Thompson, Bonamici, Kaine, Budd, Baldwin, & Young Introduce a Resolution Recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), co-chairs of the House Career and Technical Education Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. Joint legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Todd Young (R-IN).

CTE prepares students for careers in various industries, such as agriculture, health care, manufacturing, construction, and many more. With nearly 12 million students enrolled in CTE programs nationwide, these programs are vital to a strong workforce. This resolution recognizes the importance of CTE and helps promote programs across our country.

“Career and Technical Education helps strengthen our workforce and prepares students for employment in a wide range of exciting positions,” Rep. Thompson said. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution to celebrate the role CTE plays in our country and the countless contributions made by CTE professionals and educators.” 

“As co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution with my colleague Rep. Thompson and Senators Kaine and Baldwin to recognize February as CTE Month,” Rep. Bonamici said. “CTE provides critical opportunities for students to prosper academically and learn marketable skills. Investments in CTE support domestic manufacturing and infrastructure, laying a strong foundation for the country’s future.”

“Growing up working in our family’s ironworking business and later serving as the principal of a technical school in Honduras, I’ve seen firsthand the impact career and technical education can have on people,” Sen. Kaine said. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce this legislation and will continue to fight to expand access to CTE programming to ensure all Virginians have the skills they need to fill critical jobs.”

“Career and Technical Education programs don’t just help provide students with the skills they need to enter the workforce, they are pivotal to breaking the ‘bachelors or bust’, one-size-fits-all approach to education and career preparedness,” Sen. Budd said. “CTE Month recognizes the programs and hard-working educators who have helped train millions of Americans with the expertise to go into the workforce and keep America building and innovating.”

“We are thrilled to support the bipartisan and bicameral 2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month Resolution, reflecting our continued national commitment to high-quality CTE programs that help learners across the country succeed in their educational journeys, secure rewarding careers, and enhance their economic mobility,” said Kate Kreamer, Advance CTE’s Executive Director. "The broad support for this resolution strengthens our network of state CTE leaders and highlights CTE's vital role in connecting education to workforce and economic development across communities nationwide.”

“ACTE is proud to endorse the bipartisan 2026 Career and Technical Education Month Resolution. CTE is essential in preparing learners for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers that strengthen our workforce and drive economic growth. CTE Month celebrates the dedication and impact of students, educators and administrators, while underscoring the importance of sustained, strong investment in these programs. ACTE appreciates the ongoing leadership and support of the House and Senate CTE Caucuses in advancing CTE nationwide,” said LeAnn Curry, ACTE Executive Director. 

In the House, Thompson and Bonamici were joined in the introduction by U.S. Representatives Aaron Bean (R-FL), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Sam Graves (R-MO), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), James Moylan (R-Guam), Josh Harder (D-CA), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Mike Bost (R-IL), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA), John Carter (R-TX), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Barry Loudermilk (R-GA). 

In the Senate, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Katie Britt (R-AL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Read the full text here.