Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to visit the new career and technical education classrooms at Saraland High School. From welding to engineering to IT, these programs are going to make a real difference, and I was so impressed to see CTE getting the attention it deserves. You see, for too long, we have devalued the importance of career and technical education here in America. The programs were seen as some sort of second-rate option for students who couldn't make it otherwise. That simply isn't the case. Instead, CTE programs offer real opportunities to students of all ages and from all backgrounds. With this bill, we are making it clear that career and technical education is a critical educational option that leads to good-paying jobs. This bill makes important reforms to our CTE programs, with a special emphasis on ensuring the programs focus on in-demand skill areas in order to close the skills gap and boost economic growth. This is a truly bipartisan, reform-oriented bill that deserves our strongest support, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this legislation.”