Dear Friends and Neighbors, As a father and grandfather, I believe parents should have a meaningful voice in their children’s education, and every student should have the opportunity to pursue the path that best prepares them for success. That means giving families more choices, expanding opportunities beyond the traditional four-year college track, protecting children, and making sure parents know what is happening in their schools. This Congress, I have worked to turn those priorities into results. Expanding Education and Workforce OpportunitiesOne accomplishment I am particularly proud of is expanding the ways families can use their 529 education savings. For years, I have championed the bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, legislation I introduced to allow Americans to use their 529 savings for qualified workforce training, credentialing, and certification programs — not just traditional college expenses. This Congress, that effort became law as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, giving both students and mid-career professionals greater freedom to use their own education savings to pursue the skills and credentials they need to succeed. The law also:Expanded 529 education savings accounts to cover up to $20,000 annually in eligible K–12 expenses, in addition to newly eligible credentialing and workforce-training costs.Created Workforce Pell Grants for eligible short-term training programs so more Americans can gain the skills they need for in-demand, good-paying careers.Established a federal scholarship tax credit beginning in 2027 to help expand educational opportunities for students and families.I have long believed that success does not require one particular path. Whether a student chooses college, career and technical education, an apprenticeship, or another form of workforce training, Washington should help open doors — not narrow their options. Strengthening the Role of ParentsParents should not be left in the dark when schools make significant decisions involving their children. The House passed the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act, which requires parental consent before covered schools make certain changes involving a minor student’s name, pronouns, gender marker, or sex-based accommodations. The House also passed the Home School Graduation Recognition Act, ensuring students who successfully complete a homeschool education under state law are recognized as high-school graduates for purposes of federal student aid. I believe parents — not Washington bureaucrats — know their children best, and federal policy should respect their role. Protecting StudentsKeeping children safe must also remain a priority. The House passed the KIDS Act, which expands online privacy protections for children and teenagers and gives parents stronger tools to protect their children online. We have also acted to strengthen safeguards against fraud in federal student-aid programs and improve transparency surrounding foreign funding and materials in American schools. These are commonsense steps to ensure education dollars go where they are intended, students are protected, and parents have the information they deserve. Creating More Paths to SuccessFor too long, Washington has treated a four-year college degree as though it is the only route to a successful career. I strongly disagree. Our communities depend on skilled workers in manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, health care, technology, and the trades. Expanding career and technical education and giving students more flexibility to use education dollars for credentials and workforce programs will help young people build rewarding careers while strengthening Virginia’s economy. I will continue working to ensure parents remain at the center of decisions about their children, students have access to more educational and career opportunities, and our schools remain accountable to the families they serve. It is an honor to represent you. Sincerely, Rob WittmanMember of Congress, Virginia’s 1st District P.S. Do you know someone who would be interested in this information? If so, forward this email and invite them to sign up for my newsletter here.