S.Amdt. 5913

This amendment, submitted by Ms. Blunt Rochester, aims to add the National Talent Strategy Act of 2026 to bill S. 4784. Its purpose is to create a structured approach to aligning Federal policy, funding, and data regarding talent, education, and the workforce.

Key Changes and Additions:

• American Talent Working Group: The Secretary of Labor must create this group within 120 days of the Act's enactment. It consists of various Cabinet secretaries, agency directors, and representatives from councils and offices to serve as a forum for aligning workforce and education policies.

• Working Group Responsibilities: The group is tasked with:

  • Developing a Federal strategic talent plan.
  • Meeting at least once a year to report on workforce development.
  • Identifying barriers to the success and reach of workforce programs.
  • Reporting key points and recommendations to specific Senate and House committees.
  • Engaging with business leaders, labor organizations, higher education institutions, and state and local governments.
  • Aligning programs with the President's List of Critical and Emerging Technologies.

• Comprehensive Federal Strategic Plan: Within one year, the Secretary of Labor and the Working Group must develop a plan that:

  • Evaluates Federal workforce programs for effectiveness, participation, and overlap.
  • Evaluates barriers to workforce readiness in areas such as national security, global competitiveness, domestic manufacturing, and high-wage career paths.
  • Creates a strategy to increase labor force participation, expand the reach of programs, increase the use of registered apprenticeships, and support workers impacted by artificial intelligence or automation.
  • Provides recommendations to Congress to fix inefficiencies.

• Reporting and Updates: The strategic plan must be submitted to the relevant House and Senate committees and updated every 2 years.