S.189 - Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural or Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools Act of 2025; CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.189, 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. It seeks to provide grants for training services, education, and outreach activities related to residential construction careers, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The bill directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to establish a grant program. This program will support eligible entities in expanding their capacity to offer relevant training and education. The Act prioritizes entities serving rural areas and underserved populations.
Ultimately, the bill authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually from 2025 through 2029 to carry out these provisions, aiming to address workforce shortages in the residential construction sector.
Expected Effects
The CONSTRUCTS Act is likely to increase the availability of skilled workers in the residential construction industry, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This could lead to an increase in the supply of affordable housing and improved economic opportunities for individuals in these regions.
The Act could also foster partnerships between educational institutions and local construction businesses. This collaboration would ensure that training programs align with industry needs and provide fair wages and benefits to workers.
Furthermore, the Act's focus on incumbent workers and outreach to secondary school students may lead to a more diverse and skilled workforce in the long term.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Job Opportunities: Creates pathways for individuals to enter the residential construction industry.
- Skills Development: Provides training and education in high-demand construction trades.
- Support for Underserved Communities: Prioritizes grants for institutions serving rural areas and underserved populations.
- Economic Growth: Stimulates local economies by increasing the supply of skilled labor for residential construction.
- Affordable Housing: Aims to increase the supply of affordable housing through a more skilled workforce.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Funding: The authorized appropriations of $20 million per year may be insufficient to address the widespread need for skilled construction workers.
- Administrative Burden: Eligible entities may face challenges in applying for and managing the grants.
- Compliance Requirements: Grant recipients must comply with various federal, state, and local labor laws, which could be burdensome.
- Potential for Misallocation: There is a risk that funds could be misallocated or used inefficiently.
- Dependency on Federal Funding: Programs created by the grants may not be sustainable after the grant period ends.
Constitutional Alignment
The CONSTRUCTS Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare (Preamble) by supporting education and economic opportunity. Congress has the power to appropriate funds for programs that address national needs, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
The Act's focus on workforce development and support for educational institutions falls within the scope of permissible federal action. It does not infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. While education is traditionally a state responsibility, the federal government can provide funding and guidance to support state efforts, as long as it does not unduly interfere with state autonomy.
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).