H.R.1055 - Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural or Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools Act of 2025; CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1055, also known as the CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025, aims to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to expand training opportunities in the residential construction industry. The bill focuses on junior/community colleges and area career/technical education schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It authorizes $20 million annually from 2026-2030 for grants to eligible entities to support these training programs.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase the number of skilled workers in the residential construction sector, especially in underserved areas. This could lead to more affordable housing and improved economic opportunities for individuals in those communities. The grants will enable colleges and trade schools to enhance their training programs and outreach activities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased availability of skilled labor in the residential construction industry.
- Enhanced training programs at junior/community colleges and area career/technical education schools.
- Improved economic opportunities for individuals in rural and underserved areas.
- Potential increase in the supply of affordable housing.
- Stronger partnerships between educational institutions and local construction businesses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient use of funds if programs are not effectively managed.
- Risk that training programs may not align with actual industry needs.
- Limited impact if the authorized funding is insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
- Possible administrative burden on the Department of Labor to oversee the grant program.
- The bill does not address broader economic factors affecting the housing market, such as land costs and interest rates.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States through initiatives like workforce development and education. The bill also respects the Tenth Amendment by allowing states and local entities to implement the training programs according to their specific needs. No specific constitutional conflicts are apparent.
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).