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

Bill Number: S.Res. 66
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Labor and Employment
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2025-02-06: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S802; text: CR S799-800)
Last Updated: 2026-03-03T15:56:58Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate resolution (S. Res. 66) aims to recognize and promote the value of career and technical education (CTE) by supporting the designation of February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month." It emphasizes CTE's role in building a skilled workforce to meet economic needs and global competitiveness.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a detailed preamble ("Whereas" clauses) outlining the importance of CTE, followed by four main directives:

Supports designating February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to celebrate CTE programs nationwide.
Endorses the goals and ideals of this observance, such as preparing students with academic, technical, and job-ready skills.
Acknowledges CTE's critical role in developing a well-educated and skilled U.S. workforce.
Urges educators, school counselors, administrators, parents, and career professionals to promote CTE as a valid educational path for students.

The preamble highlights:

The need for workers with technical and employability skills to maintain U.S. economic competitiveness.
Projected shortages in infrastructure jobs (1.7 million workers leaving by 2031).
Technology's impact on creating demand for high-wage CTE training.
Enrollment of over 11.1 million students in CTE at secondary and postsecondary levels.
CTE's benefits, including better academic outcomes, higher graduation rates, and alignment with job market needs.
Strong public support (94% of parents and voters favor more workforce training) and employer hiring based on CTE skills (77% in key industries).
References to prior laws like the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (2018) and the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act (1917), marking its 108th anniversary in 2025.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It reaffirms bipartisan support for CTE without creating new mandates, funding, or regulations.

Potential Impacts

On citizens: Raises awareness of CTE as an alternative to traditional college paths, potentially encouraging more students (especially those seeking credentials below a bachelor's degree) to pursue practical training for in-demand jobs. By 2031, nearly one-third of U.S. jobs may require some postsecondary education but not a full degree.
On government agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it does not allocate resources; however, it could indirectly support federal education initiatives by promoting CTE programs funded under existing laws.
On international relations: None directly, though it underscores U.S. efforts to build a competitive workforce amid global economic challenges, such as technological advancements.

Overall, the resolution has symbolic impacts, fostering public and educational promotion of CTE without enforceable effects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Students and learners: Secondary and postsecondary students (over 11 million enrolled) and adult learners benefiting from CTE's focus on job skills and credentials.
Educators and schools: Teachers, counselors, administrators in high schools, technical centers, career academies, and community colleges encouraged to highlight CTE options.
Parents and families: Prompted to view CTE as a respected pathway for career success.
Employers and industries: In sectors like infrastructure, technology, and high-demand fields, who value CTE-trained hires for filling skill gaps.
Government and policymakers: Bipartisan senators (from both parties) co-sponsoring, signaling broad support for ongoing CTE investments.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it carries no legal force and does not require House approval or presidential signature. It builds on established federal support for CTE without altering laws.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting education and economic welfare under the Commerce Clause, but imposes no obligations on states or individuals.
Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan consensus (co-sponsored by 45 senators from diverse states and parties), reinforcing CTE as a non-partisan priority. It commemorates historical federal investments, potentially paving the way for future funding or policy enhancements in education.

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 (51)

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. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], 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. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], 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. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], 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. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD] and 1 more

Recent Actions

2025-02-06: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S802; text: CR S799-800)
2025-02-06: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S802; text: CR S799-800)
2025-02-06: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month. — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (4 pages)