At the end of January, the FY26 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill was enacted into law. Among the appropriations, America Achieves was pleased to see:
- $41 million appropriated to continue the Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program. Continued investment in this high-impact initiative is a national imperative – critical to promoting America’s national security, revitalizing regional economies, and ensuring that good jobs of the future start, grow, and remain here at home. The Tech Hubs program is helping ensure more American communities can compete and thrive in the industries of the future. By aligning federal investment with regional potential and partnership, this effort broadens participation in the innovation economy and strengthens the resilience of our national industrial base.
- $200 million appropriated for the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program. This investment accelerates the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world economic impact by supporting regionally led innovation engines anchored in universities, industry, and workforce partners. NSF Engines strengthen U.S. competitiveness by scaling technologies in critical and emerging sectors, expanding access to good-paying jobs, and ensuring that more regions across the country can participate meaningfully in the innovation economy. By pairing long-term federal investment with strong regional governance and industry alignment, the program helps convert American research leadership into durable economic growth and national security advantages.
- $10 million for the Workforce Training Grant (WTG) program. Authorized in December 2024, the WTG will help support employer-driven efforts to close skill gaps and connect more Americans to quality jobs in high-demand industries. WTG will give states flexibility to expand access to short-term training that leads directly to in-demand. This, in turn, strengthens regional economies, national economic competitiveness, and national security by building a more resilient, skilled workforce in high-demand sectors.
Last spring, America Achieves led a coalition of businesses and non-profit leaders in calling on Congress to fund these programs. The passage of this funding bill reflects strong support from employers, practitioners, non-profit organizations, and others to advance talent, competitiveness, and economic security. This bill is a down payment on the strategic investments needed.
As we look ahead, we know that strong implementation of these programs is critical. This includes strong alignment across education, workforce, and economic development systems – and maintaining a focus on fueling economic growth and expanding access to good-paying jobs in critical industries and occupations.
