American Apprenticeship Act
Sponsored By: Representative DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
Introduced
Summary
Expands funding for pre-apprenticeship programs to help states pay tuition and related instruction that prepares people to enter registered apprenticeships in industries where apprenticeships are underused. It would create competitive state grants, set performance and reporting rules, and authorize $15 million per year for FY2026 through FY2031.
Show full summary
- Prospective apprentices and families: Helps cover tuition, textbooks, equipment, and related instruction so more people can complete pre-apprenticeships that include hands-on training and pathways to earn postsecondary credit and direct entry into apprenticeships.
- States and education providers: States would get competitive grants that cover 20 percent to 50 percent of costs, with nonfederal matching allowed in cash or kind. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent.
- Employers and industries: Focuses on occupations that represent less than 10 percent of apprenticeable programs to grow apprenticeships in nontraditional fields and requires collaboration with industry sponsors.
- Federal oversight and evaluation: The Departments of Labor and Education review applications, set performance indicators, and the Secretary must report evaluation results to Congress by September 30, 2030.
*Would authorize $15 million per year for FY2026 through FY2031, increasing federal spending by that amount.*
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants to lower pre-apprenticeship costs
If enacted, the government would give States competitive grants to lower pre-apprenticeship and related class costs. Federal funds would cover 20%–50% of costs. States would supply the rest in cash or in-kind. Money could pay tuition, fees, textbooks, equipment, and curriculum work, with up to 10% for admin. About $15 million a year would be authorized for fiscal years 2026–2031. States would coordinate with Perkins and WIOA, use Pell and veterans aid first, and use funds to supplement—not replace—other workforce dollars.
Labor to track apprenticeship results
The Labor Department would find in-demand jobs that do not use apprenticeships. It would analyze where the model fits and share results with States and Congress. After consulting Education, the agency would set performance measures and an evaluation system. A report to Congress would be due by September 30, 2030.
New pre-apprenticeship rules and industry focus
Pre-apprenticeship programs would have to meet clear rules. Sponsors must partner with registered apprenticeship sponsors and review training each year. Programs must include safe hands-on and classroom training and cannot replace paid workers. Graduates could enter the apprenticeship if space and qualifications allow, and may earn college credit. The bill would also focus help on "qualified apprenticeships," meaning registered programs in industries that make up less than 10% of apprenticeable fields.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
CT • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
MA • D
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Craig
MN • D
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Thompson (CA)
CA • D
Sponsored 11/4/2025
Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]
OH • D
Sponsored 12/1/2025
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
NY • D
Sponsored 12/4/2025
Cisneros
CA • D
Sponsored 12/12/2025
Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
IL • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/15/2026
Grijalva
AZ • D
Sponsored 4/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov