We Have A Bill!
Last night, Congress released the draft of its end of year Continuing Resolution that funds the federal government’s $6.2 trillion budget through March 14 at its current levels. Included in legislation is 110.4 billion for disaster relief and A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which aims to strengthen federal workforce development programs.
Under disaster relief, key provision for tourism communities include:
$33.5 billion for the Department of Agriculture, including $362.5 million for the Rural Development Disaster Fund to provide assistance to rural communities affected by natural disasters.
$1.5 billion for the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration for economic development assistance to areas impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
$2.25 billion for the Small Business Administration for SBA Disaster Loans for businesses and individuals.
$3 billion to the Department of the Interior for disaster recovery for events occurring in and prior to calendar year 2024, including:
—$2.3 billion for the National Park Service, which includes $50 million for the Historic Preservation Fund and $2.26 billion for construction
—$500 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
—$18 million for the Bureau of Indian Affairs
$6.4 billion to the U.S. Forest Service for recovery expenses for disasters occurring in 2022, 2023, and 2024, including $208 million for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry.
$8 billion for Federal Highways Administration emergency relief to
reimburse states and territories for damage from natural disasters to roads and bridges in the National Highway System.
$12 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to assist with the long-term housing, infrastructure and economic recovery needs for areas most impacted and distressed by a natural disaster in 2023 or 2024.
A Stronger Workforce for America Act increases the amount of skills development provided under the law, strengthens connections between employers and the workforce development system, and puts more Americans own the pathway to a successful career. Key provisions include:
Upgrading the skills of the American workforce by dedicating 50 percent of the
adult and dislocated worker funding towards upskilling workers and related
wrap-around supports.
Creates an emphasis on employer-led initiatives that equip workers with the
skill sets to fill jobs in critical industries and help the currently employed
workforce upskill to avoid displacement and advance their careers.
Strengthens pathways to continue economic opportunity by emphasizing
work-based learning and apprenticeship for youth, codifying a program to
help individuals released from incarceration transition back to employment,
and enhancing workforce programs at community colleges that align with in-
demand jobs.
More information on the Act can be found in this fact sheet from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
This is just a draft, as this is the last legislative train leaving the station before the 118th Congress closes, there may be additional provisions attached. I will be watching the debate for any changes.
The House is expected to take up the bill shortly. There may be some drama in the House as Conservatives are upset that regular order for funding the government has been abandoned, again, in favor a big omnibus bill. But there are enough votes for the measure to pass on a bipartisan basis and Senate should have time to debate and approve by midnight Friday.
As always, please let me know if you have questions.