Bipartisan Bill Aims to Prepare Workforce for AI Future

Legislation would provide tax credits to companies that train employees on AI technologies.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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House members from both the Democratic and Republican parties have introduced the AI Workforce Training Act, which would create a tax credit for companies that invest in training their employees on how to use, manage, and build artificial intelligence systems. The goal is to ensure American workers are prepared for the jobs of the future as AI continues to transform the workplace.

Why it matters

As AI and automation increasingly disrupt traditional jobs, there are growing concerns about large-scale workforce displacement. This bipartisan legislation aims to incentivize companies to proactively train their employees on AI skills, helping to ensure American workers are not left behind as the technology advances.

The details

The AI Workforce Training Act would allow companies to claim a tax credit equal to 30% of qualified expenses, up to $2,500 per employee per year, for costs related to teaching workers AI skills. The bill also directs federal agencies to launch a public outreach campaign to make businesses aware of the tax credit.

  • The legislation was introduced in the House on February 18, 2026.

The players

Rep. Josh Gottheimer

A Democratic Congressman from New Jersey who introduced the AI Workforce Training Act.

Rep. Mike Lawler

A Republican Congressman from New York who co-sponsored the AI Workforce Training Act.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

A Democratic Senator from Massachusetts who has expressed concerns about the potential job losses due to AI and automation.

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What they’re saying

“If quantum computing and AI are the future, our workforce can't be left behind. This workforce tax credit gives them the training they need to compete for the high-paying tech jobs of tomorrow, right here at home.”

— Rep. Mike Lawler, Co-sponsor of the AI Workforce Training Act

“AI is already changing how we work and that transformation will keep getting faster, and we can't let the American worker get left behind. Change is coming, and if we want America to continue to lead the world in AI innovation, we need to make sure American workers are ready for the jobs of the future.”

— Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Sponsor of the AI Workforce Training Act

“We lost more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs last year. If AI comes in on top of that and literally wipes out the income for millions of families we're going to see a full-blown crisis right here in this country. If you know the bad weather is threatening out there, now's the time to prepare for it.”

— Sen. Elizabeth Warren (FOX Business)

What’s next

The AI Workforce Training Act has been introduced in the House and will now go through the legislative process, including potential committee hearings and votes.

The takeaway

This bipartisan legislation represents an acknowledgment that policymakers must take proactive steps to ensure American workers are prepared for the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. By incentivizing companies to invest in AI training, the bill aims to help workers acquire the skills needed to compete for the high-tech jobs of the future.