Workforce Recovery and Resilience Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 5, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to equip states and local communities with information and federal grant funding to combat the workforce and economic consequences of substance use disorders.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to address the impact of substance use disorders on the workforce. It directs the Secretary of Labor to disseminate best practices for tackling the economic and workforce effects of substance use disorders to states and local areas. Additionally, it expands the National Dislocated Worker Grant program to allow funding for employment and training activities related to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, including addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and pain management, in highly affected areas.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill provides much-needed federal support and guidance to communities struggling with the dual crises of substance use disorder and its detrimental effects on local workforces. They contend that by offering targeted grants for training and treatment, and by sharing evidence-based practices, the bill will help individuals recover, re-enter the workforce, and strengthen local economies.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that while the intent is laudable, expanding federal grant programs without clear offsets could contribute to increased federal spending. Some may also argue that the bill could create administrative complexities or overlap with existing state and local initiatives, potentially leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a reader to evaluate its provisions thoroughly in a short amount of time.
Section 2, amending WIOA Section 168
Enhanced Technical Assistance for Substance Use Disorder Impacts
This provision directs 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 and will include effective practices shared by states and local areas, as well as guidance on how to apply for related federal funding.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that providing a centralized source of evidence-based practices is crucial for states and local areas, ensuring they have the most effective tools to combat the complex workforce challenges posed by substance use disorders.
Critics contend
Critics might suggest that while information dissemination is helpful, it does not directly provide new resources, and its practical impact will depend entirely on the capacity and funding available at the state and local levels to implement these practices.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for informed policy development with the administrative burden of continuous evaluation and dissemination of best practices, without directly allocating new funds for implementation.
Section 3, amending WIOA Section 170
Expansion of National Dislocated Worker Grants for Substance Use Disorder Programs
This section expands the National Dislocated Worker Grant program to allow federal funding for employment and training activities specifically related to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. These activities can include addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and pain management. Grants are targeted to areas with higher-than-average demand for such services due to widespread substance use, where state and local resources are insufficient. Eligibility for individuals to receive assistance under these grants is broadened to include dislocated workers, long-term unemployed individuals, those unemployed or underemployed due to widespread substance use, and individuals working or seeking employment in healthcare professions involved in substance use disorder prevention and treatment.