XR ASSOCIATION APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION OF BIPARTISAN IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE AMERICAN WORKFORCE ACT
Washington, D.C. — On Monday, January 12, 2026, the XR Association (XRA) — representing the diverse ecosystem of companies advancing virtual, augmented, and mixed realities, spatial computing, AI wearables, and digital twins — applauds the reintroduction of the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation led in the House by Representatives John Mannion (D-NY) and Gabe Evans (R-CO).
The bill, H.R. 6968, would direct the U.S. Department of Labor to carry out a competitive grant program to support community colleges, area career and technical education centers, and other workforce providers in developing and implementing immersive technology-based education and training services for workforce development.
Immersive technologies have proven to accelerate learning, improve retention, and expand access to high-quality training, particularly for learners who face barriers to employment, including individuals in rural and underserved communities. As American industries evolve and demand new skill sets in areas like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, tools like XR will be critical to preparing workers for successful, in-demand careers.
“We applaud Representatives John Mannion (D-NY-22) and Gabe Evans (R-CO-8) for their leadership in introducing the House companion to the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act,” said Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of the XR Association. “This bipartisan legislation, alongside its Senate counterpart, recognizes the critical role immersive technologies can and should play in strengthening the American workforce. By integrating XR into career and technical education, the bill modernizes training systems, helps close skills gaps, and better prepares workers for high-quality jobs in manufacturing and other critical sectors. We urge lawmakers to advance this legislation and ensure the workforce is equipped to meet today’s economic realities and power the industries shaping the future.”
XRA has long advocated for federal support of immersive-driven workforce training programs and applauds today’s bipartisan introduction as a meaningful step toward ensuring the U.S. workforce has the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the jobs of the future. The Association looks forward to working with lawmakers on behalf of its members to support this legislation through committee and eventual passage.
