Daines Bill to Codify First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future Initiative to Help Foster Youth Build Successful Careers Passes U.S. House

• May 20, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the below statement following the news that his bill, the "Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act," passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Huge news- my bill to expand workforce training and career opportunities for America's foster youth passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday! One of the greatest gifts that we can give our children is the opportunity to succeed, and this bill will help set our foster youth up for success by increasing access to education and workforce training needed to build a career. Next step: the Senate," said Daines.

Background:

Daines introduced the "Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act" in April 2026- read the release HERE.

Each year, about 20,000 young adults age out of the foster care system and face significant barriers to employment, education, and housing. By their mid-20s, former foster youth earn approximately 50 percent less and have lower employment rates than their peers, underscoring the need for stronger pathways to self-sufficiency.

The John H. Chafee Foster Care Program provides support through Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) to help foster youth pursue postsecondary education. However, the program has not kept pace with rising costs or the evolving demands of today's workforce needs.

The Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act would modernize the program by:

• Expanding the allowable uses of ETVs to include short-term, workforce-aligned training programs registered apprenticeships, career and technical education, GED attainment, and remedial education
• Increasing the maximum individual ETV award from $5,000 to $12,000 annually
• Improving flexibility for states to address barriers to participation, including transportation challenges, particularly in rural communities, and by simplifying the application process.

This bipartisan legislation strengthens pathways to self-sufficiency and aligns federal support expanding access to education and training opportunities beyond a traditional college degree.

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