Virginia Foxx: “Frankly, the amendment offered by Representative Levin is a perfect distillation of the problems with the underlying…”

“Frankly, the amendment offered by Representative Levin is a perfect distillation of the problems with the underlying legislation. The amendment limits the grant program in the bill so that only entities partnering with unions would be eligible to receive funding, notwithstanding what he has said. My colleagues across the aisle may claim that this is not the case because they require union partnership only ``to the extent practicable.'' However, ``to the extent practicable'' is in the eye of the beholder. We have checked with CRS, and CRS has said it is purposefully ambiguous. Whatever their intent, this is not how this provision would be implemented. Even if the ``as practicable'' is implemented as not being a requirement, it is certainly suggesting Congress has a strong preference for unions and organizations partnering with them to receive grant funds. This would block countless potential participants from accessing these funds and would further cement the program in the way it has been since the 1930s. Unfortunately, Democrats are doubling down on the problems with their program and once again are choosing to provide benefits to politically favored unions rather than addressing the underlying problems. If we want to reach 1 million apprenticeships in this country, I fail to see how limiting access by creating earmarks and kickbacks will achieve that goal. The majority has said over and over again that this bill would create 1 million new apprenticeships.…”