Washington, DC (September 13, 2016) - Congressman Pearce issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Educational for the 21st Century Act:

"As I visit schools throughout New Mexico, it is clear students want more than jobs, they want careers that can build the foundation for a better life. Today, the House acted to provide students with the skills necessary to compete in the American workforce and fight back against poverty. This bill extends career and technical education programs aimed at helping students reach their full potential and enabling local communities to get engaged in the process to best support their young people. It is necessary to instill in our children the importance of an education, not just as a requirement or obligation, but as a way to take control of their lives. This bill is a step in ensuring the generations to come have a better life than the last," said Congressman Pearce.