[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2261-H2262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

  (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Career and Technical Education Month, celebrated every 
February. This month allows us to highlight the value of CTE programs, 
which help prepare students for the workforce. These are programs that 
are about learning to earn.
  During this month, we can look at the immense impact of CTE programs 
on learners and the support that CTE provides to different industries. 
CTE does more than support students. It supports our economy and our 
workforce.
  It is an honor to be co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and 
Technical Education Caucus and a senior member of the Committee on 
Education and Workforce. I have supported and will always continue to 
support CTE programs, and I thank my colleagues for supporting these 
causes.
  Career and technical education does not adhere to one industry. It 
spans across all industries--all of them. It is a reflection of the 
many careers available to young Americans.
  I truly believe that a one-size-fits-all approach to education is not 
valuable to our students and does not prepare them for the workforce. 
The traditional college experience is not always valuable for all high 
school graduates, and we must remember that.
  Many high-achieving and ambitious students choose to pursue an 
industry certification and gain experience in hands-on skills that they 
can use after graduating high school. These students enter the 
workforce prepared, and they contribute to our communities.
  So far in the 119th Congress, I introduced a bill to strengthen 
career counseling in middle schools and high schools, introduced the GO 
Ag Act, and introduced the Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance 
Act, all of which are important ways for students to explore different 
careers.

[[Page H2262]]

  While all this is a huge accomplishment, there is still much left to 
do. This is why I will continue to advance legislation that promotes 
workforce development.
  In my home State of Pennsylvania, there are over 80 career technical 
colleges and 145 high schools offering CTE courses. I am proud to be an 
advocate for these institutions and courses and to see the positive 
impact these students have within their communities.
  Madam Speaker, when these students graduate, they graduate with a 
diploma and multiple certifications in one hand and a tremendous number 
of job offers in the other. It is a pathway to opportunity and 
prosperity.
  Madam Speaker, CTE students are the backbone of our workforce and 
invaluable to our communities. It is important that we continue to 
provide them with the resources that they need. I urge my colleagues to 
join the Career and Technical Education Caucus and work to provide 
learning opportunities for everyone.

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