Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)
WASHINGTON — Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s (D-IL) bipartisan Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act, legislation aimed at tearing down unnecessary barriers that prevent qualified workers from competing for federal contracting opportunities and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used more effectively.
“The House’s unanimous passage of my legislation is a major step toward tearing down the ‘paper ceiling’ that has kept too many hardworking Americans from fully participating in our economy,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “By focusing on demonstrated skills rather than outdated degree requirements, this bipartisan bill expands opportunity, strengthens our federal workforce, and helps ensure federal contracts deliver the best value for Illinois taxpayers.”
The Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act requires federal agencies to justify any minimum education or experience requirements included in contract solicitations, helping ensure that contractors are evaluated based on their ability to perform the work rather than credentials that may not reflect real-world competence. By encouraging skills-based evaluation, the legislation aims to increase competition, reduce unnecessary barriers, and open doors for qualified workers across the country.
The legislation aims to expand opportunities for workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) — individuals who have developed expertise through apprenticeships, military service, community college programs, or on-the-job experience rather than traditional four-year degrees. The bill builds on broader federal efforts to expand skills-based hiring, strengthen workforce pathways, and promote economic mobility.
The full bill text is available here.