Fred Keller

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, America's veterans have served our Nation honorably, and they deserve timely access to the benefits they have earned through their service. The National Personnel Records Center was forced to scale down its operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently staffed at 25 percent capacity, well below the staffing level needed to process the estimated 5,000 records requests it receives on an average day. These service records are required for veterans to access medical benefits; adjudicate disability claims; and request a commendation, award, or regalia, such as a Purple Heart or campaign service medal. To date, there is a backlog of half a million veterans' requests at the NPRC and, in some cases, veterans have waited for over a year for documentation. That is unacceptable. That is why I introduced the Records Act, which would compel the NPRC to fully reopen, address the backlog, and develop a plan to prevent this from ever happening again. These men and women were willing to lay down their lives in service to our Nation, and we need to continue working to ensure our veterans get the level of responsiveness from their government that they deserve.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, when I was a kid, my brother and I would help our dad make ends meet by collecting aluminum cans on the side of the road. We didn't make much, but what we made, we used to buy food. Very early, we learned the value of a dollar. Today, the value of that same dollar has plummeted because of wasteful, Big Government spending, like the kind President Biden has embraced with his disastrous economic policies. One of President Biden's core campaign promises was that he would not raise taxes on any Americans making less than $400,000 a year. What he failed to mention was the hidden tax brought on by his inflationary spending. In May, the Consumer Price Index jumped to 5 percent, the fastest rate since 2008. Every American is feeling the strain from this administration's reckless spending spree. From the gas pump and the supermarket to the clothing store and the car dealership, Americans are spending more and getting less. While the current administration shovels trillions of taxpayer dollars into the furnace of a runaway train, it is clear that Joe Biden is intent on saddling our kids and grandkids with insurmountable debt. It is time for Joe Biden to stop playing politics with taxpayer money and start doing what is right for our country. Let's get Americans back to work, get the government out of the way, and allow taxpayers to keep more of their own money. After all, they have earned it.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, motorsports are one of America's favorite pastimes and play an important role in our economy. Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District is home to Selinsgrove Speedway, Clinton County Motor Speedway, Port Royal Speedway, Beaver Springs Dragway, and thousands of racing fans, myself included. Some of my best memories are at the raceway, enjoying the sights and sounds with our community and family. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act, or the RPM act. Automotive fans have long altered stock vehicles for competitive racing, a practice that is as old as the sport itself. In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed rule that would make modifying stock vehicles for racing illegal. The RPM Act would ensure that this doesn't happen, permanently protecting this practice. The racing industry has a rich history, and I believe it should be protected from burdensome regulatory barriers.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding. The current economic crisis facing our Nation is troubling but not surprising. Skyrocketing inflation, rising gas prices, and growing unemployment are the results of a White House that fundamentally believes more government is the solution. To be clear, President Biden's massive tax-and-spend policies constitute a losing formula, which will drag our Nation deeper into debt and government dependency. The April jobs report is a testament to this. A record 8 million jobs are available. However, only 266,000 were filled last month because Biden is promoting government control rather than the sustainable income of a job. Job creators across Pennsylvania, in the hospitality, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and many other industries, say the same thing: They are struggling to find workers. Biden's policies are detrimental to our economic recovery and are the last thing America needs. Even more frustrating, the solution to get us back on track has been present all along: reopen the economy, stop piling debt on our children, and get Americans back to work. It is time that President Biden recognizes that Big Government is the problem, and only the ingenuity and resilience of the American people will lead us to prosperity. Now more than ever, our government needs to get out of the way and allow Americans to reclaim control of their lives and their government.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, in 2013, Eric Williams was working as a correctional officer at USP Canaan when he was savagely murdered by an inmate who was already serving a life sentence. A jury later found the inmate guilty of Eric's murder, but because 1 out of 12 jurors voted against the death penalty, he faced no additional penalty for this crime. Such an outcome is unacceptable in our legal system. Officer Williams' tragic killing reveals a glaring injustice for victims of violent crime. That is why I reintroduced Eric's Law this week, which would permit prosecutors to impanel a second jury for sentencing in a death penalty case when the first jury fails to deliver a unanimous verdict. Officer Williams died protecting our community, and we owe it to him and others like him to punish the violent criminals who commit these acts. Though we will never be able to rid our society of heinous crimes or acts of violence, this bill is a step in the right direction to ensure victims and their families have every opportunity to pursue the justice they deserve.