H.R. 8133: DPA Workforce and Skilled Labor Needs Act of 2026

The DPA Workforce and Skilled Labor Needs Act of 2026, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to focus on addressing workforce and skills shortages that are critical for national defense. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Identification of Workforce Gaps

• Each federal agency with the President's delegated authority must identify existing gaps in workforce and skills that hinder the domestic industrial base's ability to produce necessary materials and services for national defense.

Use of Funds for Recruiting and Training

• Agencies providing financial assistance under the Defense Production Act may require recipients of this assistance to invest part of those funds into recruiting, training, placing, or retaining workers specifically for defense-critical jobs.
• Entities that receive financial aid must maintain records of performance standards regarding the workforce engaged using these funds.

Annual Reporting Requirements

• Federal agencies must include in their annual reports to the Defense Production Act Committee information on:
• Identified workforce and skills gaps.
• Recommendations for administrative or legislative actions to address these shortages, which may include suggestions for workforce training initiatives that focus on recruiting and retaining workers in critical national defense occupations, including apprenticeship programs.

Corrections to Title References

• The bill also includes provisions to correct the title reference of the Defense Production Act to ensure accurate citations.

Overall, the bill emphasizes the need for enhanced coordination and financial investment in the workforce essential for national defense, ensuring that gaps in skills and personnel are addressed adequately to support the country’s defense capabilities.

Relevant Companies

• None found