CTE Policy Watch: A blog for CTE advocates

DC Digest May 31-June 6

Congress returned to DC this week, with work primarily focusing on appropriations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and the budget reconciliation process. Both chambers heard testimony from Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer testified in the House. Keep reading for more details and stay tuned for updates! 

 

• More on the Trump Administration’s FY 2026 Budget Request: As reported last week, the Trump Administration released its full Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget request on May 30. The full budget reinforces the President’s request to make significant cuts to the Departments of Education (ED) and Labor. While Perkins would be level funded in the proposal, there are concerning policy changes included. Read more on the blog. 

• Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Highlights Skilled Workforce on America at Work Tour: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited with apprentices in New York and New Jersey, alongside Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Nick LaLota (R-NY) and Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ). She also delivered remarks and released statements on the importance of having a skilled workforce.  

• House Passes Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025: This week, the House passed bipartisan legislation endorsed by ACTE to ensure small businesses have access to information about CTE programs and can hire CTE graduates. The bill would also provide CTE graduates with information on how to launch small businesses. Now the bill will go to the Senate for further consideration.  

• Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) Reintroduces Resolution to Double CTE Funding: Rep. Krishnamoorthi reintroduced a resolution calling to double the federal funding for CTE. ACTE has endorsed this resolution, as these funds are critical to the sustainability and growth of CTE programs nationwide.  

• ACTE Perkins 101 Briefing for Hill Staff: On Friday, ACTE, in partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and Advance CTE, hosted an all-day Perkins 101 briefing for Congressional staff. This briefing was designed to provide staff that could be involved in any potential reauthorization discussions a strong knowledge foundation.  

• McMahon Testifies Before Both Chambers of Congress: Last Tuesday, Secretary McMahon testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on President Trump’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget request for the Department of Education (ED). Then on Wednesday, she testified before the House Committee on Education and Workforce on the policies and priorities for ED. Read more on the blog. 

• Secretary Chavez DeRemer Testifies Before Education and Workforce Committee: Secretary Chavez DeRemer testified at the House Education and Workforce Committee’s hearing on the policies and priorities of DOL. She discussed the importance of expanding apprenticeship programs for underserved communities and highlighted DOL’s recently created apprenticeships. 

• Senate HELP Committee Held Hearing on Trump Administration Education and Labor Nominees: The Senate HELP Committee held a hearing on several ED and DOL nominees, including nominations to Deputy Secretary of Education and Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at ED and Assistant Secretary of Labor the Employee Benefits Security Administration at DOL.  

• Court Battles Continue Around ED Staffing: Following a preliminary injunction stopping large layoffs at ED, the Trump Administration has asked the Supreme Court to weigh in and allow them to move forward.  

• New Appointees Announced at ED: On June 6, ED formally announced the appointment of a new late of staff, including former OCTAE Deputy Assistant Secretary Casey Sacks, who will be working temporarily in the Administration as a senior policy advisor on workforce and AI. New OCTAE Deputy Assistant Secretary Nick Moore, who assumed his role several weeks ago, was also included in the announcement.  

DC Digest May 24-30

Congress was on recess this week but will return to DC on Tuesday. The Senate will begin work on the budget reconciliation bill (passed by the House before the Memorial Day recess), while the House is shifting in earnest to work on FY 2026 appropriations bills following the Administration’s release of its full budget request. ACTE will provide more coverage of these events as they unfold, keep reading for more details!

 

• Administration Releases Full Budget Proposal: Following the release of a budget outline early in May, late on Friday the Administration released its full budget proposal. The Department of Education budget request contains a few more details than the original outline, including a proposal for level funding for the Perkins Basic State Grant. However, there are many detailed cuts across both the education and labor portions of the budget, as originally included in the budget outline. More analysis will be available soon!
• Dear Colleague Letter Finalized in Senate: Forty senators signed a letter to the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee requesting an increase in Perkins funding for FY 2026. Check out the letter and make sure to thank senators that signed on!
• House Committee on Education and Workforce to Hold Hearing on ED’s Priorities: Secretary McMahon plans to testify before the House Education and Workforce Committee in a hearing next Wednesday titled “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.” ACTE will cover this on social media and the blog, so be sure to tune in!
• House Education and Workforce Committee to Hold Hearing on DOL’s Priorities: Secretary Chavez DeRemer plans to testify before the House Education and Workforce Committee in a hearing next Thursday regarding the budget and priorities for DOL. ACTE will share any relevant updates!
• Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to Hold Hearing on Education, Labor Nominees: The Senate HELP Committee is holding a hearing next Thursday on four of the Trump Administration's nominees at ED, DOL and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• DOL Pauses Job Corps Center Operations: DOL announced it will begin a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide. This will take effect by June 30, 2025, and aligns with the President’s FY 2026 budget proposal.
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Releases Review of Registered Apprenticeships: The GAO released a general overview of earn-and-learn programs, primarily focusing on registered apprenticeships and covering programs across the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Veterans Affairs, Labor and Education.