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, service to our Nation comes in many forms, but none is more foundational to upholding our laws and protecting our communities than the service of America's men and women in blue. On the surface, celebrating National Police Week means taking a moment to thank police officers for their service. Looking deeper, National Police Week gives each of us a chance to reflect on the critical role that law enforcement plays in our society and to reaffirm our commitment to their important work. Respect for law and order is necessary to build a strong community. Our vision forward increases funding for law enforcement to improve education and ensure police have the tools to keep themselves and their communities safe. Now more than ever, we must stand united in our fight against Washington Democrats' radical calls to defund our police. This rhetoric is dangerous and has real consequences on the safety of officers everywhere. Tragically, more officers have been killed in 2021 than in the past 2 years combined. Every officer who puts on that uniform does so at great risk to themselves. They run toward dangerous situations and, by their courage, ensure the protection of those whom they serve. Many make the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. For these reasons, and so many more, our Nation owes these heroes a debt of gratitude. This National Police Week, know that we salute police officers, not just today but every day. We are with them, and we are grateful for all they do to keep us safe.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, in 1964, then-Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy summed it up best as to why the Framers put the Capital outside the borders or control of any State: ``It was indispensably necessary to the independence and the very existence of the new Federal Government to have a seat of government which was not subject to the jurisdiction or control of any State.'' As true as that was when this was said, as true as that was when the Capital was moved here, it is that true today. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I am glad they remember history. When the seat of the Federal Government was in New York City and in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, they didn't want it in the control of a State. Therefore, the District of Columbia was created, under the control of the United States Congress, because that is who should be determining what happens for the 50 States. Our colleagues on the other side want to change an amendment to the Constitution with law. What about other amendments to the Constitution and how they read those? Will they try to change those with law? This is not about taxation without representation. This is about a Democrat power grab, and let's call it what it is.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding. Madam Speaker, improving America's infrastructure should be bipartisan. Revitalizing our Nation's roads and bridges, delivering broadband to rural America, and working together to build a more connected society are all things we can and should strive to accomplish. The Biden administration's so-called infrastructure plan is not infrastructure, and it is definitely not bipartisan. Less than 2 months removed from the last multi-trillion-dollar bill, the American people are about to be saddled with another massive tax-and-spend package-- this time with a price tag of $2.3 trillion and a bag of empty promises. With only a fraction of the $2.3 trillion going toward things like roads, bridges, waterways, dams, airports, and broadband, the majority of the plan is instead filled with non-infrastructure items. Case in point: Joe Biden spends 74 percent more of your money on subsidies for electric vehicles than it allocates for rural broadband. It is ironic that Washington Democrats talk about improving infrastructure while simultaneously working to dismantle and eliminate American energy jobs. Make no mistake, it takes American energy to build American infrastructure. While Washington Democrats talk about improvements to American infrastructure, they fail to recognize that Biden's $2.3 trillion plan is not the answer. Instead, we must embrace America's domestic energy industry, which has made greater strides in investing in our Nation's infrastructure than Joe Biden's wasteful spending plans ever could. If Joe Biden truly believes this is an infrastructure package, it is evidence that he has been in Washington, D.C., for far too long.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, my 25 years in private industry taught me many lessons. One which resonates with me today is that sweeping industry mandates with no input from those who will be impacted don't work. No one knows better what the workforce needs to be successful than the workforce itself. It seems to me that my colleagues across the aisle have yet to learn this lesson and are rushing and pushing H.R. 1195, a bill that would institute a rushed, sweeping initiative that ignores the data and, more importantly, ignores the people it will effect. Though H.R. 1195 is founded under the premise of finding solutions for workplace violence--especially for our healthcare workers and social service workers, who are most susceptible--this bill clearly misses the mark. In tandem, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also recognizes the risks that our healthcare and social service workers face in the workplace. However, this rulemaking process should and must account for the important views of impacted stakeholders. There is not a more notable red flag to H.R. 1195 than the fact that the American Hospital Association came out to oppose it because it would institute additional restrictions to already struggling rural hospitals across the country. To ensure long-lasting policy that can address the complex problem of workplace violence, it is imperative we develop a solution that seeks input from stakeholders and employers that goes through the normal rulemaking process. Our healthcare and social service workers have given so much during this pandemic, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their work. Moreover, we owe them policy that will improve workplace safety without making it harder for them to do their jobs. We owe it to them to seek their input.

