Washington, D.C. – House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) spoke at a House leadership press conference today on how Republicans are working to fix the nation’s skills gap with multiple pieces of workforce development legislation this week.
Full remarks are below, or watch online here.
“I have to admit it — and you probably feel it, too — it just doesn’t seem right without Steve Scalise here with us. For so many years, he’s stood with us at this podium after each conference to talk to us.
“My wife Judy and I continue to keep Steve and everybody injured in our prayers. I’m happy to hear about the improvement. I know Steve’s improving, because he’s beginning to question what do we have on the floor this week as well.
“So, knowing Steve, he’s going to be back as soon as he possibly can.
“We’re keeping our commitment and our word to uplift all Americans, and to focus on jobs. You just heard from Carlos Curbelo and Glenn Thompson, about the two areas that we want to continue to work––from TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] to the technical jobs out there. I know in my own hometown that Bakersfield Junior College, a place that I attended––8 out of 10 students when they graduate, almost immediately get put into a job above the median income.
“When I look at the latest jobs report and what the AP wrote about it, in May, they wrote, “Jobs data could signal shortage of qualified workers to hire.” That is why this Congress continues to focus on the agenda that we said we would, to build an economy for all Americans. And that’s what these two pieces of legislation do.”