Workforce Recovery and Resilience Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 6, 2026
Bottom line
The bill leverages federal workforce development programs to provide information and targeted grants to communities and individuals impacted by substance use disorders, aiming to improve workforce resilience and expand treatment capacity.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to address the impact of substance use disorder (SUD) on the workforce. It mandates the Secretary of Labor to disseminate best practices for states and local areas to tackle the economic and workforce effects of SUD. Additionally, it expands the eligibility for National Dislocated Worker Grants to fund employment and training activities related to SUD prevention and treatment in highly affected areas, and to support individuals seeking employment in SUD-related healthcare professions.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation provides crucial resources and guidance to communities grappling with the devastating economic and workforce consequences of substance use disorders. They contend it offers a vital pathway for dislocated workers to re-enter the workforce and strengthens the healthcare sector's ability to provide essential SUD treatment and prevention services, thereby addressing a critical public health and economic crisis.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that expanding the scope of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants to include health-related activities could divert funds and focus from traditional workforce development priorities. They may also suggest that addressing substance use disorder is primarily a public health responsibility, and that workforce agencies may lack the specialized expertise to effectively administer grants for addiction treatment and mental health services without robust inter-agency coordination.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing an informed reader to understand its provisions well within a short timeframe.
Section 2, amending Section 168 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3223)
Technical Assistance on Substance Use Disorder Workforce Impacts
This provision requires the Secretary of Labor to evaluate and disseminate information to states and local areas regarding evidence-based and promising practices for addressing the economic and workforce impacts associated with high rates of substance use disorders. This information must be updated annually, include effective practices shared by states and local areas, and provide details on how to apply for related funding under Section 170(b)(1)(E).
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that providing a centralized source of evidence-based best practices will enable states and local areas to more effectively design and implement programs that address the complex interplay between substance use disorder and workforce participation, leading to better outcomes for affected communities.
Critics contend
Critics might suggest that while information dissemination is generally positive, it may not be sufficient on its own to drive significant change without dedicated funding or stronger mandates for implementation, and that many local areas may already be aware of effective strategies.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the federal government's role in providing guidance and fostering innovation with the principle of local control over workforce development program design and implementation.
Section 3, amending Section 170 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3225)
Expansion of National Dislocated Worker Grants for Substance Use Disorder
This provision expands the eligibility for National Dislocated Worker Grants to include funding for entities that provide employment and training activities related to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, such as addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and pain management. These grants are specifically targeted at areas where widespread substance use has led to higher-than-average demand for such activities, exceeding local resources. It also broadens individual eligibility for these grants to include dislocated workers, long-term unemployed individuals, those unemployed or underemployed due to widespread substance use, and individuals seeking employment in SUD-related healthcare professions.