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this amendment, which I am offering with my colleague, Representative Walberg. Healthcare and social service workers face real safety risks in the workplace. This issue demands our attention and thoughtful consideration. Unfortunately, H.R. 1195 will result in a rushed and flawed OSHA rule that will not effectively address workplace violence. This bill is excessively prescriptive and heavy-handed, prejudging and imposing a regulation without allowing for necessary stakeholder input and expert review. Just as Members of Congress should be working together to develop adequate solutions to these pressing issues, OSHA should be working with and listening to industry experts and stakeholders closest to the problem. That is why this amendment requires OSHA to follow proper procedures in their rulemaking process, including inviting meaningful stakeholder participation, and responding to comments from the public. The amendment also calls on OSHA to convene the already planned Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act panel before proceeding with the rulemaking process. This will ensure that small employers directly impacted by the rule have the chance to speak on it, allowing for a more informed solution that empowers workers and employers, not one that cripples them with overbearing Federal mandates This amendment would also require OSHA to conduct an educational campaign on workplace violence prevention in healthcare and social services industries. This initiative would target the regulated community and raise awareness of the issue while also increasing compliance with the eventual final rule. Finally, despite the heavy burdens placed on our healthcare system responding to the pandemic, the Biden administration is considering a job-killing emergency, temporary standard on COVID-19 that will further bog down already overwhelmed businesses with sweeping and costly mandates at the very time that vaccines are widely available and the economy is recovering at a record pace. As such, this amendment removes the unnecessary and problematic requirement that OSHA issue an interim final standard on workplace violence within 1 year, enabling these facilities to continue fighting COVID-19 and allowing our entire economy to continue recovering from economic peril. We all agree that our frontline workers have shown incredible courage in responding to this global health crisis and their efforts continue to be an invaluable part of our Nation's recovery. We owe it to these heroes to provide a solution that keeps them safe at work without drowning employers in compliance costs or implementing overbearing rules and rushed regulations from Washington that do not take into account their meaningful input. We owe these frontline workers the opportunity to have their say and their input. This amendment does just that, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, today, we take a moment to remember the life and service of Sergeant Major Christopher Brownawell, a decorated American soldier who died unexpectedly last week. Chris' life was defined by his service, both in and out of uniform. For 24 years, Chris served honorably in the United States Army, deploying to Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Outside of the military, Chris kept our community safe as a corrections officer at SCI Coal Township. Those who knew Chris remember him as the quintessential infantryman and a purpose-driven leader who went out of his way to develop and mentor other soldiers. Chris set the standard for other soldiers and, undoubtedly, had a profound impact on so many during his years of service. Every freedom we have in this Nation was paid for by soldiers like Chris. Chris is a hero, and his legacy of service to our community, State, and country will live on with his family and friends and our community.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I was unable to attend a vote called on March 17, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 89.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, it is necessary for me to voice my opposition to the PRO Act, shortsighted legislation that is a bad deal for America's workers and America's employers. The greatest thing that I learned working in a factory is that workers care about employers and employers care about and value the hardworking people who come to work and get the job done every day. The PRO Act needlessly inserts government--what I call the middleman--into the workplace, driving a wedge between the employee- employer relationship. This bill would infringe on workers' rights and handcuff employers, making it harder for people to make decisions that positively impact their workforce. Our team has met with employers and workers across central and northeastern Pennsylvania, and the message is crystal clear: Say no to the PRO Act. Let's not pretend the government knows or cares about workers more than the businesses that employ them, and let's not add more mandates where they don't belong. Instead, it is time for the government to step back and for businesses to continue what they do best: innovate, produce, and provide opportunities for the American people. If my colleagues supporting the PRO Act really care about America's employers, workers, and boosting our economic recovery, then I urge them to oppose this special interest giveaway.

