Introduction

The U.S. Congress has taken action to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998. The new legislation, entitled the Carl D. Perkins Career and TEchnical Educational Improvement Act of 2006 will provide increased focus on the academic achievement of career and technical education students, strengthen the connections between secondary and postsecondary education, and improve state and local accountability. This page provides current information on the department's efforts to implement the new legislation once signed into law.

Congressional Activity

108TH CONGRESS (2003-2004)
Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act (H.R. 4496)

On September 7, 2004, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce voted to report the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act (H.R. 4496). The legislation, introduced by Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE), chair of the U.S. House Education Reform Subcommittee, and Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), the chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, would have reauthorized and improved the Perkins Act. See H.R. 4496. See House Report 108-659.

• Hearing on H.R. 4496 the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act (June 15, 2004) The House Subcommittee on Education Reform held a hearing to discuss "H.R. 4496 the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act". Four witnesses testified.
• Strengthening Vocational and Technical Education (May 4, 2004) The House Subcommittee on Education Reform held a hearing on "Strengthening Vocational and Technical Education." Five witnesses testified on the subject.
• Examining Success in Vocational Education (April 27, 2004) The House Subcommittee on Education Reform held a hearing on "Examining Success in Vocational Education." Five witnesses describe their experiences with Career and Technical Education at the local level.

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2004 (S. 2686)

On October 4, 2004, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions voted to report the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2004 (S. 2686). The legislation, introduced by Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY), would have reauthorized and improved the Perkins Act. See S. 2686. See Senate Report 108-384.

• Hearing on the Reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Act of 1998: Education for the 21st Century Workforce (June 24, 2004) The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing to discuss the Federal investment in vocational and technical education. Five witnesses testified.

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