S. 163 · 117th Congress · Senate

Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act

Active· By Senator Cantwell from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 117-75.
Introduced
Feb 2, 21
Passed Senate
Pending
Passed House
Pending
Sent to President
Pending
Signed into Law
Pending

Executive Summary

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.

Previous Versions

00Feb 2, 2021

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 Timeline

8
  1. FEB 15, 2022Committee

    By Senator Cantwell from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 117-75.

    117Yea
    75Nay
    0NV
  2. FEB 15, 2022Floor

    By Senator Cantwell from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 117-75.

    117Yea
    75Nay
    0NV
  3. DEC 16, 2021Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

    Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  4. DEC 16, 2021Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

    Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  5. DEC 16, 2021Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 194.

  6. APR 28, 2021Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

    Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  7. FEB 02, 2021IntroReferral

    Introduced in Senate

  8. FEB 02, 2021IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S250-251)

    250Yea
    251Nay
    0NV

Committees

3

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

sscm00

Referred: Dec 16, 2021

Active

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

sscm00

Referred: Apr 28, 2021

Active

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

sscm00

Referred: Feb 2, 2021

Active