DC Digest May 17-23

This has been a busy week on Capitol Hill as Congress held multiple hearings relevant to education and workforce development across both chambers. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon both testified before Congress this week to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget request. Meanwhile, the House passed its budget reconciliation bill, shifting the process to the Senate. Congress is scheduled to take recess next week, but will back in DC in June!  

• House Passes Reconciliation Bill: The House of Representatives passed its budget reconciliation proposal on May 22. The process now shifts to the Senate where it is certain to face many changes from Senators. Budget reconciliation allows for changes to tax and mandatory spending programs and can sidestep the filibuster in the Senate. It cannot impact discretionary spending, which will be addressed in the FY 2026 appropriations bills. Read more about how the bill would impact education on the blog.  

• Senate HELP Committee Advances Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE): The Senate HELP Committee voted to advance several of the President’s nominees at the Department of Labor (DOL), the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission and the Department of Education (ED). Included in these nominees is Kevin O’Farrell, nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of OCTAE. Learn more about O’Farrell from ACTE’s statement regarding his nomination.  

• McMahon Testifies Before House Appropriations Committee: Secretary McMahon testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. Her testimony focused on the Trump Administration’s budget proposal outline for FY 2026. Read more on the blog. 

• Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Holds Hearing on the State of Higher Education: The Senate HELP Committee held a hearing on the state of higher education. One of the witnesses, Russell Lowery-Hart, is the chancellor of Austin Community College and spoke of the critical role that community colleges play in innovation and workforcetraining. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) used this hearing to promote short-term Pell Grants, pressing the committee to mark up the JOBS Act, which is endorsed by ACTE.  

• House Subcommittee on Education and Workforce Development Holds Hearing on DEI: The House Subcommittee on Education and Workforce Development held a hearing to address DEI issues in education, discussing some of the recent funding cuts and other actions taken related to the Administration's agenda around this topic.  

• Secretary Lori Chavez De-Remer Testifies Before Senate HELP Committee: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer testified before the Senate HELP Committee regarding the President’s “Skinny” Budget Request for DOL. Check out the blog to learn more about the budget request.  

• Democratic Lawmakers Send Letter to Secretary McMahon on Federal Funding Delays: Several lawmakers with minority leadership roles sent a letter to Secretary McMahon to address recent delays in providing states and school districts with information about formula funding that had been previously appropriated. While Perkins allocations for FY 2025 have been released, many other grant allocations have not.  

• Judge Rules Against Staffing Cuts at ED: A federal judge has ordered the reinstatement of hundreds of employees fired at the Department of Education through a “Reduction in Force” earlier this year, stating that the firings were akin to dismantling the agency, which only Congress can do, would keep the agency from fulfilling its core functions. The Administration has appealed the ruling and next steps in the legal process are uncertain.   

• More on Staffing Challenges at ED: Related to the legal argument that layoffs have impeded core activities at the Department, a recent survey, published by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) found that postsecondary financial aid offices nationwide have reported recent operational delays, breakdowns in federal support systems and insufficient communication with ED.  

• Secretary McMahon Announced Proposed Priorities for ED Discretionary Grants: Secretary McMahon announced her first three proposed priorities for ED discretionary grants, including evidence-based literacy, expanding education choice and returning education to the states. The Administration will align discretionary grant competitions with these priorities in the future.  

DC Digest May 4-May 16

On Capitol Hill, Congress continued to work on the budget reconciliation package, with most of the activity in the House. At the same time, work is beginning in Congress on the FY 2026 appropriations bills. Don't forget to contact your senator and urge them to support Perkins increases in Fiscal year (FY) 2026! Congruently, the Senate plans to consider several of the Trump Administration’s nominees for the Departments of Education and Labor next week, including the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE). Keep reading for details. 

• Perkins Allocations for FY 2025 Released: ED announced its allocations for Perkins in FY 2025. Part of these funds are available starting July 1, with the remainder distributed on October 1. For more information on the specific allocations in each state, see the linked letter.  

