New bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania aims to address ongoing workforce shortages in the construction industry. The bill, called the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, proposes the creation of a visa program specifically for construction workers, marking the first time such a pathway would be available.
Jeffrey D. Shoaf, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), released a statement urging Congress to pass the measure. Shoaf highlighted findings from a recent survey conducted by AGC and NCCER, noting that "contractors listed workforce shortages as the number one cause of delayed construction projects." He added, "In fact, 92 percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire. Congressman Smucker’s legislation will provide a much needed, lawful, responsible and temporary way for firms to find workers."
Shoaf also addressed long-term solutions for workforce development in the industry. He stated, "Of course, the long-term solution is for Congress and the Trump administration to work together to reinvigorate our long-neglected career and technical education and training programs. Today, 80 percent of federal workforce dollars support four-year college degree programs, despite the fact only 38 percent of Americans earn such a degree. Washington officials can, and must, fix that funding imbalance by passing a new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that includes significantly more funds dedicated to workforce training. And they need to double funding for the Perkins Act, which supports high-school classes focused on crafts like construction."
Shoaf noted that even with increased investment in domestic training programs now, it would take years before enough new workers could be prepared to meet current demand. "Establishing a visa program for construction occupations provides the kind of lawful, temporary, traceable and taxable pathway needed to serve as a short-term solution while we rebuild the domestic pipeline for preparing new construction workers," he said.
He concluded by emphasizing AGC's commitment: "That is why the Associated General Contractors of America and its 28,000 member firms will do everything possible to encourage Congress to swiftly pass the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act and for President Trump to then sign it into law."