Workforce Recovery and Resilience Act

119th Congress Introduced by Dave McCormick

S. 5263 expands WIOA to share best-practice SUD workforce information with states/local areas and authorizes grants for training on treatment and prevention to reduce SUD-related e

Introduced in Senate

Summary of Bill: S. 5263 (Session 119)

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to strengthen how information about substance use disorder (SUD) and its impact on the workforce is Shared with States and local areas.

It aims to provide States and local areas with best-practice information for addressing SUD’s effects on employment and to authorize grants to support training activities related to treatment and prevention of SUD.

Key provisions and changes

Information sharing on best practices:

Requires the provision of information to States and local workforce areas on effective strategies for addressing the impact of substance use disorder in the labor force.
Likely focuses on evidence-based approaches to treatment, prevention, and support that can improve workforce participation and productivity.

Grants for training activities:

Establishes or authorizes grants to local areas (consistent with WIOA governance) to support training activities related to treatment and prevention of SUD.
Training activities may cover workforce readiness, treatment referrals, prevention programs, and employer engagement to reduce SUD-related barriers to employment.

Alignment with WIOA framework:

Uses WIOA’s state and local area structure for workforce development, ensuring compatibility with existing One-Stop system roles, local Workforce Development Boards, and required plans.

Administration and oversight:

The bill would operate within the typical federal grant and program oversight framework applicable to WIOA-funded activities, with possible reporting, performance metrics, and compliance requirements to ensure funds are used effectively.

Who would be affected

States and local workforce areas receiving WIOA funds:

Would receive targeted information on best practices for integrating SUD treatment and prevention with workforce development.
Could apply for and receive grants to fund training activities related to SUD in their localities.

Employers and workforce stakeholders:

Could benefit indirectly through improved access to trained workers, reduced barriers related to SUD in the workplace, and better collaboration with treatment and prevention resources.

Individuals with substance use disorder or at risk:

Potentially gain improved pathways to employment through enhanced training and treatment/prevention support integrated with workforce services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral:

Introduced in the Senate and referred on 2026-08-05 to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP).

Next steps:

The HELP Committee would hold hearings, consider amendments, and potentially report the bill to the Senate floor.
If enacted, programs and grants would be implemented under WIOA guidelines, with funding cycles and grant announcements following Department of Labor/WIOA processes.

Sponsor:

Co-sponsor: Senator Dave McCormick.

Notes on scope and impact

The bill focuses on information dissemination and targeted funding to bolster training related to SUD treatment and prevention within the existing WIOA structure.

It emphasizes workforce development as a vehicle to address SUD-related employment barriers, aiming to improve outcomes for workers, employers, and communities affected by substance use disorders.