Congressman Williams Introduces Bipartisan Bills for CTE Awareness Month

Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), introduced the Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act and the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025. These bipartisan bills raise awareness and increase participation in the technical fields and help CTE graduates transition into the workforce.

“As we enter the Golden Age of America, Main Street is in critical need of skilled workers,” said Congressman Williams. “Plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and countless others are the backbone of our economy, and without them, the American people would not have the critical goods and services that we often take for granted. I am proud to lead the charge in encouraging more young people to pursue valuable CTE professions and assist graduates in translating their skills into the workforce.”

Background:

• February is CTE Awareness Month.
• Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act:
  • Increases information about CTE, CTE programs, and Perkins grant funding on the Department of Education’s (DOE) Federal Student Aid website.
  • Requires the DOE to inform prospective college students of CTE benefits and sign an acknowledgment before beginning the FAFSA application.
• Democrat Co-Lead: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
• Supporting Stakeholders: SkillsUSA and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.

• Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025:
  • Connects CTE graduates transitioning into the workplace with business owners in need of their skill by utilizing SBDCs and WBCs.
• Original Cosponsors: Rep. Johnny Olszewski, Rep. Rob Bresnahan, and Rep Derek T. Tran.
• Supporting Stakeholders: SkillsUSA, ACTE, and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.