--A local area may not use funds made 
     available to the local area for a fiscal year pursuant to 
     section 134(c)(1)(B) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)(B)) to make payments 
     under subparagraph (A) until the funds allocated to the local 
     area pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection for such 
     fiscal year have been exhausted.
       ``(iv) Exhaustion of allocations.--Upon the exhaustion of 
     the funds allocated to the local area pursuant to paragraph 
     (1) of this subsection, for the purpose of paying, through 
     the use of individual training accounts under subparagraph 
     (A), the costs of training services for eligible dislocated 
     workers in the local area seeking such services, the local 
     area--

       ``(I) shall use any funds made available to the local area 
     pursuant to section 134(c)(1)(B) of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)(B)) to pay for such 
     costs under subparagraph (A) (other than any costs that 
     exceed the limit set by the local area pursuant to subclause 
     (II)); and
       ``(II) for any eligible dislocated worker who is not a low-
     income individual, may limit the maximum amount available for 
     the individual training account under subparagraph (A) for 
     such worker to an amount that is less than $5,000.

       ``(3) Eligible dislocated worker.--A dislocated worker 
     shall be an eligible dislocated worker for purposes of this 
     subsection if the dislocated worker--
       ``(A) meets the requirements under section 134(c)(3)(A)(i) 
     of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3174(c)(3)(A)(i)) to be eligible for training services;
       ``(B) has not received training services through an 
     individual training account under this subsection or under 
     section 134(c)(3)(F)(iii) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)(F)(iii)) during the 
     preceding 5-year period or, if such a worker has received 
     such training services during such period, the worker has 
     been granted an exception by the local area due to an 
     exceptional circumstance, as determined by the local area; 
     and
       ``(C) is not subject to any limitations established by the 
     local area or State involved pursuant to paragraph (4), which 
     would disqualify such dislocated worker from being an 
     eligible dislocated worker under this subsection.
       ``(4) State or local area limitations.--A State or local 
     area may establish limitations on the eligibility of an 
     otherwise eligible dislocated worker who has previously 
     received training services through an individual training 
     account under this subsection or under section 
     134(c)(3)(F)(iii) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)(F)(iii)) to receive a subsequent 
     individual training account under this subsection.
       ``(5) Excess demand.--Upon the exhaustion of the funds 
     allocated to a local area pursuant to paragraph (1) of this 
     subsection and any funds that may be available to such local 
     area pursuant to section 134(c)(1)(B) of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)(B)) for 
     the purpose described in paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection, 
     the local area--
       ``(A) may request additional funds for such purpose from 
     the Governor under section 134(a)(2)(A)(i)(III) of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3174(a)(2)(A)(i)(III)); and
       ``(B) shall not be required to pay for training services or 
     establish an individual training account for an eligible 
     dislocated worker.
       ``(6) Definitions.--Except as otherwise specified, a term 
     used in this subsection shall have the meaning given such 
     term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
     Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
       ``(7) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     shall be construed to provide an individual with an 
     entitlement to a service under this subsection or under title 
     I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
     3111 et seq.) or to mandate a State or local area to provide 
     a service if Federal funds are not available for such 
     service.''.

     SEC. 303. ACCESS TO NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF NEW HIRES.

       Section 453(j)(8) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     653(j)(8)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) by inserting ``or conducting the reporting and 
     evaluation activities required under section 116 of the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141)'' 
     after ``State law''; and
       (B) by striking ``such program'' and inserting ``such 
     programs'' ; and
       (2) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``purposes of 
     administering a program referred to'' and inserting ``the 
     purposes specified''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from North Carolina.


                             General Leave

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
to include extraneous material on H.R. 6655.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of A Stronger Workforce for 
America Act.
  I thank Ranking Member  Bobby Scott for his bipartisan work on behalf 
of America's workforce without which this bill would not be on the 
floor today.
  Bobby and I decided on day one that while we will not always agree on 
every issue, we will work diligently in the areas in which we find 
common ground. It is safe to say we agree that workforce development is 
too important an issue not to get something done.

                              {time}  1715

  I thank each and every member of the Committee on Education and the 
Workforce. Due to their efforts, we were able to pass the bill through 
the committee on a wide, bipartisan vote. Now it is the turn of the 
full House.
  Mr. Speaker, A Stronger Workforce for America Act owes its bipartisan 
appeal to two main features: its principles and its promises.
  The principles of this bill are firmly rooted in increased 
efficiency, innovation, and accountability in the workforce.
  A Stronger Workforce for America Act will bolster the efficiency of 
the workforce system by dedicating 50 percent of funding to upskilling 
workers. Skills are becoming the currency of the labor market and the 
key to unlocking career success, yet too few of the taxpayer dollars 
provided to the

[[Page H2223]]

