The Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026 amends federal veterans' education benefits to remove financial and administrative obstacles for those pursuing apprenticeships or on-the-job training. The bill increases the monthly housing stipend for full-time apprentices to match the rate paid to military members with dependents, rather than the lower rate currently applied to students without dependents. Additionally, it waives the minimum monthly attendance requirement for veterans enrolled in construction industry programs, allowing them to receive benefits even if their on-site training hours fall below standard thresholds. These changes apply to recipients of Post-9/11 GI Bill, All-Volunteer Force, and Selected Reserve educational assistance.
The Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create a competitive grant program that funds innovative employment and training services. The bill directs federal resources toward initiatives that have demonstrated improvements in participant earnings and job placement, with specific attention to individuals facing barriers to employment and underserved communities such as rural areas. Eligible recipients include state and local workforce boards, tribal organizations, colleges, and nonprofit groups that design or implement these field-initiated programs.
The legislation establishes a tiered funding structure based on the strength of existing evidence, offering early-phase grants for new pilots, mid-phase grants for refinement, and expansion grants for proven models. Grantees are required to partner with independent researchers to conduct rigorous impact evaluations, ensuring that at least 60 percent of each award is spent directly on program implementation rather than administrative costs. The bill authorizes appropriations for this initiative through fiscal year 2031.
The Lifelong Learning Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to increase the percentage of federal funds that states must reserve for incumbent worker training and transitional jobs programs. It requires states to report on the performance outcomes of these specific training initiatives, which will then be used to adjust performance targets for other adult and dislocated worker programs. Additionally, the bill expands flexibility by allowing local boards to serve as one-stop operators if they enter into written agreements with local officials and adhere to strict conflict-of-interest controls.
This resolution expresses support for designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor the workers who maintain the nation's electrical grid. The bill specifically recognizes the dangerous conditions these employees face, such as working at heights near live power lines and responding to disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. It also commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while performing his duties. Ultimately, the measure encourages the public to observe this day with reflection on the contributions of lineworkers.
The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act aims to address the national shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel by creating two new pilot programs within the Department of Homeland Security. The first initiative establishes an apprenticeship program that hires up to 25 individuals annually to gain on-the-job training and related education, with the goal of placing them in permanent federal cyber workforce positions after completion. The second program offers free cybersecurity training to veterans and military spouses, providing virtual and hands-on learning opportunities that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials. Both pilots include provisions for recruiting underrepresented communities and require regular reporting to Congress on participant demographics, completion rates, and employment outcomes. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for a federal cybersecurity workforce assessment from 2022 to 2028 to better track staffing needs.
The LEARN AI Act expresses Congress's preference for integrating artificial intelligence training into registered apprenticeship programs to better prepare workers for the technology. It directs the Department of Labor to encourage AI instruction, share best practices for responsible AI use, and offer technical help to employers and training sponsors. The bill allows the Department of Labor to support these efforts but does not force any specific program to include AI training or change existing rules. Ultimately, the legislation aims to assist in adapting the workforce to technological changes without mandating specific curriculum updates.
The Pathway to Trades Act requires colleges that receive Federal Perkins Loans to establish specific support systems for students interested in vocational careers. Institutions must appoint a faculty member to serve as a contact for trade students and create dedicated courses related to these fields. This legislation directly affects higher education schools participating in the Perkins Loan program by mandating these structural changes to their academic offerings.
The Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act creates a new competitive grant program to fund workforce development projects that have proven effective in improving employment and earnings outcomes. It directs federal funding to states, local boards, and community organizations to support innovative programs that address labor market needs, with a specific focus on helping individuals facing barriers to employment and serving rural areas. The bill establishes a tiered system requiring grantees to provide rigorous evaluations, such as randomized controlled trials, to demonstrate that their programs generate sustained positive results before they can receive larger expansion grants. Additionally, the legislation mandates that at least 50 percent of the available funds be reserved for expanding programs with high levels of evidence, while reserving up to 10 percent for technical assistance and research.
The Warriors to Workforce Act of 2026 increases the educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible veterans participating in apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs. Specifically, the bill raises the payment rate for the first year of such training from 80 percent to 100 percent of the applicable benefit amount. This change directly affects veterans who are enrolled in these specific workforce development pathways and aims to provide full funding for their initial training period. The legislation modifies existing federal law to adjust the financial support structure for these educational opportunities.
This resolution expresses support for designating July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor the workers who maintain the nation's electricity grid. The bill honors these employees for their critical role in keeping power running daily and for their dangerous work restoring service during disasters and extreme weather. It also commemorates the 130th anniversary of the death of Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died while restoring power. Finally, the resolution encourages Americans to observe this day with reflection on the sacrifices made by lineworkers over the past century.
