Gregorio Sablan: “The Titus amendment is simple. It includes hospitality and tourism as an eligible industry for expansion of registered…”

“The Titus amendment is simple. It includes hospitality and tourism as an eligible industry for expansion of registered apprenticeship opportunities. The hospitality and tourism industry is a major source for the Marianas. The GAO's February 2020 report on Economic and Workforce Trends in the Marianas found that hospitality and tourism account for 45 percent of GDP. We are not unique. The industry is critical to many communities across the Nation, but it is considered a nontraditional industry for apprenticeships and has been unable to take full advantage of the apprenticeship system. The Titus amendment fixes that. As I stated earlier, for 83 years, the National Apprenticeship Act has helped local economies grow by providing career opportunities to young people. The Titus amendment guarantees that H.R. 8294 will build on that success by ensuring that the apprenticeship system is modernized to address the workforce needs of the 21st century. I support the Titus amendment and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I also am grateful that the ranking member is supportive of the Titus amendment. I thank everyone for their consideration, and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. American Hotel & Lodging Association, November 18, 2020. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon.…”