Mazie Hirono: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4072, the American Manufacturing Efficiency and Retraining Investment…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4072, the American Manufacturing Efficiency and Retraining Investment Collaboration Act, or AMERICA Works Act. This bill would direct the use of the Workforce Investment Act funds for programs that provide a national industry-recognized and portable credential certificate or degree. It would also encourage industry-recognized credentials that are nationally recognized and portable under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Since May, the jobless rate has stayed about the same and economists predict unemployment will remain high for months to come. Despite current unemployment, employers continue to report a skills gap. Manufacturing, healthcare, and energy sectors in particular are finding it difficult to match workers with skills and industry-recognized credentials with employers that have job openings. As the economic outlook continues to stabilize, we must continue to take measures to bring about a full recovery, including investments in strengthening our Nation's workforce.”