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    U.S. Representative John R. Carter was re-elected in a landslide in November 2014 to his seventh term representing Texas' Thirty-First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Carter was selected as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations and also to serve on the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee and Defense Subcommittee. This is also Congressman Carter's fourth term to serve as Co-Chairman of the bipartisan House Army Caucus. He has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2004.

    Since his first election in 2002, Congressman Carter has established himself as a leader in Congress who has the foresight and courage to author and support numerous pieces of legislation that would increase the protection of U.S. citizens and bring justice to those who threaten our freedom and way of life.

    Congressman Carter is one of the few House Members who has authored legislation signed into law under both Presidents Bush and Obama. In spite of now being a veteran Congressman, John Carter is still known as "Judge" for having served over 20 years on the district court bench in Williamson County, which he won as the first county-wide elected Republican in Williamson County history. Before becoming a Judge, Congressman Carter had a successful private law practice and continued to practice law while serving as the Municipal Judge in Round Rock.

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    Congressman Carter's leadership ability has been recognized by his colleagues and others. During his first term, Congressman Carter was named one of the "Top Five Freshman" in Congress by Capitol Hill's leading newspaper.

    In July 2004, President Bush held a signing ceremony for Congressman Carter's Identity Theft bill at the White House. The law lessens the burden of proof making identity theft easier to prove and prosecute and also defines and creates punishment for aggravated identity theft.

    A true Texan at heart, Congressman Carter was born and raised in Houston and has spent his adult life in Central Texas. Carter attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a degree in History and then graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 1969.Congressman Carter and his wife, Erika, met in Holland and have been happily married since June 15, 1968. Since then they have built a home and raised a family of four on Christian beliefs and strong Texas Values. Congressman Carter and Mrs. Carter are also a proud grandparents to six precious grandchildren.  

     

     

    To stay connected with Chairman Carter:

    Email - http://carter.house.gov/contact-john-nav
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/judgecarter
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/JudgeCarter
    YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/RepJohnCarter 
    Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/repcarter/
    E-Newsletter - http://carter.congressnewsletter.net/mail/util.cfm?mailaction=profile 
    House Appropriations Committee - http://appropriations.house.gov/

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The Future is Bright in Career and Technical Education

As Texas students tackle their first weeks of school, we are reminded that today’s graduates are increasingly facing a future of unemployment, declining wages, and mounds of student loan debt. Recent graduates from traditional four year universities continue to find their employment options limited; yet, just this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5.6 million job openings in America. This staggering number is a direct reflection of the skills gap that exists between the American workforce and the needs of many employers.

This lack in skilled workers is largely due to an underlying stigma surrounding Career and Technical Education (CTE).  The academic goals of many students and educators fail to align with the needs of businesses looking to hire skilled workers for high-paying, fulfilling careers.

To put our Nation on a path of expanded economic growth, we must back away from the traditional “college for all” mindset. While many thrive in a four year university atmosphere, the reality is that college is not for everyone, and many students’ career goals are best achieved with an associate’s degree or a certificate in a skilled trade. As four year colleges and universities continue to veer further away from accessibility and affordability, the CTE route offers affordable, practical training designed to prepare students for a rewarding career.

Unfortunately, CTE has been unfairly branded as a disappointing alternative to a college degree, or reserved as a last resort for underprivileged students. Yet with rapid technological advancements and high employer demand, CTE has become more than just a backup plan – it is a path to a fulfilling and prosperous career. With jobs ranging from biotechnology to cybersecurity, and from culinary arts to robotics, CTE meets a variety of diverse interests.

It is time we as a nation reassess our educational priorities and work to reverse the stigma surrounding CTE. When asked about plans after high school, students should be filled with just as much pride when announcing they have chosen to attend the local trade school as if they were to answer with plans to enroll at Texas Tech or Harvard.

In order to bridge the gap between our workforce and employers, I believe promoting CTE and the many opportunities it presents should begin at the local level.  This is why I hosted a roundtable discussion at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. Texas educators, local business owners, professional associations, and state policymakers met to brainstorm ways to best ensure students receive an education that will provide them with the skillset necessary to meet employers’ needs.

When it comes to CTE, the discussion has just begun and the opportunities are expansive. Texas is a national leader for job opportunity and economic growth. In order to maintain this high standard, our talent pool must continue to meet the needs of our businesses and industries. Jobs in CTE are readily available, and our community must encourage students to pursue high-paying careers in technology, mechanics, and other highly skilled trades. I have confidence Texans will continue to lead the way in growing our economy, and CTE is a key to our economic prosperity.

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the House Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

 

 

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    repName John Smith  
    helpWithFedAgencyAddress Haverhill District Office
    1234 S. Courthouse
    Haverhill, CA 35602    		  
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  • Office Locations Push

    Office Name Location Image Map URL
    Washington DC
     
    2110 Rayburn H.O.B.
    Washington, D.C. 20515
    (202) 225-3864
    		 http://goo.gl/ZwFDsc
    Round Rock Office
     
    1717 North IH 35
    Suite 303
    Round Rock, TX 78664
    (512) 246-1600
    		 http://goo.gl/maps/NNJtv
    Bell County Office
    6544B S. General Bruce Drive
    Temple, TX 76502
    Located next to the DPS office
    (254) 933-1392
    		 https://goo.gl/maps/fcvH3