Field Hearing – Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades

The House Appropriations Committee held a field hearing on September 5, 2026, focused on the defense industrial base and workforce development for skilled trades. Key discussions centered on the critical shortage of skilled workers such as welders, electricians, and pipe fitters essential to shipbuilding and other defense manufacturing sectors. Industry and academic leaders highlighted the need for sustained investment in workforce training programs, apprenticeship initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades, noting that current demand far outpaces supply. The Department of Defense detailed its Build Freedom campaign, a national hiring and training effort supported by $340 million in fiscal year 2026 funding, aimed at expanding skilled trades capacity nationwide. Committee members and witnesses emphasized the importance of continued and increased funding, including mandatory appropriations, to maintain momentum and address long-term workforce needs. Additionally, challenges related to supply chain vulnerabilities, certification and qualification processes, and critical minerals independence were discussed, with the Department of Defense outlining ongoing efforts to modernize production capabilities and incentivize industry investment. The hearing underscored the necessity of bipartisan, multi-sector collaboration to rebuild and sustain the defense industrial base workforce.