Bradley Schneider (D-IL)
Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2026 aims to help workers in industries that may be disrupted by rapid technological changes. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to partnerships for pilot projects focused on training workers who might lose their jobs due to automation. These grants support efforts to transition workers into in-demand or technology-oriented roles. The legislation also seeks to expand existing training services through amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. By focusing on digital literacy and new technical skills, the bill intends to prepare the workforce for a changing labor market.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes workers making less than $40,000 annually who are most at risk from automation.
- Scored +4
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill targets populations of color who are more likely to be impacted by automation-related job losses.
- Scored +4
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?
The bill provides priority to covered populations including those of color facing employment barriers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for At-Risk Workers: The bill provides grants to help workers who are or are likely to become dislocated due to automation (Section 4(a)(1)). This could help individuals transition into new, stable careers.
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Focus on Vulnerable Populations: The Secretary is directed to give priority to partnerships located in areas with a high percentage of "covered populations" (Section 4(c)(1)). Findings indicate that job losses from automation are more likely to impact women, people of color, and workers making less than $40,000 annually (Section 2(3)).
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Skill Development for New Industries: Grants can support training in technology-based skills such as coding, systems engineering, or information technology security (Section 4(b)(2)(C)). This helps workers qualify for higher-skilled or higher-paid positions (Section 4(c)(2)(B)(i)).
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Comprehensive Worker Benefits: Priority may be given to programs that provide practical support such as transportation stipends, paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, or access to child care (Section 4(c)(2)(C)).
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Employment Retention: The bill supports "incumbent worker training" which can help current employees obtain the skills needed to retain their jobs or move into higher-paid positions within their current employer (Section 4(c)(2)(B)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited Duration of Support: Grants awarded under this act are limited to a period not to exceed 4 years (Section 4(a)(2)). This means the specific demonstration or pilot projects may not have permanent funding.
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Competitive Nature of Funding: Because grants are awarded on a competitive basis (Section 4(a)(1)), not all eligible partnerships or workers in need of assistance will necessarily receive support.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes workers making less than $40,000 annually who are most at risk from automation. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill targets populations of color who are more likely to be impacted by automation-related job losses. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides priority to covered populations including those of color facing employment barriers. Would women be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes training for populations including women who are more susceptible to automation displacement. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill helps workers obtain skills for higher-paid positions within their current or new employers. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill focuses on protecting workers' livelihoods through upskilling and job retention. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill provides training for technology-based skills like coding and systems engineering.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill prioritizes support for populations including women, who are identified as being more likely to be impacted by automation. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill prioritizes partnerships in areas with high percentages of covered populations, including people of color who are disproportionately impacted by automation. Does this make child care cost less? — The bill allows grant-funded partnerships to provide access to child care services as a practical support for workers.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill aims to boost economic productivity and competitiveness through a more skilled workforce. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds training for workers to transition into in-demand and technology-oriented roles.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill supports technical skills training and integrated education for workers. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill emphasizes digital literacy as a key component of workforce training.
- 2/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.