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, my amendment maintains longstanding current law, which protects the ability of employers to continue to do business and provide for their customers during a labor relations dispute. One of the purposes of the National Labor Relations Act is to eliminate ``substantial obstructions to the free flow of commerce.'' During the economic chaos of the 1930s, Congress passed the NLRA, which struck a careful balance by protecting workers' ability to strike while not protecting the practice of intermittent strikes that create upheaval and uncertainty. The PRO Act aims to make it impossible for employers to continue to do business in the event of a labor dispute, a death sentence for thousands of small businesses. Allowing intermittent strikes and banning permanent replacements would be devastating to our economy, our global competitiveness, and the incentive to invest in American workers. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment and to prevent dangerous disruptions to our economy.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, since the start of the pandemic, the Federal Government has taken historic steps to provide nearly $4 trillion in financial and public health assistance to the American people with one goal in mind: defeating the virus and getting our country back to normal. Unfortunately, President Biden and Washington Democrats' latest $1.9 trillion stimulus package focuses more on fulfilling partisan priorities than combating COVID-19. Only 9 percent of their legislation goes to public health spending, while the other 91 percent can be tied to political items unrelated to the pandemic. How can any Member of Congress who calls this legislation COVID relief look their constituents in the eye and justify billions in wasteful spending to foreign governments, bailouts, and liberal pet projects? Rather than borrowing trillions of dollars to spend on liberal wish list items while more than $1 trillion in previously allocated COVID relief dollars remain unspent, Congress should work on a bill that provides temporary and targeted relief tied to COVID-19. Mr. Speaker, the latest stimulus package fails on each account, and for that reason, we should all be voting ``no'' on this measure.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. Let's be very clear: Apprenticeship programs are a tremendous benefit to our economy. They provide a diverse range of opportunities for emerging workers to hone and develop skill sets while providing competitive salaries that strengthen our economy. I agree with my colleagues that our existing apprenticeship system is severely outdated and it must be restructured to reflect the needs and challenges of the current economy and the modern workforce. However, H.R. 447 completely fails to address and expand work-based learning programs. Current regulations permit a special carve-out for union-sponsored apprenticeships to ignore the mandatory ratio of apprentices to supervisors intended to keep workers safe. This preferential treatment, by definition, creates an uneven playing field and jeopardizes worker safety. I offered an amendment to this legislation that would have closed this loophole, leveled the playing field, and ensured the safety of all apprentices on the job. However, the majority voted to reject this effort to hold all apprenticeship programs to the same standards of safety regardless of which entity sponsors the program. Given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy, now more than ever we need an apprenticeship system that provides and protects workers and gives them the tools and opportunities for success. The bottom line is that this law must be updated so employees can participate in a system that is reflective of their needs and the needs of their workers, something this legislation in its current form fails to do entirely. Voting for H.R. 447 in its current form would mean doubling down on the outdated policies and bureaucratic red tape that too often prevents innovative and necessary improvements from taking place. This bill should be rejected.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, since the Supreme Court wrongly decided Roe v. Wade 48 years ago, we have lost 62 million lives to abortion. Any loss of life to abortion is not only heartbreakingly preventable, it is completely unacceptable in our modern society. This pin, I always wear on my collar. These two little feet represent the exact size and shape of a baby's feet 10 weeks after conception. Every day, as I put this pin on my collar, I reflect on the millions of lives cut short and the innovations, ideas, and improvements lost to our world. If anything else was extinguishing life on the same scale as abortion, every American would be up in arms fighting to right that wrong. Why is the sanctity of life any different? As Members of Congress, if we are not willing to fight for life, then what are we willing to fight for? The Lord has blessed me with two children and now three grandchildren. Every individual can attest to the indescribable feeling of joy meeting a newborn for the first time and holding that child. Our Creator has a plan for every single one of us, and I will work tirelessly to ensure every life has the chance to realize its full potential.