Joe Courtney (D-CT)
Job Corps and Skilled Defense Workforce Act
A Democratic bill with 14 Republican cosponsors · See all 20 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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
This bill, titled the "Job Corps and Skilled Defense Workforce Act," requires the Secretary of Defense to align the Job Corps program with the needs of the defense industrial base. It directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that military recruits ineligible for enlistment are informed of Job Corps opportunities for training as skilled industrial workers. The legislation also tasks the Department of Defense with addressing shortages of skilled workers through investments in curricula, equipment, and facilities. Additionally, the bill extends the Shipbuilding Workforce Development Special Incentive to the Job Corps program. Finally, it makes various reforms to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act regarding property transfers, local center authority, and enrollment procedures.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +6
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill specifically streamlines the enrollment of veterans into the defense industrial base through Job Corps.
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill provides specialized vocational training and career paths for young people entering the workforce.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill expands training opportunities through the Job Corps to help individuals gain skilled employment.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Training for Ineligible Recruits: The bill ensures that military recruits who cannot enlist due to specific requirements under section 520 of title 10, United States Code, are made aware of Job Corps opportunities to prepare for employment as skilled industrial workers (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Advanced Career Training Opportunities: Enrollees may benefit from advanced career training at existing Job Corps centers or new centers located near shipyards or other defense industrial base suppliers (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Addressing Worker Shortages: The bill aims to address shortages of skilled industrial workers by supporting Job Corps with investments in training, equipment, and facilities (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Increased Local Authority for Job Corps Centers: Operators of Job Corps centers will have the authority to hire staff, provide professional development, and enter into agreements with various educational and community partners without needing prior approval from the Secretary (Section 2(d)(1)).
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Streamlined Enrollment for Military Members: The bill streamlines the enrollment process for veterans and certain other armed forces members, including those eligible for preseparation counseling, into the defense industrial base (Section 2(d)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
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 veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill specifically streamlines the enrollment of veterans into the defense industrial base through Job Corps. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill expands training opportunities through the Job Corps to help individuals gain skilled employment. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill provides specialized vocational training and career paths for young people entering the workforce. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill focuses on high-skill industrial jobs which are often part of unionized sectors like shipyards.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill promotes job creation in the defense industrial base by aligning Job Corps training with industry needs. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill aims to address worker shortages for defense industrial base suppliers.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill streamlines enrollment processes for veterans and certain armed forces members into the defense industrial base.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill provides advanced career training and skill development to help individuals secure industrial employment.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill enhances Job Corps centers with advanced career training and investments in curricula and equipment.
- 11/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 14 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Sanford BishopDemocrat · Georgia
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska
Jack BergmanRepublican · Michigan
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Christopher DeluzioDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Mike EzellRepublican · Mississippi
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Brett GuthrieRepublican · Kentucky
Glenn GrothmanRepublican · Wisconsin
Maggie GoodlanderDemocrat · New Hampshire
John JamesRepublican · Michigan
Jennifer KiggansRepublican · Virginia
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Daniel MeuserRepublican · Pennsylvania
Blake MooreRepublican · Utah
John RutherfordRepublican · Florida
Claudia TenneyRepublican · New York
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia
Joe WilsonRepublican · South Carolina
George WhitesidesDemocrat · California