Virginia Foxx: “Representative Stefanik's amendment is a valuable change that would make it easier for programs of shorter length to be…”

“Representative Stefanik's amendment is a valuable change that would make it easier for programs of shorter length to be approved specifically in fields where apprenticeships have not traditionally seen growth or expansion. While most of the other amendments in this en bloc are unobjectionable, I do want to highlight three amendments where I have concerns. The amendment offered by Representatives Beyer and Pressley is mostly unobjectionable. We certainly share the majority's intent in ensuring access to apprenticeships for people with disabilities. However, it also includes a provision that would actually hold apprenticeship program sponsors to a higher standard than the standard to which section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 currently holds Federal agencies, which are the target of that particular provision. While this was likely well intentioned, the underlying bill already prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires program sponsors to provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, so holding small business and other employers who are seeking to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities to a higher standard than we hold ourselves in the Federal Government is a guaranteed way to ensure fewer apprenticeship opportunities rather than more.…”