Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act

Bill: 117-s-163
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2021-02-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Intergovernmental relations
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Labor and Employment
Military personnel and dependents
Rural conditions and development
State and local government operations
Telephone and wireless communication
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-02
text: 

Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act

 
This bill establishes measures to address the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry.
 
 Specifically, the bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish an interagency working group to develop recommendations for addressing these workforce needs.
 
The FCC must also establish and issue guidance on how states can meet the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry, including guidance on how a state workforce development board can (1) utilize federal resources available to meet telecommunications industry workforce needs; and (2) promote and improve recruitment in qualified industry-led workforce development programs, including the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program.
 
The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress a report that estimates the number of skilled telecommunications workers that will be required to build and maintain (1) broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and (2) the 5G wireless infrastructure needed to support 5G wireless technology. 

action_date: 2021-12-16
text: 

Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act

 
This bill establishes measures to address the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish an interagency working group to develop recommendations for addressing these workforce needs.
 
In addition, the bill requires the Department of Labor to establish and issue guidance on how states can address the workforce needs and safety of the telecommunications industry. In particular, the guidance must address how a state workforce development board can (1) utilize federal resources available to meet telecommunications industry workforce needs; (2) promote and improve recruitment in qualified industry-led workforce development programs, including the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program; and (3) ensure the safety of tower climbers and other members of the telecommunications workforce.
 
The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress a report that estimates the number of skilled telecommunications workers that will be required to build and maintain (1) broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and (2) the 5G wireless infrastructure needed to support 5G wireless technology.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-02-15
text: By Senator Cantwell from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 117-75.
action_date: 2022-02-15
text: By Senator Cantwell from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 117-75.
action_date: 2021-12-16
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 194.
action_date: 2021-12-16
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2021-12-16
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2021-02-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S250-251)
action_date: 2021-02-02
text: Introduced in Senate