S. 2587: Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2026

The bill, S. 2587, focuses on appropriating funds for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education for the fiscal year 2026. It primarily aims to enhance workforce development and support vulnerable populations by allocating nearly $4 billion for various employment and training services. This includes funding for Job Corps operations and vocational programs that target employment-related initiatives.

Funding for Women's Initiatives

A notable aspect of the bill is its specific allocation for the Women's Bureau, which emphasizes grant funding for workforce initiatives aimed at benefiting women. This includes a dedicated $5 million for the Women in Apprenticeship Act, aimed at promoting female participation in apprenticeship programs. The bill also introduces regulations regarding the transfer of discretionary funds, including set reporting requirements and the definition of labor-related child employment conditions and contracts.

Health Program Funding

The bill encompasses provisions related to authorized user fees connected to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as specific appropriations for various health programs. The funding includes targeted allocations for initiatives such as:

• Cancer research
• Mental health initiatives
• Health-related spending extending through 2027

Support for Individuals with Disabilities

For intermediate care facilities serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the bill stipulates that these facilities must inform affected individuals or their guardians of rights and legal actions within a 90-day timeframe. There are exceptions for individuals who do not have guardians. It also clarifies that certain funds available for specific projects are exempt from some regulations under the Public Health Service (PHS) Act.

Educational Program Funding

The bill allocates significant resources for various educational programs, with over $5.7 billion designated for school improvement initiatives. This funding covers a wide range of educational needs, including:

• Special education
• Indian education
• Student financial assistance

Details regarding timelines for funding disbursement and specifics concerning program administration and construction are included throughout the bill.

National and Community Service Adjustments

The bill allows State Commissions on National and Community Service to access criminal history information per Public Law 92–544. It also provides the Corporation with the authority to modify the service hour requirements, which are set at 1,700 hours, potentially impacting the corresponding educational awards for participants. In instances where participants exit early from their service due to funding gaps, the bill mentions that educational awards may be pro-rated based on the duration of their service.

Relevant Companies

• ADBE (Adobe Inc.): As a company involved in educational software solutions, funding aimed at improving educational programs and student assistance could create opportunities for Adobe to expand its offerings in this area.
• CSCO (Cisco Systems, Inc.): Cisco’s focus on providing technology to educational institutions and vocational training programs could result in increased demand for its products and services due to the bill's emphasis on school improvements and workforce training.