National attention was focused on the mid-term elections last week, but Congress returns for the final weeks of the 117th Congress November 14. The agenda remains largely unchanged from the last several weeks, with lawmakers facing a deadline of December 16 to extend government funding for FY 2023 while juggling votes on the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), tax credits, debt ceiling reform, marriage equality and other remaining issues. The 118th Congress will begin right after the new year, on January 3. To prepare for the start of the new Congress, check your inbox or the link below - ACTE will be distributing a quick guide and list of actions that you can take in the immediate days after the mid-term elections. Stay tuned during the coming weeks, as ACTE will share more information on the impact of the election on CTE, including information on committee leadership, new Members of Congress and other resources relevant to CTE stakeholders. In the meantime, here are some updates from Washington.
- Action Alert: Learn About Your Representatives for the 118th Congress: With Election Day in the rearview mirror, now it is time for new representatives and senators-elect to start the process of hiring staff, opening offices and developing their legislative philosophies and agendas. While we are still awaiting final election results in several races, this is a critical time for CTE and CTE advocates. Read more about actions to take before the beginning of the 118th Congress here.
- CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Thompson and Langevin Introduce Resolution Celebrating National Career Development Month: Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chairs of the bi-partisan House CTE Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing November 2022 as National Career Development Month. Read the press release, including a quote from ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson, here.
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Update: On November 10, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court struck down the Department of Education’s federal student loan forgiveness program. The Biden Administration plans to appeal the ruling. Read more about the ruling here, and view a statement by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona here.
- Election Watch: Democrats Hold on to Senate: Democratic control over the Senate has been solidified for the next two years after Democrats held onto all incumbencies and picked up one Senate seat. There is just one race left outstanding – Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is headed to a runoff against Herschel Walker – which will determine whether Democrats will expand their majority by one seat or remain at 50/50. Read more about the balance of power in the Senate here.
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