Representatives Blake Moore and Burgess Owens introduced the Modernizing Access to Talents, Credentials, and Hiring (MATCH) Act of 2026 on April 9. The bill aims to update the current workforce system by establishing state-led talent marketplaces that focus on verified skills and credentials rather than traditional resumes.
The legislation is designed to help workers better connect with jobs and training opportunities based on their actual abilities. Supporters say this could make it easier for both employers and job seekers to find good matches in the labor market.
“America’s outdated workforce system relies on degrees and resumes and often fails to capture a worker’s actual skills and experience. The MATCH Act supports state-led talent marketplaces and portable learning records,” Rep. Blake Moore said. “Allowing verified credentials will increase opportunities for workers and employers. We should strive to match talent to jobs based on proven competencies rather than just paperwork, and this bill helps us get there.”
Rep. Burgess Owens said, “America’s promise has always been that if we educate our children and teach them to work hard, they will be able to find meaningful employment and create a better life than those who came before them. The MATCH Act helps restore that promise and modernize our workforce, and connects real talent to real opportunity. No one is reduced to a line on a résumé; every achievement is seen, valued, and ready to open doors of opportunity.”
Chairman Tim Walberg of the Education and Workforce Committee also spoke in support: “As our workforce shifts toward a more skills-based model, employers often struggle to find qualified candidates, while job seekers face challenges in effectively demonstrating their abilities. This legislation helps close that gap by recognizing that valuable skills are gained in many ways—not just through traditional degrees—and ensuring those skills are visible, portable, and trusted. It’s a win for both workers and employers, making hiring more efficient and delivering better matches with less guesswork.”
Rosemary Lahasky from Pearson said the bill would give workers control over their data while helping states make clearer hiring decisions: “The MATCH Act of 2026 moves skills-based hiring a meaningful step forward by modernizing how skills, credentials, and jobs connect…the bill gives workers control of their data while helping employers…make clearer…hiring decisions.” Greg DiDonato from EBSCOed added: “A stronger economy for America depends on a workforce system that works for businesses…By modernizing WIOA…we will meet the rapidly growing…demands of employers while unlocking greater opportunity across every sector…”
Blake Moore has served in Congress representing Utah’s 1st District since replacing Rob Bishop in 2021 according to official records. More information about his congressional service can be found here. He was born in Ogden in 1980 at age 42 he currently lives in Salt Lake City. Further biographical details are available here. Moore graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005. His educational background is detailed here.
Supporters say if passed into law the MATCH Act could help address ongoing challenges faced by American job seekers as well as changing needs among businesses.
