A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month".

Bill Number: S.Res. 617
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Labor and Employment
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2026-02-26: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text: CR S710)
Last Updated: 2026-03-03T15:56:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate resolution (S. Res. 617) expresses support for designating February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month." It aims to highlight the value of career and technical education (CTE) programs in preparing students for high-demand jobs, fostering a skilled workforce, and boosting U.S. economic competitiveness in a global economy driven by technological changes.

Key Provisions

Designation and Support: The Senate supports February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" and endorses its goals and ideals.
Recognition of Importance: Acknowledges CTE's role in developing a well-educated and skilled workforce through academic knowledge, technical skills, and employability training.
Encouragement for Promotion: Urges educators, school counselors, career development professionals, administrators, and parents to promote CTE as a valid educational pathway for students, emphasizing its benefits for academic achievement, high school completion, college readiness, and career credentials.

The resolution includes a detailed preamble outlining the rationale, such as:

The need for workers with both academic and practical skills amid technological advancements.
CTE's alignment with labor market demands, serving about 12 million students in secondary and postsecondary programs.
Positive outcomes like improved student performance and employer benefits (e.g., 83% of recruiting employers find CTE beneficial).
Historical context, including the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act (the first major federal investment in vocational education) and the 2018 Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which funds CTE nationwide.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution that does not amend, repeal, or enact any laws. It builds on prior legislation like the 2018 Act but introduces no new legal requirements or funding.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: May increase public awareness of CTE, encouraging more students and adult learners to pursue these programs for credentials in high-wage fields. It could indirectly support economic mobility by aligning education with job market needs, where nearly one-third of jobs by 2031 will require some postsecondary education but not a full bachelor's degree.
On Government Agencies: No direct mandates, but it reinforces federal commitment to CTE, potentially influencing future funding or policy discussions at the Department of Education.
On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it indirectly promotes U.S. global competitiveness by emphasizing a skilled workforce to address economic challenges.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Students and Learners: Secondary and postsecondary students (about 12 million enrolled) and adult learners who benefit from CTE's focus on practical skills and career pathways.
Educators and Institutions: Teachers, counselors, administrators in high schools, technical centers, career academies, and community colleges, encouraged to promote CTE.
Employers and Businesses: Companies recruiting from CTE programs, which help meet demands for skilled workers in growing sectors.
Parents and Policymakers: Families guiding student choices and bipartisan senators (over 50 cosponsors from both parties) supporting CTE's role in education and economy.
Broader Community: Voters (91% favor expanded workforce training per surveys) and the public, as it celebrates CTE's contributions to economic development.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval. It serves as a symbolic statement without enforceable obligations.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy preferences on education (a state-led area with federal support via grants), but it does not infringe on state rights or individual liberties.
Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan and bicameral support for CTE, echoing historical federal investments like the Smith-Hughes Act. It highlights ongoing congressional emphasis on vocational education as an alternative to traditional college paths, potentially influencing future appropriations or reauthorizations of CTE funding laws.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

Cosponsors (48)

Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]

Recent Actions

2026-02-26: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S716; text: CR S710)
2026-02-26: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Versions

Supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month. — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (4 pages)