06/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/10/2025 13:05
The strength of the United States' economy is rooted in the power of our workforce. As Congress works to deliver policies that bring jobs back to our shores, the need for a strong, reliable workforce has never been greater. Nearly 20,000 young Americans utilize the U.S. Job Corps program, a proven initiative that helps equip our nation's young, disadvantaged adults with the skills they need to succeed. Amidst the Trump administration's plans to pause Job Corps operations at the end of June, I joined 200 of my colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer advocating for the program.
There are two Jobs Corps centers in Washington's Fourth Congressional District, Columbia Basin in Moses Lake and Fort Simcoe in White Swan, that have benefited the surrounding communities for years. Ensuring the program continues to receive critical resources will open the door for low-income individuals between the ages of 16-24 for work opportunities and professional development to help improve their station in life.
Job Corps elevates those not working into specialized vocational training and job placement in fields where America's workforce is in dire need, like manufacturing, shipbuilding, welding, carpentry, mechanics, and even nursing.
As American companies continue to onshore jobs and expand their domestic operations, they will require a steady stream of well-trained workers to be successful. These high-demand, high-wage industries require a workforce that Job Corps is uniquely designed to deliver.
Outside of its impact on the workforce, the program also helps to chip away at socioeconomic issues facing the U.S. today. Poverty remains a challenge in communities across the country, and Central Washington is no stranger to the impact it can have on families and local economies.
The cost of not continuing Job Corps and losing skilled workers far outweighs any short-term savings. Getting Americans into the workforce, especially those that are not currently positioned to do so, is essential to the success of our growing economy. I will continue to advocate for the continuation of Job Corps and work to support the next generations of a strong American workforce.