John Reed (D-RI)
Job Corps Shipbuilding-Defense Industrial Base Pipeline Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2418-2419)
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, known as the "Job Corps Shipbuilding-Defense Industrial Base Pipeline Act of 2026," seeks to align the Job Corps with the needs of the defense industrial base. It directs the National Imperative for Industrial Skills program to expand training for skilled industrial workers through Job Corps and apprenticeship programs. Military recruiters will be required to inform recruits who are ineligible for enlistment about enrollment opportunities in Job Corps to help them meet enlistment standards or learn relevant skills. The Secretary of Defense is authorized to support changing trades offered at Job Corps centers or through transition hubs to meet defense needs. Additionally, the bill extends shipbuilding special incentives to the Job Corps and implements several conforming reforms to existing workforce laws.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +6
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill streamlines enrollment via background check exemptions and provides specialized transition assistance.
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill provides targeted career training and apprenticeship opportunities for those entering the workforce.
- Scored +5
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill expands training through Job Corps and apprenticeships to prepare workers for the defense industrial base.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what student borrowers owe or repay?
While not reducing debt directly, it shifts focus toward vocational training and industrial skills.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Skill Training: The bill allows for the expansion of training through Job Corps centers and registered apprenticeship programs to prepare workers for the defense industrial base (Section 2(a)).
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Opportunities for Ineligible Recruits: Military recruits who are ineligible for enlistment due to specific requirements will be made aware of Job Corps and apprenticeship opportunities to help them meet enlistment standards or learn useful skills (Section 2(b)).
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Targeted Career Training: The creation of "Job Corps transition hubs" is intended to help enrollees onboard and stay within the defense industrial base (Section 2(c)).
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Streamlined Enrollment for Military Members: Veterans and certain members of the Armed Forces may benefit from exemptions from background checks when applying for Job Corps, provided they meet specific criteria regarding their service and timing (Section s 4(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Grant Terms: The bill prohibits the use of grants or charitable donations to include terms that restrict the placement or employment options of a Job Corps enrollee or graduate (Section 4(b)).
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Obligation Restrictions: Operators of Job Corps centers are prohibited from using accepted grants or charitable donations to fulfill any costs required by agreements under section 147 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Section 4(b)).
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 streamlines enrollment via background check exemptions and provides specialized transition assistance. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill provides targeted career training and apprenticeship opportunities for those entering the workforce. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill expands access to vocational training through the Job Corps program.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill expands training through Job Corps and apprenticeships to prepare workers for the defense industrial base.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Secretary to publicly disclose annual lists of grants and charitable donations received by Job Corps.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill streamlines enrollment by exempting certain veterans from background checks when applying to Job Corps.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill provides skill-building and career training intended to facilitate onboarding into the defense industrial base.
- Education And Technology
- Does this reduce what student borrowers owe or repay? — While not reducing debt directly, it shifts focus toward vocational training and industrial skills.
- 7/30/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/20/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2418-2419)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut