Notwithstanding a handful of too-close-to-call seats, the 116th Congress is starting to take shape. In both chambers, there will be changes to the committees with jurisdiction over education issues.
In the Senate, Republicans currently have a lead for control of that chamber with 50 seats to the Democrats 48. The two remaining races are both in Georgia and will be heading to January 5 run-off elections. These races will ultimately determine which party has control over the Senate, although it is expected that the Republicans will remain in the majority by picking up at least one of the two Georgia races. Regardless of the outcome, the most glaring change on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee roster is Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN), who did not run for re-election. Other changes include Sens. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Pat Roberts (R-KS), both who retired, and Doug Jones (D-AL), who lost his re-election bid. If Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s (R-GA) loses her run-off election on January 5, that seat on the Committee could also be open. With the retirement of Chairman Alexander, it is expected that either Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) or Rand Paul (R-KY) will obtain the chairmanship. For the Democrats, it is expected that Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) will continue in her current post and is in line to become Chair if Democrats gain the majority through the special elections. Another thing to keep in mind is that senators may choose to pursue other committee assignments, so there could be additional turnover of committee members
On the House side, there will also be minor changes to the Committee on Education and Labor. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) is poised to remain the chairman of the committee, given that Democrats remain in the majority. It is not yet clear what the exact composition of the committee will be in terms of numbers of members from each party, as that may depend on the results of a few outstanding House races. However, the committee members who will definitely not be returning to Congress are:
- Bradley Bryne (R-AL) (Retired to run for Senate)
- Susan Davis (D-CA) (Retired)
- Phil Roe (R-TN) (Retired)
- Donna Shalala (D-FL) (Defeated in General)
- Mark Walker (R-NC) (Retired)
It is important to note that Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) was the Chairwoman of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over legislation that deals with postsecondary CTE programs. It is unclear who will replace her in this leadership role, but a few potential members include Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Mark Takano (D-CA), who are next in line in terms of seniority on the subcommittee.
In terms of congressional priorities, experts predict that the committee will spend time on COVID-19 relief for schools and students; reauthorizations of the Higher Education Act, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and National Apprenticeship Act; and labor protections; among other items. However, it remains possible that some bipartisan priorities are pursued in the 117th Congress, including a potential infrastructure package that could include a workforce development component. ACTE will continue our federal policy advocacy on CTE-related issues, and work closely with both Democrats and Republicans on the respective education committees to strengthen the CTE system.
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