workforce system currently are being spent developing the skills of our 
workforce. By elevating skills development, this bill will deliver more 
opportunities for Americans to prepare for good-paying jobs.
  Moreover, this bill gives States more flexibility to innovate and to 
support employer-led initiatives. Empowering States and employers is 
the best way to ensure the workforce system is nimble and adaptive in 
the modern economy.
  Also, it will enhance the performance accountability system in the 
law that has suffered from nearly a decade of delayed implementation 
and low expectations, meaning States and local workforce boards will 
truly be held accountable for the labor market outcomes they produce.
  Efficiency, innovation, and accountability are the shared bipartisan 
principles A Stronger Workforce for America Act rests on.
  Now for the promises: A Stronger Workforce for America Act is a bill 
for those who believe in the incredible, boundless potential of the 
American workforce.
  This is the American workforce that smelted the steel that built the 
engine that propelled man to the Moon in a Saturn V rocket. This is the 
American workforce that has repeatedly dropped its tools and its 
livelihoods on a moment's notice to go fight in service to our country. 
This is the American workforce that put the world in our pocket when it 
created the iPhone, a transformational tool that has revolutionized the 
way we communicate and that has enabled drones, smart homes, self-
driving cars, and more.
  It is our constant duty and our promise never to forget, neglect, or 
discount the American workforce. American workers built this great 
Nation. They deserve nothing but the best opportunity to succeed as 
rapid changes in the modern economy necessitate new skills in order to 
keep pace.
  Therefore, the legislation before us today should be seen in that 
light. It is a promise that as the economy changes, we will always 
ensure that workers have an opportunity to gain the right skills for 
the job.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of A Stronger Workforce for 
America Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for 
America Act.
  Workers who are looking for higher paying careers and businesses 
looking for skilled workers should be able to rely on our workforce 
development system. Unfortunately, decades of chronic disinvestment and 
lax quality standards in our workforce system have contributed to 
unsustainable out-of-pocket costs for both workers and employers.
  I thank Ms. Foxx for her bipartisan cooperation in drafting the 
legislation.
  This bill makes an array of critical improvements to the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, in that it will improve our 
workforce development system for everyone. It will help create a 
skilled workforce for the millions of new jobs created under the 
American Rescue Plan Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the bipartisan 
infrastructure law, and the Chips and Science Act.
  Specifically, this bill will ensure that workers displaced from their 
jobs can access robust development services, including through 
individual training accounts by guaranteeing that they will receive a 
training voucher for no less than $5,000. This kind of investment will 
ensure displaced workers can pay for training in jobs that lead to 
high-quality, good-paying careers like welding or nursing, among many 
others.
  It also creates an emphasis on employer-led initiatives that equip 
workers with the skill sets they need to fill jobs in critical 
industries, and it helps the currently employed workforce upskill to 
avoid displacement and advance their careers.
  Moreover, it will serve individuals with barriers to employment by 
codifying reentry programs for justice-involved individuals and 
boosting summer and year-round employment opportunities for youth, 
especially those who have become disconnected from school and work 
after the pandemic.
  Finally, it streamlines the eligible training provider list to ensure 
that programs are aligned with the skills and hiring demands and that 
State and local workforce boards are held accountable for achieving 
positive outcomes for program participants.
  In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support the A Stronger 
Workforce for America Act because it will create more opportunities for 
working Americans to gain a foothold in the middle class.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), who is the chair of the Agriculture 
Committee.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for 
her leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in strong support of the A 
Stronger Workforce for America Act, which will strengthen the Federal 
workforce system and increase access to high-quality and in-demand jobs 
nationwide.

  WIOA was successful in many respects, including supporting 
educational services to help adults develop basic skills and providing 
funding for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with 
disabilities. However, additional reforms are needed to respond to the 
challenges employers face in filling millions of open jobs nationwide.
  I am particularly pleased to see additional funding directed toward 
upskilling incumbent workers, including giving States new tools through 
the critical industry skills fund to help employers upskill, hire, and 
retain workers in critical industries.
  I am also pleased to see additional emphasis on digital literacy 
within this legislation, as we all know that these skills are necessary 
to succeed today.
  Together, these reforms will ensure workers remain relevant for the 
rapidly changing 21st century economy.
  As the co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education 
Caucus, I am grateful to see better alignment for State activities 
authorized through Perkins. This coordination will allow for expanded 
integrated education and training programs, assistance to providers in 
reporting participant outcomes, and additional materials to meet the 
needs of adult and English learners.
  Additionally, local workforce development agencies will now be able 
to relocate one-stop centers to CTE schools, creating a true hub for 
skills development.
  Finally, I am pleased to see my bipartisan legislation, the Creating 
Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act, included in this legislation. 
This will bolster career counseling programs and allow for public 
outreach to educate Americans on the many opportunities the workforce 
system can provide them. Together, these provisions fuel innovation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record two 
letters. One is from the American Association of Community Colleges and 
the Association of Community College Trustees, and the other letter is 
from the Society for Human Resource Management, better known as SHRM.

                                                              AACC


                                                         ACCT,

                                                    April 8, 2024.
     Hon. Virginia Foxx,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Education and the Workforce, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Bobby Scott,
     Ranking Member, Committee on Education and the Workforce, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott: We write on 
     behalf of the nation's community colleges and their more than 
     10 million students to state our support for A Stronger 
     Workforce for America Act (ASWAA), which we hope will be 
     considered by the full House soon. This bill will help our 
     current and future students better participate in our 
     economy, enabling them to generate family-sustaining wages. 
     We thank the committee for the many hours of work that 
     produced this bipartisan measure.
       ASWAA builds on 25 years of experience with the federal 
     workforce system that was overhauled in 1998. AACC and ACCT 
     remain focused on ensuring that the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (WIOA) facilitates full participation of 
     community colleges in the workforce system, a goal that 
     unfortunately has not yet been attained.
       This bill helps make the WIOA reporting requirements more 
     realistic, a longstanding

[[Page H2224]]

     community college goal. It streamlines the process for adding 
     programs to the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), 
     including making qualified Workforce Pell programs 
     automatically eligible for the ETPL. Other ETPL revisions 
     will help ensure program quality and clarify that the data to 
     comply with these requirements come from state-level sources.
       We endorse the bill's increased emphasis on training, which 
     is a longstanding priority of community colleges, reflected 
     in a requirement that local areas spend at least 50 percent 
     of funds on skills development. Dedicating H-1B revenues that 
     provides for the creation of mandatory-funded $5,000 
     Individual Training Accounts is also a major improvement. 
     These two provisions, along with other aspects of the 
     legislation, should greatly increase WIOA's support of 
     workforce education. There is one area where we wish the bill 
     would go further and that is in ensuring that the increased 
     focus on training education went hand in hand with an 
     increased emphasis of supports that participants will need, 
     and which is key to successful completion of workforce 
     programs.
       Community colleges particularly applaud the authorization 
     of the Strengthening Community College Workforce Development 
     Grant program, modeled on a highly successful program now in 
     its fourth year of competition. This program helps community 
     colleges enhance workforce education offerings in areas of 
     great demand, working in close cooperation with the private 
     sector. We urge the consideration of higher authorization 
     levels for this program and the rest of the Act as a forceful 
     signal of support for continued growth over time.
       We thank you again for your leadership on this bipartisan 
     legislation that is of such great importance and has a 
     positive impact on our students and the nation's economic 
     health. We look forward to working with you as the 
     legislation moves towards enactment in the 118th Congress.
           Sincerely,

                                     Walter G. Bumphus, Ph.D.,

                                                President and CEO,
                       American Association of Community Colleges.

                                                 Jee Hang Lee,

                                                President and CEO,
     Association of Community College Trustees.
                                  ____



                                                         SHRM,

                                                    April 5, 2024.
     Re SHRM Letter of Support for the Reauthorization of WIOA.

