Last week, Congress returned from recess and kicked things off with education hearings to discuss FAFSA and the President’s budget request. There was also some movement within House leadership as Rep. Cole assumed his position as the new Appropriations Committee Chair. Administration activities continued, keep reading for more details!
- House Passes WIOA Reauthorization: On Tuesday, the House, in a 378-26 vote, overwhelmingly passed H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act. This bill would reauthorize the Workforce, Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
- Congress Holds Hearings on FAFSA, President's FY 2025 Request: The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education held a hearing on the President’s budget proposal and heard testimony from Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing to discuss challenges with the Department of Education’s new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which was released in December of 2023. Read more on the CTE Policy Watch Blog.
- Rep. Tom Cole Elected as House Appropriations Committee Chair: House Republicans elected Rep. Cole to chair the House Appropriations Committee for the rest of this Congress. Rep. Cole will also be promoting the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee clerk, Susan Ross, to be staff director. This will be interesting to follow as FY 2025 Appropriations are underway.
- Department of Education Publishes Additional Gainful Employment Information: A new “Topics Page” and FAQs are now available on new financial value transparency and gainful employment regulations that are scheduled to go into effect this summer for all postsecondary certificate programs.
- NIST Awards $3.6 Million for Community-Based Cybersecurity Workforce Development: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded cooperative agreements totaling nearly $3.6 million aimed at building the workforce needed to safeguard enterprises from cybersecurity risks.
- Department of Labor Announces $6M in Grants to Retain Women in Registered Apprenticeships: The U.S. Department of Labor announced a funding opportunity of $6 million for up to 17 grants to attract and keep women in Registered Apprenticeship programs and industries where they are underrepresented, including manufacturing, construction and cybersecurity. The deadline to apply is June 10.
- Secretary Xavier Becerra Tours Healthcare Career Pathway Programs: Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra visited Rio Americano High School to learn about career and technical education medical pathways and facilities.
- Department of Labor Awards Community College Grants: This week, DOL announced the 16 winners of the latest round of Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants. The grants are designed to help colleges prepare students for jobs and meet local workforce needs.
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