McCollum Opposes House GOP’s Partisan K-12 Education Bill

For Immediate Release: July 19, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC – Today, House Republicans voted to dismantle the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (H.R 5). H.R. 5 abandons our federal commitment to public education by drastically reducing essential funding, weakening protections for students with disabilities, and failing to ensure all children receive equal access to federal support.

All 195 Democrats and 12 Republicans opposed H.R. 5, while 221 Republicans voted for it.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement:

“House Republicans decided to turn their backs on our most vulnerable students in H.R. 5. The GOP proposal abandons the children who need us the most.”

“I strongly support the Democratic alternative. It repeals inflexible Adequate Yearly Progress requirements and replaces them with a focus on student growth. It includes policies to ensure that all students have a well-rounded education. It supports innovations in education with investments in educational research and technology, high-quality charter schools, and comprehensive school plans to reduce bullying and keep all students safe.”

“Our families, educators, and communities deserve K-12 education legislation that ensures all students have access to a world class education. Instead of gutting our nation’s education system, Congress should be passing legislation that invests in our schools and communities.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and is Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.

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