releases: https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-maces-skills-based-federal-contracting-act-passes-out-oversight
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-maces-skills-based-federal-contracting-act-passes-out-oversight | Rep. Nancy Mace's Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act Passes Out Of The Oversight Committee | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | House | SC | Nancy Mace | M000194 | mace.house.gov | mace | https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 2, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced H.R. 5235, the Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act, has passed out of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. During an Oversight Subcommittee hearing last year, a witness testified federal contractors are “rarely able to place an individual without a four-year degree on a technology services contract, regardless of their qualifications.” With fewer than 40 percent of Americans holding a bachelor’s degree, and with many in-demand technical skills now obtained through apprenticeships, certifications, military service, and alternative training, Congresswoman Mace emphasized the status quo “makes no sense.” Congresswoman Mace’s legislation ensures federal agencies prioritize skills and competency over rigid educational credentials when evaluating contractor personnel. Under the bill, agencies may not impose minimum degree requirements unless they are demonstrably necessary for the work. If such requirements are included, contracting officers must provide a written justification to prevent unnecessary degree mandates. “Washington has been keeping over 60 percent of the American workforce from federal job opportunities for no good reason. Not because they lack the necessary skills and expertise or talent, but because they didn’t sit in an ivory tower reading Shakespeare,” said Congresswoman Mace. “Our Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act puts merit first and opens doors and strengthens our workforce by valuing what workers can do, not what diploma they have.” H.R. 5235 amends title 41 of the United States Code to ensure federal contract solicitations reflect genuine workforce needs, promote transparency, and expand access to high-quality jobs for Americans with valuable training and hands-on experience. Congresswoman Mace also highlighted the bill’s bipartisan support: “Skills-based hiring shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Thank you to Representative Krishnamoorthi for joining us in this effort to open the federal contracting process to millions of talented Americans.” H.R. 5235 now heads to the House floor for consideration. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |