The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) is the primary basis for federally funded workforce development. One of its stated purposes it to “increase the employment, retention and earnings of participants…” While earnings data suggest that both men and women benefit from WIA services, average earnings among women who received WIA services are significantly lower than average earnings for men. The data suggest that women’s and men’s participation in training for traditionally ‘female’ and ‘male’ occupations is a major factor contributing to the earnings gap between women and men who received WIA services. The gap is not the result of less extensive WIA services for women. During the current legislative session, Congress will consider the reauthorization of WIA. It is important to discuss policy measures that would more effectively target resources to increase female WIA service recipients’ earnings. Improving women’s earnings would help to promote and sustain the economic self-sufficiency of women and their families during the current recession and beyond.