Funding Talks Advance; Bipartisan CONSTRUCTS Act Gains Support
Washington Update
Appropriations
Top Democratic appropriators are awaiting a Republican proposal on government funding as GOP leaders consider a bipartisan deal to raise the debt limit, avoid a shutdown, and address disaster aid and border security funding. House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT) expressed optimism about a potential bipartisan agreement to finalize FY25 appropriations by the mid-March deadline — hoping a deal on overall funding levels can be reached by the end of January to allow time for negotiations on the 12 funding bills.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY) rejected the idea of linking California wildfire aid solely to a debt limit increase. Meanwhile, House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (OK) downplayed concerns about Congress’ control over spending being undermined by the administration’s efforts to freeze funding, stating that seeking legitimate savings aligns with the goals of most Republicans.
CONSTRUCTS Act
On January 22, Senators Jacky Rosen (NV) and Marsha Blackburn (TN) introduced the Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural or Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools (CONSTRUCTS) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the severe shortage of skilled residential construction workers. The bill directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to create a grant program to fund residential construction training at community colleges, technical schools, and other institutions, with a focus on underserved and rural communities. By expanding workforce education, the legislation aims to strengthen the construction workforce, increase the housing supply, and reduce housing costs.
Senator Rosen underscored the need for skilled workers to address the housing affordability crisis, while Senator Blackburn highlighted the importance of training programs in controlling construction costs. The National Association of Home Builders and other industry leaders have endorsed the bill, recognizing its potential to ease labor shortages and support affordable housing initiatives. Previously introduced in the last Congress, the CONSTRUCTS Act is expected to have companion legislation introduced in the House soon.
Click here to read more about the CONSTRUCTS Act.
Department of Labor TEN on DEI
On Wednesday, January 22, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) released a Training and Employment Notice (TEN) announcing the immediate implementation of Executive Orders (EOs) titled “Ending Racial and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”
The TEN informs ETA recipients about changes to federal financial assistance awards that prohibit activities described in these EOs, which were issued by President Trump on January 20 and 21, 2025. Effective immediately, all recipients of federal financial assistance are required to cease any activities related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) or "diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility" (DEIA) under their federal awards. These actions align with the directives of the EOs. Additional guidance will be provided.
Click here to access the full TEN.
Initial Jobless Rate
In the week ending January 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 223,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 217,000. The 4-week moving average was 213,500, an increase of 750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 212,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.2 percent for the week ending January 11, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate.
Click here to access the report.
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