     Chairwoman Virginia Foxx,
     Committee on Education and the Workforce,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Ranking Member Bobby Scott,
     Committee on Education and the Workforce,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott: SHRM is the 
     global association representing over 340,000+ human resources 
     professionals and executives. Our members are the strategists 
     and catalysts in our workplace, ensuring workers and 
     workplaces have the skills to be competitive in the global 
     economy. SHRM strongly supports H.R. 6655, A Stronger 
     Workforce for America Act, critical legislation that 
     modernizes the nation's workforce development system.
       SHRM is encouraged by the bipartisan effort to reauthorize 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). H.R. 
     6655 is a significant step toward strengthening America's 
     workforce and ensuring its long-term global competitiveness. 
     It wisely invests in our future, supporting strong and 
     inclusive talent pipelines, including opportunities for 
     untapped talent pools. Engaging untapped talent--older 
     workers, individuals with disabilities, opportunity youth, 
     veterans, military spouses and caregivers, and individuals 
     with a criminal record--is essential to fostering a more 
     productive and engaged workforce.
       A Stronger Workforce for America Act presents an 
     opportunity to align education and development programs with 
     current industry demands. This will equip individuals with 
     the skills and certifications businesses seek, leading to 
     more robust talent pipelines and expanded candidate pools. 
     Ultimately, businesses gain access to a more skilled 
     workforce while workers receive educational opportunities 
     that will allow them to compete in today's workforce. SHRM is 
     committed to promoting a skilled and adaptable workforce, and 
     WIOA reauthorization aligns with this mission.
       Furthermore, WIOA reauthorization allows us to advocate for 
     programs encouraging upskilling and reskilling throughout a 
     worker's career. This ensures workers remain competitive in 
     the ever-evolving job market. Additionally, reauthorization 
     can strengthen employer engagement by fostering stronger 
     partnerships between workforce development agencies and 
     businesses. This collaboration gives businesses a say in 
     program design, ensuring it directly addresses their talent 
     needs.
       SHRM strongly supports H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act, which is critical legislation to fortify the 
     workforce development system. The widely bipartisan effort to 
     reauthorize WIOA is a significant stride towards bolstering 
     America's global competitiveness. Strategic investments in 
     inclusive talent pipelines and aligning education and 
     development programs with industry demands, H.R. 6655 
     promises to mutually benefit businesses and workers, and we 
     urge its swift passage.
       SHRM is committed to ensuring our workers and workplaces 
     are globally competitive. We invite collaboration and offer 
     our resources and insights to Congress to address our 
     workforce needs. Please consider SHRM a trusted partner to 
     seize this opportunity and cultivate a stronger, more 
     resilient workforce for the sustained prosperity of our 
     nation.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Emily M. Dickens,
                        Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs.

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney).
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Scott for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan A Stronger 
Workforce for America Act, which makes critical improvements to 
America's job training laws that will close the skills gap, strengthen 
the relationship between employers and the local labor market, and put 
more Americans on the pathway to successful careers.
  I congratulate Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott for their 
bipartisan collaboration to bring this bill to the floor, defying all 
the negative conventional wisdom about this place because this is a 
really critical program at a time when our U.S. economy has 9 million 
job openings.
  My district in eastern Connecticut is the fastest growing labor 
market in our State and the second fastest in New England. The Federal 
job training program that we are discussing here today has been a huge 
contributor to that growth.
  Back in 2015, I hosted then-Labor Secretary Tom Perez at Electric 
Boat's shipyard to meet with our local WIOA workforce board to discuss 
the looming need for shipbuilding skills to meet the sharply increased 
demand by the U.S. Navy for submarine construction.
  Mr. Speaker, 5 months later, in September 2015, the Manufacturing 
Pipeline Initiative program was launched using a $6 million WIOA grant 
by the U.S. Department of Labor. Since its establishment in 2016, 
nearly 3,500 workers in eastern Connecticut have been hired from the 
WIOA-funded pipeline to high-quality careers in the Electric Boat 
shipyard.
  As you can see from this chart, Mr. Speaker, starting in 2016, there 
has been steady growth. There was a little dip during COVID, but last 
year, 945 graduates from their pre-apprenticeship program left the WIOA 
classes to begin their careers in the metal trades.
  Because of this highly successful training pipeline, EB has had the 
workforce to meet the growing build rate that it continues to this day. 
Two months ago, EB announced that their target for 2024 is to hire 
5,300 workers to, again, meet the needs for the Virginia program and 
the Columbia program.
  Mr. Speaker, we need pre-apprenticeship programs like the 
manufacturing pipeline to fill those 9 million job openings in the U.S. 
economy. This bill will do just that by, number one, ensuring that more 
WIOA dollars are going directly to upskilling workers and on-the-job 
learning, streamlining the eligible training provider list to ensure 
that they are delivering good outcomes and are aligned with the skill 
and hiring needs of employers, and strengthening the workforce 
education programs at community colleges to make sure that they align 
with in-demand jobs by emphasizing programs with industry partnerships, 
providing more flexibility to one-stop operators to expand access to 
support services for trainees who need assistance during these 8-week 
classes for electricians, 10 weeks for welders, with transportation, 
childcare, or other essentials to ensure that they can successfully 
focus on their curriculum and complete their job training program.
  Mr. Speaker, this is not just a program for young adults. It is also 
a program that helps workers of all ages.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the American 
Association of Retired Persons in support of this legislation, H.R. 
6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act.


                                                         AARP,

                                                    April 4, 2024.
     Hon. Mike Johnson,
     Speaker, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Hakeem Jeffries,
     Democratic Leader, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: AARP, which 
     advocates for the more than 100 million Americans age 50 and 
     older, writes in support of H.R. 6655, A

[[Page H2225]]

     Stronger Workforce for America Act. This bipartisan 
     legislation modernizes the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs to better align with the 
     current labor market while strengthening accountability to 
     ensure the programs provide adequate job training and career 
     services to help older job seekers.
       In a tight labor market, older job seekers continue to face 
     long-term unemployment at a greater rate than their younger 
     counterparts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' employment data 
     for February 2024 finds that 24.9 percent of job seekers age 
     55 and older were long-term unemployed compared to 17.2 
     percent of those ages 16 to 54. The WIOA programs are 
     essential for helping these older job seekers remain in the 
     workforce, which helps their long-term financial security.
       H.R. 6655 provides greater flexibility in designing job 
     training for older workers that considers their existing 
     skills and past work experience. It offers training and 
     resources to encourage entrepreneurship and nontraditional 
     employment, which is especially attractive to many older 
     workers interested in options beyond traditional wage and 
     salaried positions. As work requirements continue to change 
     and the use of technology increases in the workforce, we are 
     pleased this bill provides training in digital literacy and 
     information technology for older workers. Additionally, 
     increasing accountability through performance reporting based 
     on race, ethnicity, sex, and age will help determine if the 
     WIOA programs are adequately assisting older individuals who 
     want to re-enter or remain in the workforce.
       AARP urges Congress to pass H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce 
     for America Act, as it will strengthen our nation's workforce 
     by providing older workers with the assistance they need to 
     continue working, improving their financial security. If you 
     have questions, please feel free to contact me or have your 
     staff contact Holly Biglow on our Government Affairs team.

