U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has joined Senate colleagues Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
Senator Budd emphasized the importance of CTE programs, stating, “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 ‘bachelor’s or bust’, one-size-fits-all approach to education and career preparedness. 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.”
Senator Kaine shared his personal experience: “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. 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.”
Senator Young added, “This resolution recognizes the importance of career and technical education and encourages more educators and students to seek out CTE programs. Preparing the students of today for the jobs of tomorrow will lead to more opportunities, a stronger economy, and a highly skilled workforce.”
Senator Baldwin noted her commitment: “I’m committed to creating pathways to connect Wisconsinites to good-paying careers in the trades and making sure businesses across the state have the workforce they need to grow and thrive. Career and Technical Education is a worthwhile investment in Wisconsin’s students, workforce, and future, and I’m proud to join my Republican and Democratic colleagues to show just that.”
The Senate resolution is supported by numerous senators from both parties. In addition, U.S. Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.-15) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), co-chairs of the House CTE Caucus, introduced a similar resolution in their chamber alongside several other representatives.
As part of his ongoing support for career training initiatives, Senator Budd was instrumental last year in passing legislation that expanded Pell Grant eligibility for short-term workforce programs through his PELL Act. This measure became law as part of broader tax legislation aimed at supporting working families.
