Subcommittee Discusses Ways to Increase High-Skilled Workforce in America

The House Committee on Science and Technology's Investigation and Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss how to maintain and expand the market for high-skilled, high-paying jobs in the United States. Subcommittee Members reviewed the nation's competitiveness in a global economy by surveying the efficacy of past and current efforts to assist dislocated workers and communities.

"We need to understand how our scientific, technological and educational knowledge can be applied effectively to ensure that our citizens and our communities can look forward to a secure and prosperous future in this globalized economy," said Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller.

Subcommittee members heard testimony regarding:

• The impact on workers and communities when jobs move abroad;
• Problems with the current program of Trade Adjustment Assistance in supporting workers whose jobs have been sent off-shore;
• Successes of using community colleges, working with local businesses, to retrain displaced workers;
• The need for rethinking an approach to global trade if high-paying employment and a good standard of living are to remain key economic policy goals for the country.

The House Science and Technology Committee has jurisdiction over issues that directly relate to American competitiveness through the authorization of programs that directly contribute to innovation. The Committee annually authorizes the expenditure of billions of dollars to support scientific research and the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers and has taken steps to support retraining of workers for high tech employment opportunities.

As manufacturing and the service industries have been deeply affected by globalization, committee members have taken a particular interest in the health of these industries. Members reviewed the structure of international trade to determine the effectiveness of reinvestment and retraining programs. Witnesses were questioned regarding the needs of American workers and communities affected by the globalized economy, as well as the needs of industries relying on highly trained personnel to succeed and grow.

"When output and employment were rising, a productivity gain signified a robust economy," said Miller. "In today's climate, it masks the fact that we are producing less of what we need, and taking home less for doing it."