American Workforce Act

This bill would create an American Workforce Division in the Department of Commerce to run a paid job-training program for U.S. citizens who have a high school diploma but no bachelor's degree. Private for-profit employers and trainees would submit contracts to a Director for approval, and approved employers would receive federal subsidies of up to $1,500 per month and $9,000 total per trainee to pay for training, plus a $1,000 bonus for hiring a trainee who completes the program. Employers must pay trainees at least the minimum wage, use E-Verify, publish disclosure documents, and train trainees for jobs paying at least 80 percent of local median household income. Subsidies could not be used for diversity, equity, and inclusion training or political spending, and the Director could warn, fine, or suspend employers that break contract terms. The program would end after the 10-year report to Congress or 11 years after enactment, whichever comes first.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Tom Cotton Republican sponsor
• 0 cosponsors