[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 14231-14232]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

  (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 in recognition of

[[Page 14232]]

the second annual National Apprenticeship Week, which commenced 
yesterday, November 14. This special occasion helps to highlight the 
value of apprenticeships and educate businesses and individuals about 
the positive impact they have on our economy.
  As co-chairs of the House Career and Technical Education Caucus, my 
colleague, Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, and I have advocated for a 
modernized approach to career and technical education programs and 
apprenticeship opportunities across the United States.
  As part of our commitment, we worked in conjunction with members of 
the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to introduce H.R. 
5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st 
Century Act.
  This bipartisan legislation aims to help Americans acquire the skills 
necessary to compete for high-wage, high-demand jobs. Notably, the bill 
encourages stronger public-private partnerships, increases 
opportunities for apprenticeships and credentialing, and strengthens 
support for academic counseling.
  H.R. 5587 overwhelmingly passed the House in September, demonstrating 
the enthusiastic support for career and technical education. I remain 
dedicated to moving this bill through the legislative process and 
providing a path forward to those who are looking to better their 
lives.

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