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119-s-3877119th CongressWALLET

Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create competitive grants and expand workforce rules to fund retraining for workers affected by automation, centering support in local industry-education partnerships. It clarifies key definitions and adds targeted WIOA authorities to help workers move into in-demand technology jobs.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Pilot training grants for automation-affected workers

This bill would create a new competitive pilot grant program at the Department of Labor starting in fiscal year 2026. Grants would run up to four years and Congress would provide whatever money it approves for FY2026–2030. Grants would pay for training (including digital literacy and tech skills), training stipends, equipment, employer supports, and transitional job search help. Eligible partnerships would have to include colleges, state or local workforce boards, and economic development groups, use the bill's definition of "automation," and report outcomes while following labor and nondiscrimination rules.

Training and layoff grants for automation-affected workers

This bill would change WIOA rules to explicitly allow training for people who are, or are likely to become, dislocated because of automation, including preparation for technology jobs. It would also add "advances in automation technology" as a trigger for National Dislocated Worker Grants. The bill would authorize $40 million a year for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 for those dislocation grants, in addition to other reserved funds. If enacted, state and local workforce agencies could use those grants to help workers with training, reemployment, and other layoff responses.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

IL • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 2/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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