The House Ways and Means Committee approved the Bi-Partisan Bridge for Workers Act (HR 5861) on November 2, 2023 by a vote of 41-0. The bill was developed by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL). The bill makes permanent the amendment of federal law (that had been previously included on a temporary basis) to permit states to provide reemployment services to all claimants (instead of only those identified through profiling systems). See untitled (house.gov)
The bill is likely to move to the House floor for approval. UWC has supported this amendment language to enable states to have the flexibility to use reemployment service and eligibility assessment (RESEA) funding to assist all UI claimants. Post pandemic, there is an increased need for workers to fill employer staffing needs. This bill improves the flexibility of states administering the RESEA program and should increase the number of workers available for job openings.
