This week, the national elections took place putting Republicans in charge of the White House and Senate next year. These results are likely to have significant implications for federal education and workforce development policy. Elsewhere, members of Congress are set to return for a lame duck session of Congress next week.

General Elections Usher in Significant Change 

The hotly contested and long-anticipated general elections deciding control of the White House and balance of power in Congress took place this past Tuesday. Donald Trump has once again been elected as the next President of the United States. Transition activities for the incoming Trump administration have only just gotten underway with the recent selection of Susie Wiles to serve as the White House’s Chief of Staff— the first woman to hold this critical position. As details continue to emerge, Advance CTE will continue to monitor potential implications for education and workforce development and looks forward to engaging with the new administration. 

Elsewhere, Republicans have regained control of the Senate in the 119th Congress, but as a few states still tally votes, the margin of control has yet to be determined. Party control of the House of Representatives is still unclear but appears to be trending towards Republicans as well. As of this morning, there are still around 25 outstanding races yet to be called.

Advance CTE is continuing to analyze these developments and will be communicating the election’s potential impact on the Career Technical Education (CTE) community as the election results and the priorities from the administration become clearer in the coming weeks and months ahead.

Congress Comes Back For Lame-Duck Session Next Week

The 118th Congress’ lame-duck session is scheduled to begin next week as lawmakers return to Washington, D.C., following the elections. Advance CTE expects Congressional leadership elections to be prioritized as the new Congress starts to organize to determine leadership posts and other committee assignments. It is widely expected that lawmakers will need to address the issue of funding for federal fiscal year 2025 (or through another Continuing Resolution to extend present funding levels into next year), supplemental appropriations for hurricane-impacted communities, the National Defense Authorization Act, and more. Advance CTE will continue to advocate for a strengthened investment in CTE, made via the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) and other critical federal funding streams, throughout the wider FY25 process.

Rob Young, Communications & Advocacy Associate

Steve Voytek, Policy Advisor