[Pages H1475-H1476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORT TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE TRAINING

  (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 in support 
of H.R. 6032, the Transportation Workforce Centers of Excellence Act.
  I recently introduced this bill alongside my colleague, Congressman  
Jim Langevin. As co-chairs of the bipartisan Career and Technical 
Education

[[Page H1476]]

Caucus, we are constantly looking for new ways to support a skilled 
workforce.
  A skilled workforce is critically necessary to support a 21st century 
economy, and the individuals who pursue a skills-based career, as well 
as the institutions that train them, deserve to be rewarded for their 
commitment to closing our Nation's skills gap.
  The Transportation Workforce Centers of Excellence Act would 
establish a competitive $50 million grant program to strengthen 
education and training programs in critical industries.
  A highly skilled workforce is necessary to revitalize our national 
transportation system. The demand for qualified workers is greater than 
ever. This bill will help us meet infrastructure demands, close our 
Nation's skills gap, and reward schools that have gone above and beyond 
by establishing centers of excellence.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to encourage my colleagues to join our 
efforts in supporting career and technical education centers of 
excellence and increased transportation workforce training.

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