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker) for yielding. Madam Speaker, the violence that occurred in the Capitol today was shameful, unacceptable, and un-American. We are a nation of laws, not lawlessness, and we will never give in to the mob. Thank you to the men and women of our Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies who heroically defended this building. The criminal behavior we witnessed today does not erase the facts before us. I am objecting to the certification of Pennsylvania's electoral votes because Governor Tom Wolf, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court violated the State legislature's clear constitutional authority to set election proceedings. Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, only the General Assembly has the power to set election law. Additionally, Article II of the U.S. Constitution explicitly grants State legislatures, not the Governor acting alone and not the courts, the explicit power to determine the manner of appointing Presidential electors. Pennsylvania's court unlawfully extended the deadline to receive absentee and mail-in ballots. Governor Wolf's administration dismissed signature authentication procedures for absentee and mail-in ballots, allowed for the uneven administration of the election across counties, and unilaterally changed Pennsylvania's election code without the State legislature's consent. The Constitution is clear and the facts are indisputable. This past weekend, each Member of this body stood in this Chamber and swore an oath to protect and defend our Constitution. I intend to fulfill my constitutional oath which the people of Pennsylvania have entrusted in me. My objection is grounded in the Constitution and rule of law. If we allow the Governor to violate the constitutional rights of the General Assembly, what is stopping him from violating the constitutional rights of the 12.8 million Pennsylvanians our State legislators were elected to represent?

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3989, the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Amendments Act. Our country's Declaration of Independence was courageously signed in 1776. This makes 2026 the 250th anniversary our great Republic and its founding. An exposition marking the 150th anniversary was in Philadelphia in 1926, and bicentennial celebrations were held throughout the country in 1976. It is only fitting that we also celebrate the 250th anniversary, another milestone anniversary. To do this, Congress passed and the President signed the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 in the 114th Congress. The bill before us today would amend the law authorizing the Commission, with necessary changes, to allow the planning work to continue. S. 3989 grants the Commission certain flexibilities, such as no longer requiring every meeting convene at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The law would still recognize Philadelphia's importance and requires at least one meeting per year to be held in the City of Brotherly Love. This bill, S. 3989, would add the directors of several Federal agencies focused on the arts to assist with the planning. The bill would also grant the Commission exclusive rights over their official logo for commercial licensing purposes, which would help provide additional funding resources for the Commission's work. These changes will allow the Commission and the rest of the United States to better celebrate our country's 250th anniversary. Madam Speaker, as the Commission noted in their 2020 report to the President, ``America 250,'' the central theme of the celebrations, will be ``educate, engage, and unite.'' Specifically, the Commission's primary goal with these celebrations is to inspire the American spirit; to deepen the understanding of our history and the democratic process through education; increase engagement in our communities and governing affairs; and foster unity, that includes the many Americans in our ``one Nation.'' Madam Speaker, I think my colleagues would agree that more than ever, Americans stand to benefit from a national celebration reflecting on our shared values which unite us as a country, a country uniquely founded on a set of ideals. Every one of us owes a debt of gratitude to the framework of freedoms, rights, and government institutions our Founding Fathers established with such a discerning forethought. We look forward to the Commission's plans being finalized next year and for the forthcoming celebrations of America's founding, a country we all love so well. Madam Speaker, we look forward to celebrating the 250th anniversary of America's founding. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, early Monday morning, two corrections officers at Allenwood Federal penitentiary in Union County, Pennsylvania, were viciously assaulted in the line of duty by an inmate. While both Officer Sara Harvey and Officer Dale Franquet were injured, their heroic actions resulted in subduing an armed and violent inmate and preventing the inmate from harming others. Officer Harvey has since returned to work, while Officer Franquet remains in the hospital undergoing treatment. Both of these individuals exemplify sacrifice and service. They are true heroes. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the challenges our corrections officers face on a daily basis. Despite great personal risk to themselves and their families, corrections officers go to work every day out of a deeply rooted sense of service. Our entire community is grateful for these two corrections officers and every person employed in the prison who continue to stand guard. As chairman of the BOP Reform Caucus, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that our corrections officers have the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively and, most importantly, safely.