On the recordJuly 25, 2018
As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, and representative of Kansas' manufacturing hub known as the Air Capital of the World . . . I have heard repeatedly about the skills gap facing employers and today's labor force. For a generation . . . many have stressed the importance of a 4-year degree over that of a technical skill. While a 4-year degree remains vitally important . . . we must not forget the equal need for career and technical education . . . especially when our economy now has more job openings than qualified applicants. That's why I'm proud to support H.R. 2353. This bipartisan bill helps more Americans enter the workforce with skills they need to succeed. The bill provides local leaders more resources and flexibility to adapt to changing education and economic needs; supports more collaboration between employers and educators to close the skills gap; streamlines performance measures for CTE programs; and reigns in Washington's control over individual curriculums and performance. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 2353. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the Senate amendment was concurred in. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________
