[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 102 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 250, CARL D. 
     PERKINS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2006

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, as the Portland region and our global 
economy demands a highly trained and skilled workforce the 
reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
Improvement Act will become even more important. Congress, in this 
instance, understands the important role technical and skilled 
education plays in preparing our workforce for the future.
  The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act is 
a good federal investment, which will increase the role of math, 
science and technology in career and technical education programs and 
encourages the expanded use of technology by teachers and faculty. It 
strengthens the relationship between academic and technical instruction 
and ensures access for students in secondary and postsecondary programs 
across the country.
  Thousands of Oregonians have lost their jobs over the past several 
years and many are holding down jobs that pay less and provide fewer 
benefits. I have heard from businesses and job seekers about the 
challenges facing the region. High-tech manufacturing represents about 
30 percent of the jobs in the Portland region, however, we do not have 
enough skilled labor. We desperately need to be preparing and training 
our students for these types of skilled jobs. It is expected by 2020, 
the U.S. will experience a shortage of up to 12 million college-
educated workers.
  This bill is a step in the right direction to help prepare Oregon for 
a 21st century workforce.

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