Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg introduced the Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 on Apr. 6, a bill aimed at updating the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The proposed legislation seeks to address ongoing challenges in the federal workforce development system by modernizing programs that have not kept pace with changing job market demands. The changes are intended to improve outcomes for both workers and employers.
"The workforce is evolving rapidly, and legislation designed over a decade ago is no longer meeting today’s demands. This bill modernizes a struggling and underutilized workforce development system, delivering reforms that strengthen participant outcomes and ensure greater accountability for taxpayer dollars. This is a win for employers, job seekers, and taxpayers alike," said Chairman Walberg.
Key provisions of the bill include moving adult education programs to the Department of Labor in order to better connect them with apprenticeships, sector partnerships, and employer-led training initiatives as artificial intelligence influences skill requirements. The act also proposes increased funding for upskilling through individual training accounts, on-the-job learning opportunities, and industry-relevant initiatives. Additionally, it aims to help currently employed individuals acquire new skills to prevent displacement or support career advancement.
The legislation intends to enhance accountability by holding states and local workforce boards responsible for achieving positive results for workers and job seekers.
According to the official website, the House Education and Workforce Committee manages federal programs related to education, labor, health, and workforce development. The committee also shapes policy on issues such as student loans and worker protections according to its official website. It operates within the legislative branch with jurisdiction over education and labor matters according to its official website.
When WIOA was enacted in 2014 it streamlined multiple federal workforce programs under one set of performance metrics but persistent challenges remain more than ten years later.
