Following the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), legislation to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), National Skills Coalition prepared a side-by-side analysis comparing the occupational training and adult education in WIOA, earlier House and Senate WIA bills, and current law.
WIOA, introduced by Senators Murray (D-WA), Harkin (D-IA), Alexander (R-TN), and Isakson (R-GA), along with Representatives Kline (R-MN), Foxx (R-NC), Miller (D-CA), and Hinojosa (D-TX), is likely to move quickly through the legislative process. It is likely that the Senate will try to advance the bill through a unanimous consent (UC) agreement in early June (which means that the bill would not be brought to the floor for debate or amendments). Once the Senate passes the bill, the House would then take it up, possibly on the suspension calendar (an expedited process which requires two-thirds vote for passage, but limits debate and amendments). Although the Administration has offered limited comments on the bill so far, it seems likely that President Obama would sign the bill if it is passed by both chambers.
National Skills Coalition will provide updates as they become available.
