Kamala Harris says she will cut degree requirements for certain federal jobs if elected

WILKES BARRE, Pennsylvania - US Vice-President Kamala Harris said on Sept 13 she will cut college degree requirements for certain federal jobs if elected president after the Nov 5 elections, in which she faces Republican former president Donald Trump.

"As president, I will get rid of the unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs to increase jobs for folks without a four-year degree," Ms Harris said in her speech.

More than 62 per cent of Americans age 25 or older did not hold a bachelor’s degree, according to data released by the US Census Bureau in early 2023. Americans without college degrees made up three out of five voters in 2020.

The Democratic presidential candidate said the US should recognise the value of paths to success beyond a college degree, like apprenticeships and technical programmes.

A degree does not necessarily indicate a person's skills, Ms Harris said. She added: "And I will challenge the private sector to do the same."

A survey by Gallup and Lumina Foundation released earlier in 2024 found that many Americans are sceptical about the value and cost of college. Over half of US adults who have never been enrolled or were once enrolled said the cost of education was a “very important” reason for them to not sign up or return to college.

Both Ms Harris and Trump have been

trying to appeal to voters with economic pledges.

Ms Harris has said she will aim to pass a middle class tax cut. Trump has advocated for cutting taxes on overtime pay. Both have supported eliminating taxes on tips.

Ms Harris' speech in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, also faced some interruption from protesters opposing US support for

Israel's war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands

and caused a humanitarian crisis. It followed a deadly Oct 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants.

Demonstrators in the US have for months demanded an end to the war and restrictions on shipments of weapons to Israel.

Ms Harris reiterated her support for a ceasefire and hostage rescue deal.

"Now is the time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire," Ms Harris said when interrupted.

"I respect your voice, but right now, I am speaking," she added.

Ms Harris is in a tight race with Trump. Observers have said that if Muslim and Arab Americans, who overwhelmingly voted for the Democrats in the last presidential election, withhold their vote, it may hurt Ms Harris' chances. REUTERS