U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer successfully introduced a measure in the House of Representatives on Friday that could boost job training programs for rural communities and members of federally recognized Indian tribes.

“The biggest thing on the minds of folks I represent is jobs,” said Kilmer on the House floor. “Today’s bill will help people looking for work acquire skills to get a bigger paycheck and a better career. With our bipartisan amendment we can make sure that shot at opportunity is extended to all communities, no matter their zip code.”

Kilmer’s amendment was included as part of the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act that passed the House on Friday. The bill creates workforce development pilot projects for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

The amendment ensures that the Department of Labor includes recommendations to Congress on how to address employment challenges facing rural and tribal communities through apprenticeships and other jobs programs. More than 66,000 Washingtonians benefit from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, roughly 3,000 of which reside in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Mason counties according to data collected by the Washington Employment Security Department.