07.25.18

Scott, Foxx Praise Final House Action on Bipartisan CTE Legislation

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives sent to the President's desk H.R. 2353, the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. Sponsored by Reps. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), the legislation will help more Americans get the skills they need to compete for good-paying, in-demand industry jobs. During floor debate, Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, said:

“Because of bipartisan leadership in both the House and the Senate, we were able to pass a comprehensive reauthorization of Perkins CTE program, which will improve program quality and support educational programming that engages all students. It will also require more inclusive collaboration between educational institutions, industry, employers, and community partners. Today’s CTE is not the vocational education of the past. This legislation updates the federal investment in career and technical education to provide increased state flexibility while ensuring greater accountability for program success.”

During debate on the bill, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chairwoman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, said:

“We have more than six million unfilled jobs in this country, due in large part to the skills gap. The skills gap is partly the result of an outdated approach to workforce development. H.R. 2353 supports innovative learning opportunities and strong community partnerships, addressing the problem of vacant jobs and workforce development needs where they exist: at the local level.

“I want to recognize the bipartisan effort that has gotten us here today. Congressman Glenn Thompson and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi along with a great staff delivered a great bill for us to work on at the Education and Workforce Committee. Since we marked it up, reported it, and the House passed the bill last year, I have been pleased, and I have been proud, to work with Ranking Member Bobby Scott in urging Senate consideration of this bill.”

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