In an attempt to line the pockets of union bosses, House Democrats are advancing an amendment to require employers to partner with labor unions if they want to be eligible for apprenticeship grants.
Below are excerpts of Republican Leader of the Education and Labor Committee Rep. Virginia Foxx’s (R-NC) remarks in opposition to the Levin amendment’s Big Labor giveaway.
"Frankly, the amendment offered by Representative Levin is a perfect distillation of the problems with the underlying legislation.
"The amendment limits the grant program in the bill so that only entities partnering with unions would be eligible to receive funding.
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"This would block countless potential participants from accessing these funds and would further cement the program in the way it has been since the 1930s.
"Unfortunately, Democrats are doubling down on the problems with their program and once again are choosing to provide benefits to politically favored unions rather than addressing the underlying problems.
"If we want to reach one million apprenticeships in this country, I fail to see how limiting access by creating earmarks and kickbacks will achieve that goal.
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"A number of groups have recognized the problems inherent with this amendment and have spoken in opposition, including the Chamber of Commerce, Associated Builders and Contractors, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the Independent Electrical Contractors.
"They understand that reaching one million apprenticeships is not going to happen by turning the grant program in the underlying bill into a union slush fund."
