Rep. Hayes introduces bill in U.S. House to reauthorize and expand YouthBuild program

The new bill, authored by U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes in the U.S. House, aims to improve the YouthBuild program by expanding support and opportunities for participants, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.8333 was introduced on April 16, 2026 during the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill reauthorizes the YouthBuild program, amending the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to enhance its funding and operational framework. It stipulates the reservation of funds for grants targeting rural areas and programs specifically benefiting Indigenous populations. The legislation aims to improve participant support by including provisions for meal assistance, eligibility guidance for federal benefits, and accommodating individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it establishes YouthBuild Employer Partnerships, allowing for grants to consortia that collaborate with employers to create employment and training opportunities. Funding is authorized at $159.5 million for fiscal year 2027, progressively increasing each year, ultimately reaching $203.6 million by fiscal year 2032. The effective implementation date will be defined by the fiscal year allocations.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Jahana Hayes (Democrat-CT-5th District) and co-sponsored by Rep. Alma S. Adams (Democrat-CT-12th District), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (Democrat-CT-13th District), and Rep. Wesley Bell (Democrat-CT-1st District), along with 14 other sponsors.

Since the beginning of the current session, Rep. Hayes has introduced another 23 bills.

A related bill, S.4321, was also introduced in the Senate on April 16, 2026. Congressional records list it as an identical companion bill to H.R.8333.

Congressional bills can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for revenue-related measures, which must begin in the House. After introduction, bills are assigned to committees for review, hearings, amendments and debate before they can advance to a vote in each chamber. If both chambers approve identical versions, the legislation is sent to the president, who may sign it into law or veto it. Congress operates in two-year terms, with each term numbered sequentially and divided into two annual sessions. The legislative process and official bill records are maintained by the U.S. Congress and published through Congress.gov.

Jahana Hayes is a Representative from Connecticut, born on March 8, 1973, in Waterbury, New Haven County, Conn. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Master of Arts from the University of Saint Joseph, with further attendance at the University of Bridgeport.

Hayes was elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress and has been re-elected to the three succeeding Congresses, beginning her term on January 3, 2019. She has experience as a teacher and public school administrator.