• House Members Sign Letter Requesting Increased Funding for Perkins in FY 2026: Members joined House CTE Caucus co-chairs Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) in signing a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education. The letter requested increased funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Thanks to CTE advocates, 78 representatives signed the letter! 

• Senate Votes for Repeal of E-rate Wi-Fi Hotspots: The Federal Communications Commission had previously enacted an expanded rule allowing schools and libraries to use E-rate resources to loan out Wi-Fi hot spots, providing more accessible internet for students and patrons who lack at-home access. This week, the Senate voted for a resolution of disapproval for this program under the Congressional Review Act. ACTE has supported E-rate expansion and signed a letter encouraging the House to maintain the current rule and flexibility.  

• Senate HELP Committee to Hold Hearing on State of Higher Education: Next Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is holding a hearing, “State of Higher Education.” ACTE will share any relevant information that emerges! 

• Department of Labor (DOL) Cancels Teacher Apprenticeship Program: The DOL canceled a five-year contract for the Educator Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary. This contact was designed to guide apprenticeship providers through the necessary processes to launch new programs.  

• Secretary of Labor Testifies on Administration’s FY 2026 Budget Request: On May 15, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer testified before the House Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. She discussed the significant proposed cuts to the DOL budget and the proposed consolidation of programs into a block grant. You can view the recording here.  

• CTE Grants for Native American and Hawaiian Students Retracted: ED cancelled two grant competitions for FY 2025 that are intended to expand CTE opportunities for Native American and Native Hawaiian students. It is unclear when these grants (which are required to be offered under Perkins) will be reposted.  

• Lawmakers Participate in Forum on Cuts to ED: Members of Congress participated in a forum, “Abandoning America’s Promise: The Real Cost of Dismantling the Department of Education,” hosted by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair on the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

• Judge Reverses ED's Rule on COVID Relief: In March, ED published a letter announcing that the due date for schools to spend remaining pandemic relief funds had moved up. A federal judge ruled that ED cannot implement their intended cancellation of COVID-19 relief spending or modify the spending timeline without at least 14 days’ notice. A new deadline has been set, although legal action is still pending related to the issue 

• Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Celebrates National Skilled Trades Day: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer continued her America at Work Tour, stopping in Denver to tour an apprentice training facility. She participated in a discussion on expanding youth apprenticeships, as well as President Trump’s Executive Order, “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future.” She also stopped at Pima Community College to discuss workforce development with Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).  

DC Digest: April 27 - May 5

Congress was back in session this week and spent significant time continuing work on the budget reconciliation process in the House. The Administration celebrated National Apprenticeship Day and began to implement several of the President’s recent Executive Orders (EOs). President Trump also released an outline of his Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Request. Keep reading for more details! 

• President Trump Releases FY 2026 Budget Request Outline: The Trump Administration released a “skinny version” of its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget request. This proposal would reduce non-defense programs across the federal government by $163 billion, or 22.6 percent, including large cuts to education and workforce development. Read more on the blog. 

• House Education and Workforce Committee Introduces Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan: The House Education and Workforce Committee introduced and advanced its budget reconciliation bill, Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan. Read more on the blog. 

• Department of Education Releases Letter on Accreditation Options for Colleges and Universities: The Department of Education published a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) informing institutions of changes made to the accreditation process, in compliance with President Trump’s EO, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, which instructed the Department to allow institutions to more freely change accreditors and begin reviewing new accreditors. 

• Department of Labor Celebrates National Apprenticeship Day 2025: The Department of Labor celebrated National Apprenticeship Day on April 30 with a ceremonial signing event highlighting the importance of apprenticeships.  

• New EO Impacting Undocumented Students’ In-State Tuition: The Trump Administration announced a new EO regarding sanctuary cities and localities. This instructs federal officials to “take appropriate action” to reduce benefits and protections to undocumented students, including state and local laws that provide in-state tuition to these students. 

 

 

DC Digest April 7-10

This week, lawmakers narrowly adopted a budget framework that allows Congress to move forward on a budget reconciliation bill with extensive tax provisions as well as cuts of up to $2 trillion in federal spending. At the same time, Congress is beginning work on Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills, with an outline of the President’s budget priorities expected later this month and a full Administration budget proposal expected mid-May. Meanwhile, Administration officials made several appearances this week discussing their agendas. Read more for details. 

• Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Boozman (R-AR) reintroduce Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA): The bill would expand opportunities for dual enrollment and early college high schools, increasing opportunities for CTE students pursuing these pathways into successful careers. Read ACTE’s endorsement of the MEAA. 

