WASHINGTON, DC– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 803, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which creates new opportunities for the people of Eastern Washington by closing the skills gap between job seekers and job opportunities.

“This bipartisan legislation will improve our nation’s workforce training system and help put hard-working men and women in Eastern Washington back to work. By closing the gap between the millions currently unemployed and the millions of jobs left unfilled because of a lack of required skills, we can ensure new opportunities for today's job seekers and equip the next generation of innovators with the workforce they need to succeed.

“Additionally, by focusing efforts on youth service programs, we’re working to reduce the high school dropout rate and bring new opportunities to Eastern Washington’s young people. And by ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the skills necessary to be successful in workplaces that provide competitive employment, this legislation guarantees countless Eastern Washington men and women new possibilities for reaching their full potential.”

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act streamlines the federal workforce program and creates community and state-specific workforce development boards to best fit unique local needs. By enabling businesses to identify in-demand skills and match workers seeking to build those skills, this bill encourages Eastern Washington’s Aerospace Corridor to increase employment opportunities in the region.

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