Rep. Adams Delivers Floor Speech in Support of House Apprenticeship Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) addressed the United States House of Representatives in support of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. Adams is a cosponsor of the bill, which includes her bill, the Apprenticeship Access for All Act of 2021.

Video of the remarks is available here.

"The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 is vitally important legislation which will create nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities at a time when our nation faces record unemployment. Additionally, it includes the bill I led with Rep. Jones, the Apprenticeship Access for All Act, which advances programs that promote the recruitment, employment, and retention of people of color, individuals with disabilities, and individuals facing barriers to employment – especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand sectors and occupations," said Adams. "I'm also happy that this legislation includes an amendment I cosponsored with Reps. Lamb and Taylor to be more inclusive of our nation's veterans. After all, we must be sure that everyone has access to opportunity."

The Registered Apprenticeship program is America's most successful workforce development program. Reauthorizing the National Apprenticeship Act is critical to expanding the program during our nation's deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. By increasing investments in the national apprenticeship program, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 will bring America's investments in apprenticeship more in line with countries around the world. The U.S. spends only about 0.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on workforce training and employment programs, while our peer industrialized nations spend roughly six times as much as a share of GDP.

A letter in support of the legislation from the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) is available here.

Adams' full remarks as prepared for delivery are below:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.

By creating nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities and yielding over 10 billion dollars in net benefits, this legislation is a lifeline for our economy and for countless Americans, including those in my home state of North Carolina.

With a proven track record of success, we know this is a safe and smart investment – something our country desperately needs right now.

I am also pleased that this legislation includes a bill I led with Representative Mondaire Jones, the Apprenticeship Access for All Act.

This language will advance programs that promote the recruitment, employment, and retention of people of color, individuals with disabilities, and individuals facing barriers to employment – especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand sectors and occupations.

After all, we must be sure that everyone has access to opportunity.

Colleagues, this vote is about ensuring our workforce gets the investment it needs and the support it deserves.

This vote is about showing the American people that they are seen, they are heard, and that we care deeply about providing them pathways to a stable future.

And this vote is about upholding Congress's commitment and obligation to serve every American.

I urge support of this legislation and I yield back the balance of my time.