hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Creates a pilot program offering guaranteed jobs in high-unemployment areas.
Rep. Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and other House members.
Introduced in the House, referred to committees.
This bill, sponsored by Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman and other House members, aims to establish a pilot program through the Department of Labor. It would provide grants to local governments and Tribal entities in areas with high unemployment to create job guarantee programs. These programs would ensure employment for eligible residents. The bill was introduced in the House and sent to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means for review.
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
This bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and referred to two committees: Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means. Before it can be voted on by the full House, these committees must review the bill, hold hearings, and potentially make changes. If it passes the House, it would then move to the Senate for their review and vote before it could be sent to the President to become law.
If this bill becomes law, communities with an unemployment rate at least 150% higher than the national average could receive federal grants to create job guarantee programs. Individuals aged 18 or older living in these eligible areas could then apply for and be provided employment through these programs. These jobs would come with a minimum wage (the higher of several options, including a specified federal minimum wage or local prevailing wage), health insurance comparable to federal employees, and paid family and sick leave. Additionally, private employers could receive tax credits for hiring individuals who have participated in these job guarantee programs for at least three months.
Supporters Say
Advocates believe it would provide stable employment, reduce poverty, and fund needed community services.
Critics Say
Concerns may arise about the program's cost, potential for displacing existing workers, or administrative complexity.
Supporters of a federal job guarantee program argue it provides a crucial safety net, ensures economic stability for individuals, and allows for investment in public goods like childcare, clean energy, and infrastructure. They also point to its potential to reduce poverty and improve public health outcomes. Critics, however, often raise questions about the significant cost of such a program, its potential impact on the private labor market, and the administrative challenges of implementing it effectively on a large scale. The bill does include provisions to prevent displacement of existing workers.