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, today's passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, as amended by the Senate, marks a new chapter for a critical infrastructure project that is very important to the residents of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. The Williamsport levee, located in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in the heart of PA-12, is in dire need of repair to protect the livelihoods of local residents and businesses. The flood zone behind the 20-mile levee system is responsible for nearly 87 percent of Lycoming County's economic activity. This area employs more than half of the region's workforce and is home to 24 of the county's 50 largest employers. This bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out a feasibility study of the imminent threat the levee poses to Lycoming County's residents and economy. This study is a precursor to construction and funding for the levee and represents an important step toward addressing this critical infrastructure need. I will continue to do everything in my power to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize this project. Today, we take an important step forward in our community's collective effort to get this infrastructure project across the finish line, and for that, I am grateful.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, throughout American history, generations of American frontline workers have answered the call of duty to support our Nation, States, and local communities. From those in the factories who fueled the Allied advance in World War II to the men and women who cleared the rubble after the attacks on September 11, there is a strong, storied reference that comes with being a frontline worker. Today, across Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District and America, our nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers are answering that call of duty. In the face of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and global uncertainty, our healthcare professionals have not wavered in their mission, exemplifying compassion, determination, and resilience. Most importantly, our healthcare workers have given our Nation reassurance that we can defeat this virus. To PA-12's frontline healthcare workers at Evangelical Community Hospital, UPMC, Geisinger, Endless Mountains, Bucktail Medical, Robert Packer, Guthrie Towanda Memorial, Troy Community, Divine Providence, Mount Nittany, Barnes-Kasson, and Tyler Memorial, I know your job is not easy, but your impact is felt throughout our community and across our Nation. Please know that we are forever grateful for your service.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. Apprenticeship programs are a tremendous benefit to our economy. They provide a diverse range of opportunities for emerging workers to hone and develop specific skills while providing competitive salaries that strengthen our economy. I agree with my colleagues that the National Apprenticeship Act needs to be updated and reauthorized; however, Congress needs to ensure that changes to this act accurately reflect the needs and challenges of the current economy and the modern workforce. H.R. 8294 fails to address and expand work-based learning programs beyond the traditional registered model. Now, more than ever, we need an apprenticeship system that provides tools and opportunities for workers to succeed and will encourage our small- and medium-sized businesses to participate. The existing apprenticeship system is severely outdated and is unresponsive to the needs and challenges of a dynamic workforce. The current administration has addressed these needs by creating the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program, commonly referred to as IRAP. Twenty-five years working in private industry taught me that no one knows the needs of workers more than America's employers. It is time that we allow these job creators to participate in a system that is reflective of their needs and the needs of the workforce. Doing so will open greater pathways to work for current workers and job seekers and ultimately get more Americans back to work. In addition to these concerns, I must convey my strong opposition to the amendment offered by Representative Levin. The amendment essentially restricts nonunion entities from being able to apply for funding under title II, allowing taxpayer dollars to go to apprenticeship programs that partner only with unions. At best, it is signaling that Congress would rather double down on a union-registered model for large employers rather than expanding to new participants for America's small business. This is an attempt to elevate the wants of unions over the needs of the American worker. Voting for H.R. 8294 in its current form supports outdated policies and bureaucratic red tape that too often prevents innovation and needed change. Most importantly, this bill would actively prevent IRAPs from moving forward, decimating thousands of opportunities for workers to participate in a dynamic and innovative apprenticeship system. This is why we should not support this bill in its current form.