RECOGNIZING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

On 2026-02-24, Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered trade policy.

RECOGNIZING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [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. ____________________