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119-hr-2058119th CongressWALLET

To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to define the term evidence-based.

Sponsored By: Representative Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

Introduced

Summary

Defines a uniform federal standard for what counts as evidence-based in workforce programs. This bill would set clear tiers of proof and require states to explain how they will prioritize funding for programs that meet that standard.

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  • States and workforce boards would have to report the extent to which activities are evidence-based and include a description of strategies to prioritize funding for evidence-based programs. This changes what states must describe in their statewide workforce development plans.
  • Program designers and providers would need to meet one of three evidence tiers or provide a research-based rationale plus ongoing evaluation. The tiers are strong evidence from an experimental study, moderate evidence from a quasi-experimental study, or promising evidence from a correlational study with controls.
  • Jobseekers and participants could see more emphasis on programs backed by research because funding descriptions must show how evidence guides priorities.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Evidence-based rules for job training funds

This bill would set a clear definition of “evidence-based” for WIOA job training and services. A program would count if it shows statistically significant results in strong, moderate, or promising studies, or has a research-based rationale with ongoing evaluation. States would need to say how much of their plan is evidence-based and how they would prioritize statewide funds for evidence-based programs. If passed, this could steer more money to proven training and job services. It would not add new federal funding.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

IN • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 3/11/2025

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 3/21/2025

  • Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]

    MI • R

    Sponsored 5/19/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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