Langevin Statement on the Langevin-Thompson Amendment to H.R. 3136

Jul 23, 2014 Issues: Economy and Jobs, Education, Vote

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) delivered the following statement in support of the Langevin-Thompson amendment to H.R. 3136, the Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act. The amendment passed by voice vote, and the underlying bill passed by a vote of 414-0.

Rep. James R. Langevin
Statement on the Langevin-Thompson Amendment to H.R. 3136
July 23, 2014

Mr. Chairman, I’d like to thank Congressman Salmon, as well as Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Miller, for their work in bringing this bill to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, my amendment would allow entities receiving funds under this bill to report the number and percentage of students who are able to find employment in a field relating to their program or course of study, and would allow the Director of IES to provide technical assistance to such entities upon request.

I’m proud to be joined in offering this amendment by my friend and colleague, Congressman G.T. Thompson from Pennsylvania. As co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, Representative Thompson and I are committed to providing all students with the information necessary to make informed career decisions.

Many of the students who will be served by this bill are nontraditional students: working parents, students with full-time jobs, and many others who are seeking a different education than a traditional four-year curriculum affords. These are the very people who would benefit the most from clear and accessible career market information.

It’s become obvious that high school diplomas are no longer sufficient training for the modern job market. While not every job will require a college degree, some sort of post-secondary education will be necessary. Students deserve accurate information to help them find the career pathway that best fits their goals and abilities.

My amendment will help these students by encouraging schools to report on the number of students who are able to use their education to find a relevant career – data that students will be able to use in the coming years to inform their own decisions and choose and academic path that will lead to a well-paying job.

This amendment has been scored by the CBO as budget-neutral, and will not result in any additional spending.