Katherine Clark: “I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding me time. While this amendment increases career and technical education…”

“I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding me time. While this amendment increases career and technical education funding, a worthy goal that I support, it comes at the expense of funding for critical higher education programs that support low-income and minority students. Career and technical education funds help ensure students are well prepared for further education employment in high-skilled, high-demand jobs in the 21st century economy. In days before the election, President Trump, in reference to CTE, said: ``We're going to start it up big league.'' Secretary DeVos, a few months ago, said: `` . . . this administration is committed to supporting and highlighting career and technical education.'' Despite these promises, the Trump-DeVos budget cuts CTE by $168 million, or 15 percent. I am glad to see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle proposing to increase our investment in this critical area, but I am deeply concerned that the amendment proposes to slash $70 million in funding.”