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HR 9607

Less Bureaucracy, Better Workforce Development Act

119th Congress Introduced by Tim Walberg

Transfers management of career, technical, and adult education programs from Education to Labor to streamline oversight and boost data-driven workforce development.

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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Bill Summary · HR 9607

Overview

  • Bill: H.R. 9607 (Less Bureaucracy, Better Workforce Development Act)
  • Session: 119th Congress
  • Purpose: Move management of key Department of Education career, technical, and adult education programs to the Department of Labor (Secretary of Labor) to streamline administration and reduce bureaucratic burdens.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The core aim is to transfer specific functions from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor, consolidating oversight of career and technical education, adult education, workforce development, and related coordination efforts under the Secretary of Labor.
  • The bill seeks to promote “continuous improvement” and data-driven, high-performing workforce development programs by realigning administrative responsibility.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Transfer of Functions (Section 2)

  2. Transfers to the Secretary of Labor (via the Employment and Training Administration) all functions previously exercised by the Secretary of Education with respect to:

    • The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (excluding sections 116 and 117 of that Act).
    • Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
    • Programs helping adult learners become literate and acquire skills for employment and self-sufficiency, obtain secondary diplomas, and transition to postsecondary education and training.
    • Promotion of collaboration among States, local educational agencies, community colleges, and related organizations to align CTE and adult education with high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations.
    • Cultivation of continuous improvement for CTE and adult/family literacy programs, guided by high-quality data, accountability systems, and quality assurance measures.
    • Any other function described in the Department of Education Organization Act that is exercised by the Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education.

  3. Exercise of Authorities (Section 3)

  4. The Secretary of Labor may exercise the authorities under other laws that were available to the Secretary of Education for the performance of transferred functions.

  5. Transfer and Allocation of Appropriations and Personnel (Section 4)

  6. Unexpended funds, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, records, and other resources tied to the transferred functions will be transferred to the Secretary of Labor.

  7. Funds must be used only for the purposes for which they were originally authorized and appropriated.

  8. Management and Administrative Arrangements (Section 5, 6)

  9. OMB oversight ensures no net increase in federal FTEs as a result of the transfer.

  10. The Director of OMB may determine and facilitate incidental transfers and property/contract dispositions as needed.

  11. The Secretary of Labor may delegate transferred functions to appropriate Labor Department offices and staff, while remaining responsible for administration.

  12. References and Legal Continuity (Section 7, 8)

  13. References to the Secretary of Education and the Department of Education will be treated as references to the Secretary of Labor and the Department of Labor for transferred functions.

  14. Existing legal documents, orders, rules, licenses, and ongoing proceedings related to transferred functions continue to operate under the new administration, unless modified by law or proper action.

  15. Transition and Effective Date (Section 9, 11)

  16. Transition period authorized to facilitate orderly implementation, using Education Department personnel, assets, and funds as needed.

  17. General effective date is six months after enactment; early transfer may occur beginning on enactment, but not later than the effective date.

  18. The term “function” is broadly defined to cover duties, powers, responsibilities, and programs.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Federal agencies and programs under the Department of Education that administer CTE, adult education, literacy, and related workforce development coordination (as listed above).
  • Beneficiaries: States, local educational agencies, community colleges, adult learners, and workers seeking training in high-demand occupations, with the aim of a more streamlined, performance-driven system.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Enactment triggers transition planning and gradual realignment of functions.
  • Transfers can begin upon enactment but must be completed by the later of enactment or six months after enactment (the general effective date).
  • OMB oversight and potential incidental transfers are positioned to minimize disruption and preserve ongoing proceedings and benefits.
  • SAVINGS PROVISION ensures continuity of existing orders, licenses, and proceedings unless properly modified.

Potential Impacts (High-Level)

  • Administrative: Consolidation of leadership and management of major workforce development programs under the Department of Labor, potentially improving coordination, alignment with labor market needs, and data-driven accountability.
  • Financial: Transfer of appropriations and assets with restrictions to ensure proper use for the same purposes.
  • Stakeholders: States, educational institutions, providers, and learners may experience changes in oversight, reporting requirements, and program administration, with a goal of reduced bureaucratic complexity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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