Skip to main content
Representative Tom Cole logo

Congressman Cole Votes for Bill to Strengthen Vocational and Technical Education

May 4, 2005

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cole voted today for the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act (H.R. 366) which will help states and local communities strengthen vocational and technical educational opportunities for students. This legislation passed overwhelmingly in the House today.

"Vocational and technical education is a critical component of our efforts to improve educational opportunities for our young people," Congressman Cole said. "This legislation will help strengthen the system and ensure that state and local communities make the most of federal resources."

H.R. 366 seeks to help states better utilize federal funds for secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs, increase accountability and emphasize student achievement and strengthen opportunities for coordination between secondary and postsecondary vocational and technical education.

"This legislation improves the Carl Perkins vocational education program, which is already one of the largest federal investments in our nation's high schools," Congressman Cole said.

The Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act renews and reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, often known as the Perkins program. The Perkins program helps states and local communities prepare youth and adults for the future by building their academic and technical skills.

"Oklahoma's Career-Tech system is a shining example of a successful vocational and technical educational system. It has been a model for many other postsecondary educational systems across the country," Congressman Cole said. "This legislation will help strengthen their already successful program."

The Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act legislation must now be considered in the Senate.

###

Issues:Education