           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Sweeney,
                        Senior Vice President, Government Affairs.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, again, I urge all of my colleagues to 
support this legislation, which, at this moment in our economy, is so 
critically needed.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Walberg).
  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6655, A Stronger 
Workforce for America Act, and express great appreciation to Chairwoman 
Foxx and Ranking Member Scott for moving this forward.
  In 2014, I was proud to work with my colleagues on the Education and 
the Workforce Committee to pass the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act, WIOA, that made critical improvements to streamline 
the maze of Federal workforce development programs. At its core, the 
WIOA aims to connect people with the skills they need to be competitive 
in the modern workforce.
  In our rapidly evolving world, the landscape of the workforce is 
constantly changing, as it should. Technological advancements, 
globalization, and shifting market trends mean that the skills needed 
today might not be the same as those required tomorrow. To thrive in 
this dynamic environment, it is imperative that individuals have the 
necessary skills and development opportunities that are aligned with 
the needs of local industries.
  The bill we are considering today strengthens the law to further fuel 
innovation for a skills-based economy. A Stronger Workforce for America 
Act makes reforms to WIOA that will increase the amount of skills 
development provided under the law, strengthen the connections between 
employers and the workforce system, and streamline bureaucracy.
  The bill also gives Governors a new tool to address the economic 
priorities of their States, allowing them to set aside additional funds 
for a critical industry skills fund to help employers upskill, hire, 
and retain workers in priority industries.
  These critical reforms will equip America's workers with the skills 
to succeed in the modern economy.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan 
legislation to build a stronger American workforce.

                              {time}  1730

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may 
consume to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes), the vice 
ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
  Mrs. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
legislation, which would reauthorize workforce development programs.
  Right now in Connecticut, there are 119,000 young people disconnected 
from school or work. These could be students who dropped out of school 
during the pandemic, are involved in foster care, or have become 
homeless.
  YouthBuild programs in Connecticut and across the country help these 
opportunity youth complete their education and develop in-demand 
skills. I am also pleased to see that my legislation, the YouthBuild 
for the Future Act, was included in this bill, which provides 
opportunities for young people.
  My legislation would allow YouthBuild programs to fund meals for 
participants, ensuring that no one has to choose between finding food 
and completing the program. This bipartisan legislation creates a 
workforce system that is more responsive to employer needs and puts 
more Americans on the pathway to a successful career.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter in support of H.R. 6655 
from LinkedIn.

                                                     Linkedin,

                                                December 11, 2023.
     Hon. Virginia Foxx,
     Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott,
     Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott: LinkedIn is 
     pleased to support H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act, and applauds your bipartisan commitment to 
     strengthen the value and impact of programs currently 
     authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
     (WIOA).
       We are particularly pleased the legislation puts a skills-
     first approach at the forefront of workforce development 
     systems. Current methods of finding talent often exclude 
     large swaths of talent: workers who may have the capabilities 
     that businesses are looking for, but don't have traditionally 
     accepted experience or credentials. A skills-first approach 
     increases opportunities for workers in the U.S. while 
     ensuring critical parts of our economy are staffed. Skills-
     first hiring could lead to a nearly 20-times increase in 
     qualified candidates here in the U.S., where nearly 70 
     percent of jobs require a bachelor's degree but only 37 
     percent of the workforce have one. We explored this approach 
     in detail in our April report Skills-First: Reimagining the 
     Labor Market and Breaking Down Barriers, and within the 
     testimony of our Chief Economist, Dr. Karin Kimbrough, at the 
     House Education and Workforce Committee's hearing on 
     ``Competencies Over Degrees: Transitioning to a Skills-Based 
     Economy'' in June.
       We're proud to have recommended a number of provisions in 
     our work with the Committee that can expand talent pools and 
     get more Americans to work. Specifically, this includes 
     language to allow both State and local funds to be used to 
     carry out technical assistance for the use and validation of 
     employment assessments as well as the creation of skills-
     based job descriptions. This support, which may be provided 
     through a variety of intermediaries, is critical to help 
     employers who are often interested in implementing skills-
     based hiring but do not have the tools and resources to do 
     so.
       Linkedln is also a strong supporter of leveraging the skill 
     assessments currently required under WIOA. We are pleased to 
     see the expansion of career services to support competency-
     based assessments that leverage prior work experience, 
     military service, and education to accelerate time to 
     employment. Furthermore, we support funds being used by 
     States (including in partnership with other States) for the 
     development and implementation of new skill assessments.
       We are excited to see that the majority of funds will go 
     toward individual training accounts and employer-driven 
     training, alongside increases to the current caps on 
     incumbent worker training for new streams of funding at the 
     State and local levels, which will support employer-driven 
     upskilling.
       Finally, we have advocated for sector partnerships in 
     carrying out work-based learning opportunities, which are 
     also included in the bin. This provides new opportunities for 
     the creation of a fund to support performance-based payments 
     to employers and sector partnerships, to support new or 
     existing employees in upleveling skills for in-demand 
     industries and occupations.
       A Stronger Workforce for America Act is a significant step 
     forward to transform how we prepare the U.S. workforce for 
     the jobs of the future and more efficiently and equitably 
     match talent to opportunity.
       We applaud your bipartisanship on this issue and look 
     forward to continuing our work with you to advance this 
     legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Blake Lawit,
                        Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

  Mrs. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 
bipartisan bill, which will help youth get back on the right track.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Allen).
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina 
and our chairman of the Committee on

[[Page H2226]]

