Ready to Work Act of 2026

This bill would have the Department of Labor create a jobs program for adults who have been out of work for at least 27 weeks and have been looking for work for at least 4 weeks. Local workforce boards would place these workers in temporary jobs with government agencies, nonprofits, or businesses, and federal funds would pay part or all of their wages, along with training and support services like child care and transportation. Employers would pay a share of wages that shrinks as local unemployment rises, and they could not use program workers to replace existing employees. Workers would have to report to the Department of Labor about their last job and any artificial intelligence used in it or in their job search. The bill would also create competitive grants for high-poverty areas and areas with low employment.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Chris Van Hollen Democrat sponsor
• 4 cosponsors