Supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month".

Bill Number: H.Res. 1063
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Labor and Employment
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Last Updated: 2026-04-21T08:05:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1063) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month." It aims to recognize the role of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing a skilled workforce for economic competitiveness, without creating new laws or funding.

Key Provisions

Background and Rationale: The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses highlighting CTE's importance, such as:
The need for workers with academic, technical, and employability skills to compete globally amid technological changes.
CTE's role in addressing economic development, student achievement, and job demands, with projections that by 2031, nearly one-third of U.S. jobs will require some postsecondary education but not a bachelor's degree.
Enrollment data: About 12 million students participate in CTE programs at secondary and postsecondary levels across high schools, technical centers, career academies, and over 1,000 two-year colleges.
Benefits: CTE aligns with labor market needs, boosts academic success, high school completion, employability, and college readiness; 91% of parents and voters support expanded workforce training, and 93% of employers find CTE recruits valuable.
Historical context: References the 2018 Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (which funds CTE programs nationwide) and the 1917 Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act (the first major federal investment in secondary CTE, marking its 108th anniversary on February 23, 2026).
Core Resolutions: The House:
Supports designating "Career and Technical Education Month" to celebrate CTE nationwide.
Endorses the month's goals and ideals.
Recognizes CTE's role in building a well-educated, skilled workforce.
Encourages educators, counselors, administrators, and parents to promote CTE as a valid educational path for students.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. As a non-binding resolution, it does not amend, repeal, or enact any laws. It builds on prior legislation like the 2018 CTE Act by reaffirming bipartisan support but introduces no new legal requirements or funding.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: Symbolic encouragement for students, parents, and educators to value CTE pathways, potentially increasing awareness and participation in programs that lead to high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree. No direct financial or regulatory effects.
On Government Agencies: The Department of Education and related committees (e.g., House Committee on Education and the Workforce, where this was referred) may use it to highlight CTE in policy discussions, but it imposes no mandates or budget changes.
On International Relations: Indirectly supports U.S. global competitiveness by emphasizing workforce skills in technology-driven economies, though it has no formal diplomatic implications.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Students and Learners: Secondary and postsecondary students (about 12 million enrolled) who benefit from CTE's focus on practical skills and credentials.
Educators and Institutions: Teachers, counselors, school administrators in high schools, technical centers, and community colleges, encouraged to promote CTE.
Parents and Employers: Parents (91% supportive per surveys) and businesses (93% view CTE positively), who gain from a more skilled workforce aligned with job needs.
Government and Policymakers: Bipartisan members of Congress (introduced by a diverse group from both parties) and federal agencies supporting education, reinforcing ongoing CTE investments.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Purely declarative; holds no force of law, so it avoids constitutional issues like separation of powers. It references existing statutes (e.g., Smith-Hughes Act) without altering them.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy views under Article I, promoting education as a shared federal-state interest without infringing on state rights.
Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan (and bicameral) consensus on CTE's value, introduced by 30+ members from both parties. It could influence future funding debates or awareness campaigns, especially around the 108th anniversary of foundational CTE legislation, but remains symbolic rather than substantive.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15]

Cosponsors (34)

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

Recent Actions

2026-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
2026-02-12: Submitted in House
2026-02-12: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month". — issued 2026-02-12 — PDF (4 pages)