Education and the Workforce for giving me this opportunity to rise in 
support of H.R. 6655, the bipartisan A Stronger Workforce for America 
Act.
  Having built a small business from the ground up, I have experienced 
firsthand just how hard it can be to find skilled and qualified 
workers. As I traveled the 12th District of Georgia, the number one 
issue I hear about from businessowners and job creators is workforce 
development.
  That is why, with nearly 9 million unfilled jobs across the Nation, 
it is imperative we move past the status quo and recognize that many 
good-paying jobs do not require a traditional 4-year college degree.
  H.R. 6655 will make much-needed improvements to the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act to ensure Federal dollars are dedicated 
to upskilling the workforce and making the shift to skills-based 
hiring.
  Additionally, I am proud that provisions from my Startup Act were 
included in this critical legislation to incorporate entrepreneurial 
skills development training into the current workforce development 
system.
  One of the greatest honors of my life has been the ability to provide 
hardworking Americans with the dignity and respect that comes from 
gainful employment and the means to provide for their families, their 
communities, their church, and this Nation.
  The traditional working family is the greatest economic engine ever 
created. By bridging the gap between the education and business 
communities, we can equip our workforce with the tools needed to spark 
innovation, spur economic growth, and achieve the American Dream.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bipartisan A Stronger Workforce 
for America Act.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I recognize the fact that we received a letter from ITI 
in support of the legislation, the Information Technology Industry 
Council.
  They point out that the bill will help many workers obtain the skills 
needed for today's jobs by increasing the cap on incumbent worker 
training funds to allow the current workforce to reskill and upskill 
and directs 50 percent of the funds toward workforce skill education 
through the individual training accounts, on-the-job training and 
employer-led initiatives, as well as including digital literacy skills, 
which play a pivotal role in today's jobs.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from ITI.

                                                          ITI,

                                                    April 8, 2024.
     Hon. Mike Johnson,
     Speaker, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Hakeem Jeffries,
     Democratic Leader, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: I write to you on 
     behalf of The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), 
     the premier global advocate for technology, representing 
     eighty of the world's most innovative companies. Founded in 
     1916, ITI is an international trade association with a team 
     of professionals on four continents. We promote public 
     policies and industry standards that advance competition and 
     innovation worldwide. The world's most innovative companies 
     depend on the skills of highly trained workers. Finding 
     qualified individuals to fill those jobs is a challenge. For 
     the United States' economy to remain competitive, it is 
     important to have a qualified, skilled workforce to meet the 
     demands of today's jobs.
       I write to express our support for the bipartisan H.R. 6655 
     A Stronger Workforce for America Act led by Chairwoman 
     Virginia Foxx (R-NC-05) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA-
     03). The legislation is thoughtfully crafted as it addresses 
     the need for Americans to have greater access to skills 
     training and education for advancing in their careers. The 
     legislation is timely as it has been nearly 10 years since 
     the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was 
     enacted, and today's workforce needs have grown and evolved 
     significantly since that time. H.R. 6655 would help many 
     workers obtain the skills needed for today's jobs by 
     increasing the cap on `incumbent worker training' funds to 
     allow more of the current workforce to reskill and upskill, 
     directing 50 percent of funds toward workforce skilling 
     education through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs), on-
     the-job training, and employer-led initiatives, as well as 
     including digital literacy skills which play a pivotal role 
     in today's jobs.
       We applaud the bipartisan leadership that has gone into 
     passing this legislation through the committee and we urge 
     its swift passage through the House. Thank you in advance for 
     your consideration and commitment to addressing the United 
     States' workforce needs.
           Sincerely,

                                                  Jason Oxman,

                                   President and CEO, Information 
                                Technology Industry Council (ITI).

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker).
  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act.
  I was very pleased to see this move out of the Education and the 
Workforce Committee in a bipartisan manner. I congratulate Ranking 
Member Scott and Chairwoman Foxx for putting this bill on the floor 
today.
  This bill is a big priority not only of mine, but for the district 
that I represent, for employers in the district there, and will help 
many workers achieve a better life through connection with a great job 
and a great career.
  Mr. Speaker, I mention several things in the bill that are important 
to my constituents. One, reducing red tape to help qualified training 
providers have access to the Eligible Training Provider List, through 
which they can receive WIOA funding.
  Additionally, this bill includes significant portions of my 
bipartisan bill to codify and strengthen the reentry program, which 
helps those exiting the justice system find stable employment and 
reintegrate into their communities.
  The bill before us today also includes a piece of legislation that I 
co-led with Mr. Moran of Texas, which allows in-school youth to access 
individualized training accounts, through which they can participate in 
training programs and get a jump start on their careers.
  Finally, H.R. 6655 clarifies that online training providers are 
eligible to participate in WIOA, as long as they meet rigorous outcome 
requirements.
  The A Stronger Workforce for America Act includes meaningful reforms 
that will make the WIOA system more impactful and would develop a new 
generation of workers who can meet the economic needs of our 
communities.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Utah (Mr. Owens), chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce 
Development Subcommittee.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the A Stronger Workforce 
for America Act.
  The original Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WIOA, was 
created to enhance our country's workforce development by streamlining 
a complex Federal program.
  Unfortunately, it has not proved efficient. We all know that the 
economy is presently in bad shape. Employers continue to struggle to 
fill open positions. America needs an upskilled and reskilled workforce 
to compete in a constantly changing world.
  WIOA was supposed to tackle this issue. To do so requires reform. A 
Stronger Workforce for America Act does just that. It works to upskill 
our workforce and puts employers in the driver's seat. It also gives 
State and local workforce boards a real opportunity to innovate within 
their systems, to include my One Door to Work Act.
  This legislation, which duplicates the successful Utah model, 
encourages integration of workforce and safety net programs to create 
one door that will lift workers out of poverty into careers.
  Though innovation is a word included in the name WIOA, in practice, 
it is lacking. The One Door to Work Act language allows innovation to 
be part of the WIOA. It empowers State and local leaders to innovate in 
pursuit of better outcomes. Innovation leads our Nation forward. We 
need to embrace that in WIOA and pass A Stronger Workforce for America 
Act.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I recognize the letter that we received from the 
California Youth Opportunity Network.
  They say: ``This reauthorization will improve numerous training 
services, planning, and outcomes for opportunity youth, and we 
respectfully urge

[[Page H2227]]

timely consideration of this bipartisan legislation on the floor of the 
House.''
  They go on to say: ``We should not be turning away a young person 
trying to work toward a better future because of paperwork. For this 
reason, we are also extremely supportive of the provision which 
streamlines the eligibility determination process.''
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from COYN of April 1, 
2024.

