[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 183 (Friday, November 15, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PROVIDING EFFECTIVE COUNSELING RESOURCES TO LEARNERS OF ALL AGES

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
the Counseling for Career Choice Act, a bill I cosponsored with my 
fellow Career and Technical Caucus co-chair, Congressman  Jim Langevin. 
The Counseling for Career Choice Act aims to empower students by 
providing effective counseling resources to learners of all ages.
  Unfortunately, many students go to college without being fully aware 
of their education and career opportunities and options. According to 
the Coalition of Career Development, about one-third of high school 
graduates do not go to college right away and often struggle to find 
meaningful work.
  Additionally, a business roundtable survey found that more than 90 
percent of CEOs agree the skills gap is a significant threat to their 
organizations. There are approximately 7 million unfilled jobs in the 
United States, but equipping students with the necessary tools to 
succeed will help us close this gap.
  With increased counseling opportunities, students can take control of 
their professional futures with confidence. Whether students choose the 
traditional college route or apprenticeships and trade schools, proper 
counseling can make a positive impact in the lives of students of all 
ages.

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