Higher Education and Workforce Development

The Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development is a specialized panel within the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. As a subcommittee, it holds initial hearings and reviews legislation within its narrower jurisdiction before matters proceed to the full committee, which retains authority to report bills to the House floor. The subcommittee focuses on education and workforce development beyond the high school level, including higher education generally, postsecondary student assistance and employment services, the Higher Education Act, Title IX compliance, domestic volunteer programs, arts and humanities programs, museum and library services, postsecondary career and technical education, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development initiatives. This specialized focus allows the full Education and Workforce Committee to address the distinct policy challenges of college affordability, student loans, workforce training, and career preparation. The subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah, with Rep. Alma S. Adams of North Carolina serving as Ranking Member. The panel comprises 22 members total and has historically examined issues such as federal student aid reform, student loan policies, and the cost of college attendance.