                                                    April 1, 2024.
     Hon. Virginia Foxx,
     Chairwoman, House Committee on Education and Workforce, 
         Washington, D.C.
     Hon. Bobby Scott,
     Ranking Member, House Committee on Education and Workforce, 
         Washington, D.C.
       Dear Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott: We write to 
     express our support for passage of H.R. 6655, A Stronger 
     Workforce for America Act to reauthorize the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through the US House of 
     Representatives. WIOA is critical for organizations like the 
     California Opportunity Youth Network (COYN) and New Ways to 
     Work (NWW) to help disconnected youth achieve self-sufficient 
     and successful career outcomes. This reauthorization will 
     improve numerous training services, planning, and outcomes 
     for Opportunity Youth and we respectfully urge timely 
     consideration of this bipartisan legislation on the floor of 
     the House. We also urge your commitment to ensure adequate 
     resources are authorized and appropriated in the future to 
     meet demands for services and resources can more efficiently 
     be used.
       COYN and NWW are committed to advancing opportunities for 
     youth who are out of school and out of work and/or involved 
     with the foster care, juvenile justice, and youth 
     homelessness systems. That's why we are pleased to see 
     language in the new WIOA reauthorization bill that broadens 
     WIOA Youth Program eligibility to include all out-of-school, 
     homeless, foster, and justice system-impacted youth. These 
     are young people we know through research will face barriers 
     and are at-risk right now.
       Accessing WIOA for systems-involved youth can also be 
     challenging, especially if they are concurrently pursuing 
     their education goals. Replacing the definition of ``out-of-
     school youth'' with ``Opportunity Youth'' and categorically 
     including systems-involved youth will allow job training 
     providers to better meet their goals and encourages state and 
     local workforce boards to develop service delivery systems to 
     better reach and serve this population.
       We also know the existing documentation requirements to 
     prove eligibility represents a major barrier in accessing 
     WIOA programs and services, especially for Qpportunity Youth 
     and systems-involved youth who typically lack access to the 
     necessary forms. We should not be turning away a young person 
     trying to work toward a better future because of paperwork. 
     For this reason, we are also extremely supportive of the 
     provision which streamlines the eligibility determination 
     process by allowing youth to self-attest that they meet the 
     eligibility criteria while still ensuring accountability and 
     eligibility in the future.
       Finally, the bill would also require state WIOA plans to 
     increase their focus on Opportunity Youth and other at-risk 
     young people. We support this effort to encourage states to 
     not just develop and submit compliance plans but to truly 
     produce a strategic vision and plan for serving Opportunity 
     Youth, through WIOA and other programs, and understanding 
     their circumstances and needs.
       H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act was 
     approved by the committee with wide bipartisan support. 
     Passing this bill through the House is a critical step to 
     build upon WIOA's strong foundation and make efficiency 
     improvements, along with new flexibilities that will ensure 
     better outcomes for states, workforce boards, training 
     providers and more importantly the millions of young people 
     who could be helped on their pathways to careers.
       We look forward to working with you and your staff to 
     support this legislation as it moves to the House floor and 
     to ensure adequate appropriations are provided to the 
     programs in the future. We again support passage of H.R. 6655 
     through the House and thank you for your work on advancing 
     bipartisan legislation.
           Sincerely,
     Sean Hughes,
       California Opportunity Youth Network.
     Robert Sainz,
       New Ways to Work.

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Moran).
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member 
Scott for introducing H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act.
  This bipartisan legislation will address the workforce needs of our 
industries by making necessary updates to the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act, also known as WIOA.
  This bill accomplishes much but let me highlight four important 
areas.
  First, this bill ensures that 50 percent of adult and dislocated 
worker funding goes toward upskilling workers.
  Second, this bill strengthens the current workforce education 
programs at community colleges so that educational programs are tied to 
the needs and demands of the communities, businesses, and the free 
market.
  Third, this bill heightens accountability for the use of these funds 
and is more outcome based while reducing the bureaucracy of typical 
government programs.
  Fourth, this bill includes my Building Youth Workforce Skills Act, 
which provides eligible in-school youth access to individual training 
accounts for a wide range of educational programs. This creates more 
opportunities for youth as they look to develop their skills in a way 
that is aligned with their passions and that is also relevant to 
business.
  It is critical that we provide workers access to workforce 
development and training programs that find the sweet spot between the 
needs of businesses and the skills of their workers. H.R. 6655 does 
just that, and it brings greater accountability and value to the 
taxpayers.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons and many more, I urge my colleagues to 
support this important piece of legislation.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), a senior member of the 
Appropriations Committee.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Scott for his 
unyielding and inspired leadership on this critical jobs training bill 
and for yielding me time. What America makes and grows, makes and grows 
America.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan reauthorization. The 
A Stronger Workforce for America Act legislation is a pivotal measure 
for workers across America. Particularly in regions like mine, the 
outsourcing of manufacturing jobs has left profound scars, especially 
the loss of real American wealth within our borders. That is the 
ability to feed, clothe, educate, transport, heal, and supply our 
people inside our borders and not become dependent on any outside force 
for the energy that fuels us or the clothing we wear.
  This reauthorization makes critical investments in skilled training 
opportunities, and it bolsters vital apprenticeship funding. It paves 
the way for individuals to gain the necessary skills to thrive in 
today's rapidly evolving job market.
  I am heartened by the enthusiasm that I witness in the aspiring 
generation to build forward skills inside America's borders that 
sustain the Nation itself.
  Apprenticeship opportunities play a crucial role in restoring 
American job training capacity through focused hands-on experience, 
mentorship, and specialized skills development. Imagine our Nation 
unleashing the potential power of America's full capacity here at home.
  In the heartland region, where NAFTA dealt a body blow to 
manufacturing jobs, I have committed a great deal of my service to help 
create new jobs for northwest and northern Ohio in steel, automotive, 
agriculture, food processing, technology, and so much more.
  Apprenticeship programs offer a pathway to revitalizing our workforce 
and rebuilding our communities. With the historic job boom of over 15 
million jobs created under the Biden administration, compared to the 
loss of nearly 3 million jobs under the prior administration, the 
importance of job training initiatives cannot be overstated.
  By investing in our Nation's future workers and retraining the 
current workforce, we not only empower individuals to succeed, but we 
also lay a stronger foundation for our Nation's economy here at home, 
real wealth--not virtual wealth, real wealth.
  Prioritizing workforce development means good-paying jobs for 
steelworkers, railroad workers, autoworkers, skilled mechanics, leather 
workers, carpenters, plumbers, joiners, and fitters, and members of our 
building trades. Let's lift up the talents of our people and teach 
these precious skills.
  We will ensure that every American has the opportunity to contribute 
to

