Today, the Ways and Means Committee approved two pieces of bipartisan legislation – one focused on helping Americans get back to work and another focused on strengthening our nation’s energy security:

• The Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act (H.R. 2842), introduced by Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Danny Davis (D-IL). Their legislation will help connect Americans looking for work with the employers looking to fill job openings, including through apprenticeships and other forms of on-the-job training. The legislation was approved with an amendment, offered by Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Dave Reichert (R-WA), that requires at least one of the programs funded to be an apprenticeship program. As Rep. Curbelo said about his legislation:

“Instead of an inflexible, Washington-designed program, this legislation is reflective of the fact that every community has unique challenges that present barriers to finding a job … Poverty is an issue that affects each our districts. We need innovative solutions that can help get people on track to a brighter future. This legislation is a step in the right direction.”

As Rep. Davis added:

“Research is clear. Subsidized employment and career pathways successfully engage people in employment, especially those who have been unsuccessful in finding paid employment through their efforts … I’m pleased to join with Representative Curbelo in this effort.”

• Legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the credit for production from advanced nuclear power facilities (H.R. 1551), introduced by Reps. Tom Rice (R-SC) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). The bill clarifies existing law to help ensure the effective operation of the tax credit for nuclear energy production. As Rep. Rice said about the urgent need to pass this legislation:

“Passing this legislation is more important now than ever. If these facilities shut down tomorrow, it will immediately cost 12,000 jobs in South Carolina and Georgia. It will cost the ratepayers hundreds if not thousands of dollars in increases to their utility bills. And, most alarming, our national security will be jeopardized as countries like China and Russia continue to make massive investments in nuclear.”

As Rep. Blumenauer said:

“I think being able to proceed with these elements helps in terms of the issue that my friend from South Carolina talked about. It will also promote the development of the smaller scale, very efficient technology which could have – I think – broad application and is worth our pursuing… I think this is an important tool to have, and I am happy to support it.”

CLICK HERE to learn more about today’s markup.

CLICK HERE to read Chairman Brady’s opening statement from today’s markup.