WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Small Business is holding a hearing titled “Career and Technical Education: Developing the Future of Main Street Success.”

Chairman Roger Williams’ opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Welcome to today’s hearing, “Career and Technical Education: Developing the Future of Main Street Success.”

First, I want to thank our witnesses for joining us today during National Career and Technical Education Month.

Career and technical education programs – also known as CTE programs– play a vital role in society that is all too often overlooked.

Today, the Committee will focus on several issues holding Main Street America back. There is no denying that small businesses across the nation are facing a shortage of skilled American workers. Millions of trade jobs remain unfilled, and this crisis is compounded as baby boomers retire in record numbers.

The shortage is even worse in rural communities, like those I represent in Texas, where employers face additional barriers to finding qualified workers. I hear from people back home everyday that we need more plumbers, welders, and carpenters.

Yet where there is a crisis, there is also an opportunity. CTE programs have proven to provide students with effective pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers.

President Trump and his Administration have made workforce development a priority to address the growing demand for skilled trades.

The Working Families Tax Cut Act created Workforce Pell Grants to cover the costs of short-term credential programs, not just traditional college degrees. In addition to the SBA’s workforce development resources, the Department of Labor announced a $145 million investment opportunity on January 6, 2026, to support the national apprenticeship system.

Earlier this Congress, the House passed my bill, H.R. 1642, the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act. This bill requires Small Business Development Centers and Women’s Business Centers to provide educational resources to small businesses on hiring CTE program graduates.

I would once again like to thank my colleagues for their bipartisan support of this measure.

I look forward to hearing more today about additional actions this Committee can take to strengthen the pipeline to high-demand jobs and help address our nation’s workforce shortage crisis.

I want to thank our panel of witnesses for taking the time to participate in this important hearing. We look forward to your testimony.

I now recognize the distinguished Ranking Member for her opening remarks.

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