[[Page H2228]]

and benefit from the prosperity of our Nation. Let's build more houses. 
Let's build more American cars. Let's make more American products. 
Let's tap into the vital creativity that is the heart of innovation and 
growth in this economy.
  Let's educate. Let's reeducate. Let's train.
  Mr. Speaker, what America makes and grows, makes and grows America.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Indiana (Mrs. Houchin).
  Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the A Stronger 
Workforce for America Act, a critical piece of legislation that 
addresses the pressing needs of our workforce development system.
  I thank Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott for their work on 
this bipartisan legislation and for their responsiveness to the input 
from Members of the Education and the Workforce Committee.
  I am especially proud that this reauthorization includes my language 
that addresses a concerning gap in our current workforce funding 
mechanisms. As included in A Stronger Workforce for America Act, my 
provision specifically amends the distribution of Federal dollars, 
allowing States to reallocate funds as performance incentives to 
workforce boards that have either met or exceeded their performance 
targets.
  Additionally, recaptured funds that are awarded as performance 
incentives are not subject to the 50 percent training requirement that 
applies to the adult and dislocated worker programs.

                              {time}  1745

  This will help entities who are meeting their targets reinvest in 
programs that work.
  It also ensures that our taxpayer dollars are effectively allocated 
to entities that are best serving our communities and helping 
individuals access the skills and education they need for meaningful 
employment.
  I am proud to have been involved in the drafting of this version of 
the Stronger Workforce for America Act as it enhances accountability, 
quality, and efficiency within our workforce system, ensuring that 
taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my 
time to close.
  Mr. Speaker, the last Congress, we tried to get together on a 
reauthorization of WIOA, but we couldn't come to an agreement. We 
passed the bill. It didn't pass the Senate.
  I am pleased that this Congress, Chairwoman Foxx and I and the 
committee's staff were able to get together and work together on a 
bipartisan draft of the Stronger Workforce for America Act.
  I am grateful that the committee staff, particularly Scott Estrada 
and Marek Laco, spent countless hours drafting this legislation.
  This bill is an example of the great work that can get done when we 
work together, so I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, 
which will meaningfully strengthen our workforce.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Ranking Member Scott for his good work on 
this, as well as the staff on his side who have worked so diligently on 
this as well as the Members on the other side of the aisle.
  Fighting on behalf of American workers has been one of the great 
privileges of my time leading the Committee on Education and the 
Workforce. In fact, it has been one of the great privileges of my 
entire career.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank each staff member who has undertaken this duty 
with me over the years and especially on this bill.
  There is an unsung army behind me that equals every bit of my passion 
for the American worker. Together, we hammered out the details of this 
bill the old-fashioned way. This is a product of negotiation and 
compromise, and it is a welcomed sight.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of support from many 
organizations, including the Business Roundtable, Americans for 
Prosperity, and Associated Builders and Contractors.

                                     Americans for Prosperity,

                                                    April 8, 2024.
       Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of more than 3 million 
     Americans for Prosperity activists across all 50 states, I 
     write in support of H.R. 6655, the Stronger Workforce for 
     America Act. This bipartisan legislation represents a 
     significant step forward in reforming our Nation's workforce 
     development system. Since the enactment of the Workforce 
     Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014, our economy 
     and labor market have evolved dramatically. However, the 
     existing framework has struggled to keep pace with these 
     changes. H.R. 6655 addresses many of these gaps, offering 
     innovative marketplace solutions that are crucial for both 
     economic growth and individual prosperity while reducing 
     governmental inefficiency and interference.
       Specifically, the Stronger Workforce for America Act 
     emphasizes the importance of upskilling and reskilling 
     workers by allocating substantial funds towards individual 
     training accounts (ITAs), on-the-job learning opportunities, 
     and employer-led initiatives and less on the system's 
     bureaucracy--shifting misallocated taxpayer money away from 
     unaccountable and irrelevant programs. This focus on 
     enhancing individuals' skills aligns with our commitment to 
     fostering economic freedom and ensuring competitiveness in 
     today's job market by strengthening labor force 
     participation. This bill takes important steps to empower 
     states to pilot One Door to Work reforms to assist working-
     age Americans re-enter the workforce more effectively by 
     integrating workforce development and safety net programs 
     while reducing the burden on taxpayers. Additionally, the 
     bill strengthens the connection between employers and workers 
     through enhanced employer involvement and industry-relevant 
     upskilling programs. By fostering collaboration between 
     employers and education providers, the bill ensures that 
     workforce programs align with the current labor market 
     demands, facilitating individuals' access to meaningful 
     careers.
       Furthermore, the bill introduces measures to improve 
     accountability and quality in workforce programs by 
     implementing reforms in program evaluation and performance 
     indicators. This emphasis on accountability and results is 
     essential for building a more efficient and effective 
     workforce development system that reduces the governmental 
     footprint and propels individuals towards self-sufficiency. 
     Additionally, the bill prioritizes modernization and 
     innovation by emphasizing digital literacy, virtual services, 
     and skills-based hiring practices, reflecting a forward-
     thinking approach that aligns training programs with the 
     realities of the 21st-century workplace. This includes 
     pathways for ex-offenders to re-integrate into their 
     communities.
       H.R. 6655 is a blueprint for a more dynamic workforce where 
     the private sector and education providers rather than 
     government are empowered to meet the needs of America's 
     workers and employers. We urge you to support this bill, 
     recognizing its potential to significantly contribute to a 
     stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous America.
           Sincerely
                                                    Brent Gardner,
     Chief Government Affairs Officer.
                                  ____

