House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) has introduced the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, legislation aimed at updating the nation’s primary workforce development law, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The proposal would make several changes to the federal workforce program, which Congress last reauthorized in 2014. Lawmakers say the updates are intended to better align workforce programs with employer needs, strengthen accountability, and expand opportunities for workers to gain new skills.
Key Provisions in the Updated Draft
A preliminary review of the legislative language shows that several major elements remain consistent with drafts circulated in 2024.
- Training Requirements for Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs
The bill maintains a requirement that 50 percent of Adult and Dislocated Worker funding be spent on training activities, with 10 percent set aside for supportive services and individualized career services. - Local Workforce Area Redesignation
The legislation keeps the 5.1 million population threshold for single-state area redesignation, outlining when states may reconsider the structure of local workforce development areas. - Critical Industry Skills Fund
States would continue to have the option to reserve an additional 10 percent of funds for a Critical Industry Skills Fund to support training aligned with industries facing workforce shortages.
Block Grant Pilots Renamed
One notable update in the new draft is the renaming of workforce block grant pilot programs. The pilots are now referred to as “Make America Skilled Again” grants. While the name has changed, the overall structure of the pilot programs appears similar to earlier proposals.
Proposed Structural Change for Adult Education
The legislation also proposes moving federal adult education programs from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to House leaders, the change is intended to better connect adult education with workforce training strategies such as apprenticeships, sector partnerships, and employer-driven training programs. Supporters argue the shift could help align foundational skills development with evolving labor market demands, particularly as technology and automation reshape skill requirements.
Contact Your House Member
As Congress considers the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, workforce professionals may want to stay informed about how the legislation could affect workforce boards, training providers, and jobseekers.
If you would like to share your perspective on the proposed changes, consider reaching out to your U.S. House representative to ensure the workforce development community is part of the ongoing policy discussion.
Need contact info for your representative? Go to the House of Representatives webpage and enter your ZIP code.
