Washington, D.C.  – Today, Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) applauded Senate passage of H.R. 803, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.  This bipartisan compromise legislation will provide much needed reforms to federally-supported workforce development programs.

 “I am very pleased that the Senate has considered the SKILLS Act and used it as the basis for a bipartisan plan to reform the Workforce Investment Act,” said Rep. Foxx.  “America’s job seekers need a workforce development system that is focused on their needs and helps them get the skills necessary for jobs that are available now.  This legislation will make the system more responsive and accountable, and I look forward to prompt passage of these needed reforms into law.”

The legislation, which is based on Rep. Foxx’s SKILLS Act, must now pass in the House in its amended form.  It is expected to be considered in July.  President Obama has indicated that he will sign the legislation when it reaches his desk.

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 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx is currently in her fifth term as the Representative of North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is the elected Republican Conference Secretary.  Dr. Foxx is the chair of the House Education & the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and serves as Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee.