Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills; BUILDS Act
Summary
The BUILDS Act aims to enhance infrastructure development by focusing on workforce training and industry partnerships. It directs the Secretary of Labor to award grants to promote collaboration between businesses and training providers in key infrastructure sectors. The goal is to improve worker skills, retention, and career advancement within industries like energy, construction, IT, utilities, and transportation.
The act emphasizes strategic objectives such as identifying training needs, facilitating economies of scale in training, and aligning educational programs with industry demands. It also prioritizes recruiting workers from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with barriers to employment, and providing support services to ensure their success.
Ultimately, the BUILDS Act seeks to strengthen the US workforce and enhance the competitiveness of infrastructure industries through targeted training and collaborative partnerships.
Expected Effects
The BUILDS Act will likely increase the availability of skilled workers in infrastructure-related industries. This could lead to more efficient project completion and improved infrastructure quality.
Additionally, the focus on individuals with barriers to employment may reduce unemployment rates and promote social equity. The act could also stimulate economic growth by fostering innovation and competitiveness within targeted industries.
Potential Benefits
- Increased availability of skilled workers in infrastructure industries.
- Enhanced collaboration between businesses and training providers.
- Improved career opportunities and advancement for workers.
- Reduced unemployment among individuals with barriers to employment.
- Stimulated economic growth through innovation and competitiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in grant administration.
- Risk of funds being misallocated or used for non-essential purposes.
- Possible mismatch between training programs and actual industry needs.
- Limited impact if industry partnerships are not effectively managed.
- Dependence on continued funding and political support for long-term success.
Constitutional Alignment
The BUILDS Act aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). It does so by investing in infrastructure and workforce development, which can contribute to economic prosperity and societal well-being.
Congress has the power to enact legislation necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, including regulating interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8). Workforce development related to infrastructure can be seen as facilitating interstate commerce.
However, the act's reliance on federal grants raises questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states, an ongoing debate within constitutional law.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).