Mid City Times

Today, Congressman Roger Williams from Texas introduced two bipartisan bills aimed at promoting Career and Technical Education (CTE) and assisting graduates in entering the workforce. The Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act and the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025 seek to increase awareness and participation in technical fields.

Congressman Williams emphasized the importance of skilled workers in America’s economy, stating, “Plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and countless others are the backbone of our economy, and without them, the American people would not have the critical goods and services that we often take for granted.” He expressed pride in leading efforts to encourage young people to pursue CTE professions.

The Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act aims to enhance information about CTE programs on the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website. It also requires prospective college students to acknowledge understanding of CTE benefits before completing their FAFSA application. This bill is co-led by Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez with support from SkillsUSA and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.

The Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025 focuses on connecting CTE graduates with business owners through Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). Original cosponsors include Rep. Johnny Olszewski, Rep. Rob Bresnahan, and Rep. Derek T. Tran. Supporting stakeholders for this bill are SkillsUSA, ACTE, and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.

Congressman Roger Williams serves as Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and is a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He represents Texas's 25th Congressional District.