On the recordFebruary 13, 2018
On Monday, President Trump introduced his infrastructure plan, and while it covered many conventional infrastructure questions, it also singled out the need to modernize career, technical, and vocational education programs. At a time when 6 million jobs across the country remain vacant because employers can't find workers with the skills they require, it is vital that we expand these programs to meet the needs of students, workers, and businesses. The President's plan highlights the importance of modernizing career, technical, and vocational education programs to guarantee that workers have the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen career. Last month, as well, the President chose to highlight the importance of career and technical education to our economy in his State of the Union Address. Fortunately, the House has already passed Congressman Thompson's and my bill to reauthorize Career Technical Education programs. Now, with the President's support, I am confident that our Senate colleagues will act and move this bipartisan legislation further without undue delay. Our students need it, our businesses need it, and our economy needs it right now. ____________________
