Kamala Harris and US Senator John Fetterman take a selfie with supporters at a campaign event in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Friday. AFP

US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday she will cut college degree requirements for certain federal jobs if elected president as the Democratic presidential candidate and her Republican rival have been making economic pledges to woo voters.

Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump are in a tight race for the Nov. 5 US elections. Harris has previously said she will aim to pass a middle class tax cut, while Trump has advocated for cutting taxes on overtime pay. Both candidates have supported eliminating taxes on tips.

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

More than 62% 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 on Friday the US should recognise the value of paths to success beyond a college degree, like apprenticeships and technical programs.

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

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

INTERRUPTION FROM PROTESTERS

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

Harris reiterated her support for a ceasefire and hostage rescue deal. "Now is the time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire," Harris said when interrupted. "I respect your voice, but right now, I am speaking," she added.

Reuters