Supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 115
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-06: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H510)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-03T15:56:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
H. Res. 115 is a House resolution that expresses support for designating "Career and Technical Education Month" (CTE Month). It aims to celebrate and promote career and technical education (CTE) programs, which focus on practical skills training for jobs in fields like infrastructure, technology, and high-demand industries. The resolution highlights CTE's role in building a skilled workforce to boost U.S. economic competitiveness.
Key Provisions Outlined
The resolution includes a detailed preamble (starting with "Whereas" clauses) that provides background on CTE's importance, followed by four main directives in the "Resolved" section:
- Support for Designation: Affirms the House's backing of CTE Month to recognize CTE programs nationwide.
- Endorsement of Goals: Backs the ideals of CTE Month, such as preparing students for high-wage careers through relevant training.
- Recognition of Importance: Acknowledges CTE's value in creating a well-educated workforce ready for economic challenges and global competition.
- Encouragement for Promotion: Urges educators, school counselors, career advisors, administrators, and parents to promote CTE as a valid educational option for students, alongside traditional academic paths.
The preamble notes key facts, such as:
- Projections of workforce shortages in infrastructure (1.7 million jobs by 2031).
- Nearly one-third of U.S. jobs by 2031 requiring some postsecondary education but not a full bachelor's degree.
- Over 11 million students enrolled in CTE programs at secondary and postsecondary levels.
- Strong public support (94% of parents and voters) for workforce training opportunities.
- Bipartisan history, including the 2018 Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act and the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act (the first major federal funding for vocational education).
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This is a non-binding resolution, not a law or bill that amends statutes. It introduces no changes to existing laws, but it references and builds on prior legislation like the 2018 CTE Act, which funds CTE programs in all states and territories.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it does not allocate funds or mandate actions. It may indirectly encourage the Department of Education to highlight CTE in outreach efforts.
- On Citizens: Symbolic encouragement for students and families to pursue CTE, potentially increasing enrollment in programs that lead to credentials for in-demand jobs. It could raise awareness of CTE's benefits, like improved high school completion rates and employability.
- On International Relations: None directly; however, by emphasizing U.S. workforce skills, it indirectly supports global economic competitiveness without affecting foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Learners: Secondary and postsecondary students, adult learners benefiting from CTE's focus on practical skills and credentials.
- Educators and Schools: Teachers, counselors, administrators in high schools, technical centers, career academies, and community colleges implementing CTE programs.
- Parents and Families: Encouraged to view CTE as a respected pathway for career success.
- Employers and Industries: Businesses in high-demand sectors (e.g., technology, infrastructure) that hire CTE graduates for skilled roles.
- Government and Policymakers: Members of Congress (bipartisan sponsors from both parties) and federal/state education agencies promoting workforce development.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature. It serves as an official House statement without enforceable obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting education and commerce under Article I, but it is purely expressive and does not infringe on states' rights over education.
- Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan support (over 30 cosponsors from both parties), reinforcing ongoing federal commitment to CTE amid workforce shortages. It marks the 108th anniversary of the Smith-Hughes Act, potentially signaling future legislative priorities for education funding without partisan controversy.
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 (44)
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31], Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-06: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H510)
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-02-05: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month". — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (4 pages)