This congressional report contains testimony examining the status of vocational assistance and its role in work force development and the Clinton Administration's views on reforming the federal investment in vocational education. Testimony was provided by two U.S. senators (James M. Jeffords, Vermont; Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts) and representatives of the following agencies and organizations: U.S. Department of Education; American Federation of Teachers; Vocational Education Task Force; National Center for Research in Vocational Education; Information Technology Association of America; New Urban High School Project; Clark-Theders Insurance Group; Center for Occupational Research and Development; and Office of Vocational and Technical Education of the Mississippi Department of Education. The following were among the topics discussed: the adequacy of vocational education policy and practices for the 21st century; the role of community and technical colleges in labor force development; career guidance and counseling services provided through the Perkins Act; proposed changes in the Perkins Act to streamline the vocational education system, improve it, and increase its flexibility and accountability; vocational education funding formulas and financing; school-to-work; national skill standards; business and industry views regrading the role of vocational education and skills needed for the work; work-based learning; and vocational education in urban settings. (MN)