Education

My mother spent her career as a public school teacher in Hanover County, and my wife, Kathryn, devoted more than 40 years to teaching elementary school students in Westmoreland County. I have seen firsthand the early mornings, late evenings, and countless hours educators devote to helping students discover confidence in themselves and excitement for learning. Their dedication has a lasting impact on our children, families, and communities.

Every student deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to pursue a path that matches his or her talents and goals. Parents should never feel powerless when it comes to their children’s education. They deserve transparency about what their children are learning and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them. Education decisions should be made as close to students as possible, with parents, teachers, administrators, school boards, and local communities empowered to help children succeed.

Strengthening America’s education system is also essential to maintaining our economic competitiveness and preparing the next generation for a rapidly changing workforce. That means supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs; expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE); increasing access to dual-enrollment courses; and strengthening partnerships among schools, community colleges, and local employers. These partnerships allow students to begin earning credentials while still in high school and help ensure education and training programs reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

I supported the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which was signed into law. This legislation expanded access to CTE programs, strengthened partnerships between schools and the business community, modernized career training programs, and gave states and localities greater flexibility over how federal CTE resources are used.

We must also address the rising cost of education. When I was in college, I worked two jobs to help pay my way. When I ran out of money during my senior year, my father loaned me what I needed to finish and handed me the bill on graduation day. I was fortunate to have that support, but many students and families do not.

College remains an important pathway for many students, but it should not be the only pathway to a successful career. Students should also have access to apprenticeships, professional credentials, technical training, and other postsecondary opportunities that lead to good-paying, in-demand jobs. Providing more options allows students and families to choose the education or training that is right for them without taking on unnecessary debt.

That principle guided my bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which became law in July 2025. The law expands the eligible uses of 529 education savings accounts so individuals and families can use those funds for qualified workforce training, professional credentials, certification examinations, and related expenses. 

Americans should have the freedom to use their own education savings to pursue the skills they need to advance in their chosen careers.

I also supported expanding Pell Grant eligibility to qualifying short-term vocational and technical programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. This expansion of Pell grants became law in July 2025. I will continue working to support our teachers, empower students and parents, strengthen education at every level, and ensure Virginians have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

Legislative Work

• Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1151, 119th Congress) — Authored this bipartisan legislation to expand the eligible uses of 529 education savings accounts to include workforce training, professional credentials, certification examinations, and related expenses. This legislation was  signed into law in July 2025 as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts.
• Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353, 115th Congress) — Supported this bipartisan law to expand access to Career and Technical Education, modernize training programs, strengthen partnerships between schools and employers, and give states and local communities greater flexibility over federal CTE resources.
• PROPEL Act (H.R. 221, 118th Congress) — Introduced legislation to expand Pell Grant eligibility to qualifying short-term vocational and technical programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
• Computers for Veterans and Students Act (H.R. 3544, 117th Congress) — Cosponsored this bipartisan initiative, which became law, allowing qualified nonprofit organizations to refurbish surplus federal computers and distribute them to students, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and families in need.
• Parents Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 5, 118th Congress) — Cosponsored and supported House passage of legislation protecting parents’ access to school curricula, reading materials, budgets, safety information, and available educational options, and ensuring opportunities to meet with teachers and address local school boards.