• House CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Circulate Letter to Increase Perkins Funding: The co-chairs of the bipartisan House CTE Caucus, Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), are circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter addressed to the House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. The letter requests increased funding for Perkins in the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. Read more on the blog, and urge your Representatives to sign the letter! 

• Lawmakers Consider Resolution Requesting Documents from Administration Regarding Department of Education (ED): The House Education and Workforce Committee considered and struck down a resolution, H.Res. 237, requesting that the Administration share documents on their plans to dismantle ED. It was originally introduced by Democratic lawmakers in March. 

• Secretary Linda McMahon Remarks at ASU+GSV Summit: Secretary McMahon spoke at a summit cohosted by Global Silicon Valley and Arizona State University focused on education, workforce and technology. McMahon acknowledged that the Department of Education cannot be closed without congressional approval and discussed possible changes to the Institute of Education Sciences.  

• Lawmakers’ Letter to Secretary McMahon on Pandemic Relief Extension Policy: Democratic congressional leaders in both the House and Senate sent a letter to Secretary McMahon requesting her reconsideration of the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds.  

• Labor Secretary Lori-Chavez DeRemer Embarked on America at Work Listening Tour: Secretary DeRemer began her America at Work listening tour with a roundtable to discuss supporting apprenticeships, among other methods to enhance America’s workforce. She also discussed the importance and impact of the skilled trades.  

DC Digest March 30 - April 7

This week, the Department of Education (ED) was active in issuing guidance and making announcements as it works to implement the Administration’s agenda. In Congress, budget reconciliation remained the primary focus, as the Senate worked through votes on its version of a budget resolution. Keep reading for more details. 

• House Education and Workforce Committee Holds Hearing on AI in the Classroom: On Tuesday, the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing analyzing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on K-12 education. Read more on the blog! 

• House Appropriations Committee Releases Schedule for Members to Make FY 2026 Appropriations Requests: The House Appropriations Committee posted guidance on when Members of Congress must submit requests for earmarks, funding or language in the FY 2026 appropriations bills.  

• Committee for Education (CEF) Funding Letter to Congress: CEF sent a letter this week on behalf of its members (including ACTE) to urge Congress to protect students by opposing cuts to federal education investments as they move forward with the budget reconciliation process. 

• ED Provides Update on COVID Relief Funding Extensions: Following the letter issued by ED in late March that it was eliminating previously granted COVID relief fund extensions, an email was sent this week with more guidance on how to submit specific projects for late liquidation approval. These projects must have been properly obligated by 9/30/24 and necessary to mitigate the effects of COVID on students’ education, and states must justify why ED should grant the funding extension request.  

• ED Letter to States, Schools on Using Federal Funds for School Choice: ED sent a letter to state education chiefs reminding them of how Title I allows states and schools to use funds to let students take courses offered outside of their home school, among other flexibilities. This is primarily an effort to expand school choice, and will likely be followed with additional material on the subject, but does include references to CTE.  

• ED Requires States and School Districts to Certify Title VI Compliance: On April 3, ED sent a letter to State Commissioners overseeing K-12 State Education Agencies requiring their certification compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits race-based discrimination in federally funded programs, as well as certification from districts. The certification notes that “illegal DEI practices may subject the individual or entity using such practices to serious consequences” including loss of federal funding or other liabilities.  

• ED’s Office of Postsecondary Education Announces Negotiated Rulemaking: Negotiated rulemaking is the process that must be used under the Higher Education Act to negotiate proposed postsecondary regulations with stakeholders. In this case, ED invites public feedback on ways to streamline higher education regulations and federal student assistance programs to create efficiencies for students, institutions and stakeholders. They also invite ideas to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment plan and the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan.  

DC Digest: March 22-28

This week, Congress returned from recess and focused primarily on the budget reconciliation process, which Republicans hope to use to enact significant budget and tax cuts in the coming weeks. Education leaders and stakeholders are learning more about the potential impact of the Administration’s Executive Order (EO) to eliminate the Department of Education (ED) on their schools and communities. Several education organizations and institutions have issued responses and are turning to legal action. Read more for details.

