In the 118th Congress, seven new senators-elect will take office. While we will learn more about their education and workforce development priorities as the 118th Congress kicks off, several of the senators-elect have discussed CTE-related issues and priorities in their campaigns. To help CTE advocates prepare to meet these new senators, here is a preview of their public statements and/or plans for education as they begin their service.
Senator-elect Katie Britt (R-AL)
Sen.-elect Britt is replacing retiring Appropriations Committee leader and Alabama political stalwart Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL). Most recently, Sen.-elect Britt served as president and CEO of Alabama’s business council. On her campaign website, she mentions that “One of the biggest keys to a 21st century economy is a 21st century workforce. It’s been reported that by 2025, we will need 500,000 new highly skilled workers to meet the demands of our ever-growing industry needs. While we are currently off the pace, I will work tirelessly to help meet this ambitious goal. The students of today need to know about the opportunities available to them outside of a traditional college degree that will allow them to land high-paying, modern jobs that will support their families long into the future.”
Sen.-elect Ted Budd, who currently represents North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District, is replacing outgoing Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC). While Budd did not specifically refer to CTE in his formal campaign priorities, he has noted that he “supports school choice and opportunity scholarships to give all students a chance to match their skills and interests with an education that best prepares them for the job market — whether that’s college or not.”
Senator-elect John Fetterman (D-PA)
Sen.-elect Fetterman is set to take over for retiring Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA). Currently, he is Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor. On his campaign website, Fetterman specifically called out CTE as a top education priority: “There are too few opportunities for the many young people who don’t think college is the right option for them. If we want to prepare the next generation for a highly competitive world, we need to get serious about what education in the 21st century looks like I will also work to increase investments in career and technical programs to prepare young adults for successful and in-demand careers in critical industries.”
Senator-elect Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
Currently, Sen.-elect Mullin is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District. He is replacing longtime Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK). Mullin has not made any specific statements regarding CTE in his public campaign platform.
Senator-elect Eric Schmitt (R-MO)
Sen.-elect Eric Schmitt is currently Missouri’s Attorney General. Schmitt will be replacing retiring appropriations leader Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO). Schmitt has not made any specific statements regarding CTE in his public campaign platform.
Senator-elect J.D. Vance (R-OH)
Sen.-elect J.D. Vance is an author, entrepreneur and former U.S. Marine who is a newcomer to federal elected office. Vance did not mention CTE on his campaign website. He is replacing outgoing Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), a co-founder and co-chair of the Senate CTE Caucus.
Senator-elect Peter Welch (D-VT)
Sen.-elect Peter Welch has represented Vermont in Congress since 2007. Currently, he is the Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and a member of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Welch is replacing retiring appropriations leader Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). On his campaign website, Welch notes some of his previous education-related priorities as a member of the House of Representatives, including debt-free college and making public community and four-year colleges more accessible.