DPA Workforce and Skilled Labor Needs Act of 2026

Each Federal agency to which the President has delegated authority under this Act shall identify any workforce gaps or skills gaps that affect the ability of the domestic industrial base to supply the materials and services necessary to satisfy the objectives set forth in section 2(b).

With respect to an entity receiving financial assistance under title I or this title, the agency making such financial assistance may direct that a portion of the financial assistance be used to recruit, train, place, or retain workers in defense-critical occupations directly related to the activities funded by such assistance, if such entity keeps records of performance standards for workers recruited, trained, placed, or retained using such assistance.

Each Federal agency to which the President has delegated authority under this Act shall include in the annual report of the Defense Production Act Committee required by section 722(d)—

(A) a discussion of the identification required under paragraph (1) and the authority provided under paragraph (2);

(B) short-term and long-term recommendations for administrative or legislative action to reduce any workforce gaps or skills gaps identified by the agency, including recommendations on workforce training programs to recruit, train, place, and retain workers in occupations critical to the national defense, including any apprenticeships.