• Department of Education Cancels COVID Relief Funds Extensions: The Secretary of Education notified state education chiefs on March 28 that previously granted extensions for spending down remaining COVID relief funding would be canceled immediately. Some extensions will now be considered “on an individual project-specific basis.” This has the potential to affect states and school districts with funds remaining, even if those funds are already obligated.
• ED Reopens Application for Income-Driven Loan Repayment Plans: ED recently reopened a revised application for income-driven loan repayment plans and loan consolidation. The form had been temporarily unavailable due to a court order to cease implementation of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan.
• Committee for Education Funding Letter to ED: The Committee for Education Funding sent a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon on behalf of their members (including ACTE) in opposition to the EO calling for the closure of ED. The letter also addressed other recent Administration actions that have drastically cut ED staffing.
• Administration Engages in Legal Battles to Uphold Cuts to Public Education: The Administration requested that the Supreme Court hear appeals to funding cuts that have been blocked by lower federal courts. Notably, a federal judge this week blocked cuts to teacher preparation grants. As of this week, there have been at least nineteen lawsuits that challenge Trump Administration education-related policies or actions.
• Lawmakers Urge Department of Labor (DOL) to Overturn 14(c) Rule: Several Members of the House Education and Workforce Committee issued a letter to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer requesting that DOL withdraw a proposed rule to halt the issuance of 14(c) certificates, which allows employers to hire workers with disabilities at wages below minimum wage.
• House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education to Hold Hearing on AI in K-12 Education: The House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education will hold a hearing, “From Chalkboards to Chatbots: The Impact of AI on K-12 Education,” on April 1.

DC Digest: March 15-21

This week, advocates attended ACTE’s National Policy Seminar and spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with their Congressional offices to advocate for CTE and education funding. This event was accompanied by a reception on Capitol Hill highlighting the work of eight Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Meanwhile, President Trump introduced the long-expected Executive Order (EO) to begin eliminating the Department of Education, and Washington is reacting. Congress was on recess, but returns on March 24 to a full spring agenda. Keep reading for details.

• President Trump Signs EO to Dismantle Department of Education: President Trump signed an EO instructing the Secretary of Education to take steps toward eliminating the Department of Education. The agency cannot be fully eliminated without the approval of Congress, though some Members of Congress have already spoken out in favor. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) vowed to introduce related legislation to accomplish the Administration’s goals. See ACTE’s response to the EO and statement on the recent changes to the Department for more info.
• Department of Education Announces FAFSA Changes: The Department of Education announced more than 8 million 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms have been processed. They also announced changes to the FAFSA form to upgrade user experience. The Department is currently on track for a FAFSA release for next year by October 1.
• Trump Administration Cuts Library Funding: The Trump Administration signed an EO last week to cut funding to a number of federal entities. This includes the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which supports museums and libraries as sites of research and teaching.
• Judge Orders Education Department to Restore Some Grants to Schools: A judge ruled the Trump Administration must restore several grants that it had previously cut, including funding to help place teachers in underserved schools. This funding helps to address teacher shortages and help prepare future educators.

DC Digest: March 8-14

This was a chaotic week in Washington, D.C., marked by huge staff reductions at the Department of Education and a showdown over government funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Ultimately, Congress cleared a continuing resolution to continue federal funding for the rest of the year at roughly current levels, averting a government shutdown. Both chambers will now recess until March 24. Keep reading for more details.

 

• Congress Passes CR: The House passed a year-long continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government for FY 2025 through September on March 11 and the Senate followed on March 14, just before current government funding would have expired triggering a shut down. The CR provides roughly level funding for most programs, but does contain some cuts and other anomalies. As the CR is signed into law and official allocations for individual programs are released, we will provide updates.
• ACTE and Advance CTE Issue Statement on Department of Education Funding & Staffing Impacts on CTE: ACTE and Advance CTE released a statement regarding the recent staffing and funding actions of the U.S. Department of Education and their impacts on the CTE community. Read the statement here.
• Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) Leads Coalition in Letter to Congress on Postsecondary Data: IHEP led a coalition of 87 organizations and individual researchers in sending a letter to Congress elevating deep concerns regarding recent Institute of Education Sciences (IES) research and data collection cancellations. ACTE signed on to this letter.
• Senate Confirms Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: The Senate voted to confirm Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor earlier this week. She was sworn in shortly after the vote.
• House Holds Hearing on School Choice: The Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee held a hearing on school choice. During opening statements, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, House CTE Caucus co-chair, highlighted CTE schools in her district as strong and viable educational opportunities.
• Committee for Education Funding (CEF) Briefing: CEF, a large education coalition of which ACTE is a member, held a briefing on Capitol Hill, “The Value and Importance of Federal Investments in Education.” The panel featured Richard Kincaid, Sr. Executive Director of College and Career Pathways at Maryland State Department of Education. Kincaid used his time on the panel to highlight the positive outcomes of CTE programs and benefits to enrolling in CTE. Other panelists also pressed the need for stronger federal investments and for research and data.