U.S. Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY), co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, on Oct. 23 said the group endorsed the bipartisan, bicameral Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act of 2019 and urged a floor vote on the legislation.
“This bill is crucial for the hardworking people we care about in New York who don’t want to pursue a traditional degree, but want the opportunity to advance their careers and achieve a brighter future,” Rep. Reed said. “I am proud the Problem Solvers Caucus is getting behind this commonsense bill.”
If enacted, H.R. 3497/S. 839 would expand Pell Grant eligibility for qualifying short-term training programs to help more Americans access industry-recognized credentials. H.R. 3497, introduced by U.S. Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA), has 48 cosponsors, while S. 839, introduced by U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), has 18 cosponsors.
Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, which is also co-chaired by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), support the proposed measure to ensure all students gain access to the training and skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy, according to a statement released by Rep. Reed’s office.
“Nationwide, there are currently more job openings than there are Americans who are looking for work,” said Rep. Reed. “With employers clamoring for more qualified workers, we should be promoting the education required to fill these good-paying jobs.”
Rep. Gottheimer added that “with the Problem Solvers’ endorsement of the JOBS Act, we’re continuing to break through the gridlock to back bipartisan legislation that moves our nation forward.”