Representatives Torres and Fleischmann Lead Bipartisan Bill to Build America’s Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

Representatives Torres and Fleischmann Lead Bipartisan Bill to Build America's Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

Legislation expands workforce training and connects workers with good paying careers in growing manufacturing industries

Washington, D.C. - Today, during National Manufacturing Month, Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35) and Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) introduced the bipartisan Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in America Act of 2026, legislation to help workers train for and connect with advanced manufacturing careers. The legislation, which was inspired by the successful public-private partnership that created the InTech Center at Chaffey College in Fontana, would direct the Department of Labor to initiate pilot projects between local community colleges, state and tribal colleges, local boards, advanced manufacturers, and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers that are focused on education, training, and apprenticeship programs for advanced manufacturing jobs.

"Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the Inland Empire's economy, and we need to make sure our workforce is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow," said Congresswoman Torres. "The Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in America Act will bring manufacturers, community colleges, and workforce partners together to give workers the skills they need to secure good-paying careers while helping American manufacturers find the talent they need to grow. Investing in American manufacturing means investing in American workers, and I am proud to partner with Congressman Fleischmann on this bipartisan effort."

"Manufacturing is the backbone of America, driving our economy, creating jobs, and building the foundation of our nation's prosperity. East Tennessee is leading the way in America's reindustrialization, showing how innovation and hard work can revitalize our manufacturing sector. This legislation is vital to keeping America competitive and strong. I am honored to champion this effort in Congress and remain committed to supporting American manufacturing and the dedicated people who power it," said Congressman Fleischmann.

The Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in America Act would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to establish pilot projects focused on advanced manufacturing education and training. The bill would support partnerships between advanced manufacturers and community colleges, workforce development boards, Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, local educational agencies, and other eligible organizations. Programs could include classroom and hands on learning, on-the-job training, and registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.

The legislation would prioritize dislocated and unemployed workers. Eligible recipients must demonstrate their capacity to teach the skills needed for advanced manufacturing jobs and provide workers with a recognized postsecondary credential.

The bill is inspired by the public-private partnership at the InTech Center at Chaffey College, a regional training center that trains and upskills students and employed workers for in-demand technical careers at no cost. In 2014, the Chaffey College and the Inland Empire Regional Training Consortium (IERTC) received a $15 million grant from the Department of Labor, which resulted in the 2016 opening of the InTech Center, a partnership between Chaffey College and California Steel Industries (now Nucor-CSI). The center was California's first public-private workforce training partnership in advanced manufacturing. Located in Fontana, CA, the center now works with more than 70 employers in the region and is an example of how federal funding can jumpstart successful public-private workforce development programs in advanced manufacturing.

Earlier this month, Reps. Torres and Fleischmann led a bipartisan resolution recognizing National Manufacturing Day and the contributions of manufacturers and workers across the country. In 2022, Reps. Torres & Fleischmann also secured the inclusion of their bicameral, bipartisan National MEP Supply Chain Database Act in the CHIPS and Science Act (Public Law 117-167) to help manufacturers prepare for future supply chain challenges.

Bill Text

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