I 
117TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 2697 
To establish a task force on developing a 21st century surface transportation 
workforce, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 20, 2021 
Mr. LANGEVIN (for himself and Mr. MCKINLEY) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
A BILL 
To establish a task force on developing a 21st century 
surface transportation workforce, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘21st Century Trans-
portation Workforce Development Act’’. 
SEC. 2. TASK FORCE ON DEVELOPING A 21ST CENTURY 
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall establish a task force on developing a 21st 
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century surface transportation workforce (in this section 
referred to as the ‘‘Task Force’’). 
(b) DUTIES.—Not later than 12 months after the es-
tablishment of the Task Force under subsection (a), the 
Task Force shall develop and submit to the Secretary rec-
ommendations and strategies for the Department of 
Transportation to— 
(1) evaluate the current and future state of the 
surface transportation workforce, including projected 
job needs in the surface transportation sector; 
(2) identify factors influencing individuals pur-
suing careers in surface transportation, including 
barriers to attracting individuals into the surface 
transportation workforce; 
(3) address barriers to retaining individuals in 
surface transportation careers; 
(4) identify and address potential impacts of 
emerging technologies on the surface transportation 
workforce; 
(5) increase access for vulnerable or underrep-
resented populations, including women and minori-
ties, to high-skill, in-demand surface transportation 
careers; 
(6) facilitate and encourage elementary, sec-
ondary, and post-secondary students in the United 
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States to pursue careers in the surface transpor-
tation sector; and 
(7) identify and develop pathways for students 
and individuals to secure pre-apprenticeships, reg-
istered apprenticeships, and other work-based learn-
ing opportunities in the surface transportation sector 
of the United States. 
(c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing recommenda-
tions and strategies under subsection (b), the Task Force 
shall— 
(1) identify factors that influence whether 
young people and underrepresented populations, in-
cluding women and minorities, pursue careers in 
surface transportation; 
(2) consider how the Department of Transpor-
tation, businesses, industry, labor, educators, and 
other stakeholders can coordinate efforts to support 
qualified individuals in pursuing careers in the sur-
face transportation sector; 
(3) identify methods of enhancing surface 
transportation pre-apprenticeships and registered 
apprenticeships, job skills training, mentorship, edu-
cation, and outreach programs that are exclusive to 
young people in the United States; and 
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(4) identify potential sources of funding, includ-
ing grants and scholarships, that may be used to 
support young people and other qualified individuals 
in pursuing careers in the surface transportation 
sector. 
(d) CONSULTATION.—In developing the recommenda-
tions and strategies required under subsection (b), the 
Task Force may consult with— 
(1) local educational agencies (as such term is 
defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Sec-
ondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)) 
and institutions of higher education (as such term is 
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)); and 
(2) State workforce development boards. 
(e) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after the sub-
mission of the recommendations and strategies under sub-
section (b), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works of the Senate a report containing such rec-
ommendations and strategies. 
(f) COMPOSITION OF TASK FORCE.—The Secretary 
shall appoint members to the Task Force whose diverse 
background and expertise allow such members to con-
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