Congress·Reported·H.R. 7343

Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act

Foster Care: Expanded Education and Job Training

Feb 4·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Next up: The House

The Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act has been approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means as of May 10, 2026. The bill is now waiting for the full House of Representatives to schedule a floor vote. While the bill is moving forward, it still needs time from House leadership to be considered for a final vote.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill, introduced by Reps. Miller and Evans, expands federal support for foster youth to help them finish school and find jobs. It allows teenagers to start receiving career and education assistance at age 14 instead of waiting until they are 16 or 18.
The policy broadens how federal education vouchers can be used. Foster youth would be able to use the money for a wider range of options, including community college, trade schools, apprenticeships, and programs to earn a GED.
It provides extra time for students who need to catch up. While most participants get five years of help, those taking remedial classes to improve basic skills like reading or math can receive support for a total of six years.
The bill changes eligibility rules so that anyone who was in foster care at age 14 or older can qualify. This ensures that youth who leave the system before they turn 18 can still access the training and education they need to succeed as adults.
The new rules would take effect one year after the bill is signed into law, giving state agencies time to update their programs and notify eligible youth about the new opportunities.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions

May 11, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 556.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

May 11, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-639.

Apr 29, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Apr 29, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Feb 4, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

No votes or news coverage recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act

Bill NumberHR 7343

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 556.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(6)

D: 2R: 4

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.