On the recordFebruary 11, 2019
I rise as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus to recognize February as National CTE Month. Today, my good friend and caucus co- chair, Representative Thompson, and I introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of CTE Month. This resolution is particularly important because many Americans still hold an outdated view of CTE as a plan B. In fact, today it is quite the opposite. The CTE programs are academic pathways that allow students to explore careers in high demand, high-paying industries that are relevant in today's society from healthcare to advanced manufacturing to IT. CTE Month is a time not only to celebrate the achievements of CTE students, like the bright and motivated SkillsUSA students from Rhode Island who visit my office each year, but to spread awareness of today's CTE and its potential to help students and businesses succeed. Mr. Speaker, society needs workers with these skills that are in demand today, and I want to thank Representative Thompson for his partnership and urge my colleagues to join us in supporting CTE programs across the country. ____________________
