Bill > HR5296

This bill, known as the "Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills" (BUILDS Act), aims to promote industry partnerships in critical infrastructure sectors like energy, construction, IT, utilities, and transportation by awarding competitive grants to eligible partnerships. The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with several other federal agencies, will provide implementation and renewal grants ranging from $1.5 to $2.5 million for up to three years, with a focus on geographic diversity. The grants will support collaborative efforts to identify workforce training needs, develop career pathways, and help businesses recruit and retain workers, with a particular emphasis on individuals facing employment barriers. Key activities include establishing industry partnerships, conducting workforce evaluations, supporting work-based learning programs, and providing pre-employment and employment support services. Grant recipients must designate a fiscal agent, convene stakeholders, engage businesses, and submit annual progress reports detailing their achievements and performance metrics. The bill authorizes $500 million in funding for fiscal year 2026 and the following four years, with up to 10% allocated for administrative expenses, to help improve worker training, retention, and advancement in targeted infrastructure industries.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5296/all-info