The Education and Labor Committee's purpose is to ensure that Americans' needs are addressed so that students and workers may move forward in a changing school system and a competitive global economy.

The committee and its five subcommittees oversee education and workforce programs that affect all Americans, from early learning through secondary education, from job training through retirement.

The Education and Labor Committee Democrats' goal is to keep America strong by increasing education opportunities for students, by making it easier to send young adults to college, and by helping workers find job training and retirement security for a better future.

For generations, America has been a leader in the global economy, thanks to the drive and innovative spirit of America's workers. But over the last five years, middle class families have lost ground despite overall economic growth, finding themselves squeezed between shrinking paychecks and bigger bills for basic items like housing, healthcare, college tuition, and energy. The mission of this committee is simple: Growing and strengthening America's middle class.