Michelle Bowman: “Today, I rise to discuss my amendment to the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Rules Committee…”

“Today, I rise to discuss my amendment to the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Rules Committee amendment No. 778. My amendment is very simple. It would reinvest $157 billion from our defense budget into our public education system. Many of my colleagues may balk at that number. However, I remind everyone that we spend more on our national defense than the next 10 countries combined. We are secure as a nation in our military might because we have consistently supported the military industrial complex. Where we have neglected mightily is another pillar of our democracy, which is our education system and our public school system. As we continue to neglect our public schools, we are harming our most precious and most vulnerable resource, which is our Nation's children. Historically, this neglect is well-documented from redlining communities, underfunding public housing, underfunding green spaces, and underfunding schools in historically marginalized communities. Before coming to Congress, I had the pleasure and privilege of working in our public schools for 20 years. I served as an elementary school teacher in the South Bronx before becoming a high school guidance counselor and dean of students, where I served for 3\1/2\ years.…”