Rep John Carter released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act:

“Apprenticeships help many American workers achieve success in high-paying, skilled careers, without the burden of student loans, which is why it is important we expand these opportunities. The National Apprenticeship Act that the House passed today, removes the authority for the Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program, stifling apprenticeship opportunities for workers, by cutting out participation by small business, unions, education institutions, and industry. In a time when the economy is vulnerable from the pandemic, Americans need work training opportunities, but this bill instead, imposes burdensome regulation requirements on apprenticeship programs, and keeps outside innovators from participating. Our apprenticeship programs should reflect the needs of our economy, industry, and workforce – not the desires of the federal government. I do think that both sides can agree on the importance of apprenticeships, but this bill missed the mark, and as a huge proponent of career and technical education, I hope my colleagues and I can work together to develop stronger legislation that expands opportunity.”  

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