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From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                  RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize January as National Mentoring Month, when we volunteer our 
time to provide support and guidance for our Nation's young people so 
they are better equipped to tackle personal and professional 
challenges.
  A good mentor could be a friend, a family member, a boss, or a school 
counselor. Effective counseling prior to graduation can assist students 
in making better informed decisions about their educational options and 
career prospects.
  That is why Congressman  Jim Langevin and I introduced the Counseling 
for Career Choice Act. Despite a great deal of money being invested to 
improve education, very little has been spent to address career 
development specifically. This bill authorizes a grant program to give 
States and local education agencies access to current counseling 
programs or the means to implement new counseling frameworks.
  Additionally, the bill provides resources to ensure counselors can 
support their students to the best of their abilities. When we equip 
students with the tools that they need to succeed, they embark on 
educational journeys that lead to rewarding careers.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join Congressman Langevin 
and I in support of H.R. 5092, the Counseling for Career Choice Act.

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