                                                    April 8, 2024.
     Hon. Mike Johnson,
     Speaker, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Hakeem Jeffries,
     Democratic Leader, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: The Skills First 
     Coalition, a consortium of employers and innovative education 
     providers advocating to advance policies that invest in and 
     strengthen the alignment between education and skills 
     training for in-demand jobs, is writing today to express our 
     strong support for the bipartisan H.R. 6655, A Stronger 
     Workforce for America Act, and urges its swift passage.
       As a Coalition, we believe Congress must do more to 
     recognize and equalize many non-traditional ways that workers 
     and learners obtain in-demand skills and secure good paying 
     jobs. We are encouraged H.R. 6655 takes significant steps 
     toward these goals, including:
       Directing no less than 50 percent of funds toward workforce 
     skills education, ensuring our workforce system focuses on 
     its primary goal of providing learners with in-demand 
     occupational skills needed to compete in today's labor 
     market.
       Promoting employer-led learning models, better linking 
     education to work.
       Incentivizing states to expand the adoption of skills-based 
     hiring and learning that reward an individual's competencies, 
     knowledge, and prior work experience.
       Increasing the cap on incumbent worker training, helping 
     our current workforce to reskill and upskill so they can 
     remain competitive.
       Including digital literacy as a foundational skill to 
     better align with an ever-changing economy.
       Encouraging states to streamline access to the Eligible 
     Training Provider List and offer reciprocity among each other 
     to ensure more individuals access high-quality education 
     providers.
       Promoting better access to centralized data tools, 
     including state wage records and the National Directory of 
     New Hires, to

[[Page H2229]]

     measure outcomes consistently, reliably, accurately, and in 
     real-time.
       Allowing high-quality in-person, online, and hybrid 
     learning models that individuals can access in a variety of 
     flexible and innovative ways.
       We commend the House Committee on Education and the 
     Workforce for favorably reporting this bipartisan bill on 
     December 12, 2023, and urge you to vote YES on the House 
     floor. America's learners, workers, and employers deserve a 
     workforce system that keeps pace with technological 
     advancements demanded in the workplace and is accountable, 
     flexible, and innovative in its delivery of high-quality 
     learning.
           Sincerely,
       The Skills First Coalition, IBM Corporation, Cengage Group, 
     American Trucking Associations, Autos Drive America, Chegg, 
     CompTIA, HP Inc., International Paper, Linkedln, National 
     University, Presidents Forum, Randstad, Retail Industry 
     Leaders Association (RILA), Semiconductor Industry 
     Association (SIA), Society for Human Resource Management 
     (SHRM), Western Governors University.
                                  ____

                                           Associated Builders and


                                                  Contractors,

                                                    April 8, 2024.
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative: On behalf of Associated Builders and 
     Contractors, a national construction industry trade 
     association with 68 chapters representing more than 23,000 
     members, I write in support of H.R. 6655, A Stronger 
     Workforce for America Act. This bipartisan legislation 
     reauthorizes the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for 
     the first time in nearly a decade and promotes America's 
     economic competitiveness.
       Since its passage in 1998, WIOA has been a crucial asset to 
     the construction industry, aiding in securing funds for 
     workforce development efforts and assisting those seeking new 
     jobs and employment. However, since WIOA's bipartisan 
     reauthorization in 2014, the construction industry has faced 
     new challenges and a workforce shortage that has left many 
     contractors throughout the country in desperate need of 
     qualified, skilled craft professionals. To ensure the 
     workforce is equipped to meet industry demand, ABC is 
     committed to pursuing policies and legislation like H.R. 6655 
     that address these unique challenges. Most critically for ABC 
     and our members, H.R. 6655:
       Supports an all-of-the-above approach to work-based 
     learning, including employer-led and on-the-job workforce 
     upskilling programs and opportunities;
       Ensures more dollars are directed toward tangible worker 
     programs by dedicating 50 percent of the adult and dislocated 
     worker funding for upskilling workers through individual 
     training accounts on-the-job learning and other employer-led 
     and industry-relevant initiatives;
       Streamlines the ``eligible training provider list'' to 
     ensure programs are aligned with in-demand jobs and the needs 
     of employers to ensure better jobs and workforce 
     opportunities;
       Allows for better evaluation of program success to ensure 
     job seekers obtain the skills they need and safeguard 
     valuable taxpayer dollars; and
       Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of workforce 
     programs by increasing the cap from 10 percent to 60 percent 
     on the amount of funds a local board may use on pay-for-
     performance contracts.
       ABC supports an all-of-the-above approach to workforce 
     development that levels the playing field for apprenticeship 
     programs not registered under the U.S. Department of Labor. 
     ABC urges you to support H.R. 6655 and the efforts of this 
     reauthorization to seek true modernization and bipartisan 
     input to support WIOA's success.
           Sincerely,
                                               Kristen Swearingen,
     Vice President, Legislative & Political Affairs.
                                  ____



                                          Business Roundtable,

                                                    April 8, 2024.
       Dear Representative: On behalf of the CEO members of 
     Business Roundtable, I urge you to vote for H.R. 6655, A 
     Stronger Workforce for America Act, which would modernize the 
     Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Improving 
     how the federal government invests in workforce development 
     will better prepare U.S. workers for in-demand careers; 
     enable businesses to more readily fill the nearly nine 
     million open jobs with skilled workers; and advance recent 
     federal investments in industries key to strengthening U.S. 
     economic growth and competitiveness.
       The public workforce development system is not keeping up 
     with the economy. The system is inefficient, ineffective and 
     too cumbersome to use at scale. Too few Americans--
     particularly those with employment barriers--can access 
     needed training, and too few businesses utilize the system as 
     a solution to evolving workforce needs.
       A Stronger Workforce for America Act would help address 
     these shortcomings. For example, it would dedicate no less 
     than 50 percent of WIOA adult and dislocated worker funding 
     toward upskilling workers through individual training 
     accounts, on-the-job learning and other industry-led 
     training. The bill would promote employer-driven training 
     programs that equip workers with the skills for fulfilling 
     careers. Through increased flexibility, it would empower 
     states to structure workforce systems that meet their needs. 
     These important reforms would enable business leaders to work 
     with public and private stakeholders at the state, regional, 
     and local levels to benefit workers and communities and drive 
     economic growth.
       Business Roundtable urges you to support A Stronger 
     Workforce for America Act. Congress can create a workforce 
     development system that expands opportunity for all and helps 
     American workers tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. 
     We remain committed to working with you to build this ever-
     ready U.S. workforce.
           Sincerely,
     Scott Kirby,
       Chief Executive Officer, United Airlines, Chair, Education 
     and Workforce Committee, Business Roundtable.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6655, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________