C. Cox: “I rise in opposition to H.R. 6, a bill which would greatly expand the Federal Government's control over the entire…”

“I rise in opposition to H.R. 6, a bill which would greatly expand the Federal Government's control over the entire landscape of American education. I also rise to express my strong support for the amendment offered by Mr. Armey. Instead of fostering the real school reform America needs, H.R. 6 would restrict the ability of parents to participate in the critical decisions affecting their children's education. The bill would create new frivolous spending programs, pile still more Federal mandates on local school districts, and expand Federal control over local schools-- both public and private. One of the most destructive provisions of H.R. 6 would require certification not only of public schoolteachers, but of private teachers as well. Of course, the practical effect of this requirement would be to add significant new burdens on private schools. Ironically, the sponsors of H.R. 6 entrust Federal regulators, and the same education bureaucrats and unions who've given us the status quo, with broad new powers to oversee school 'reform.' But they don't trust parents to have any responsibility for deciding what's best for their children's education. Given the abysmal performance of many of our Nation's public schools, it should come as no surprise that an increasing number of parents are electing to secure a better education for their children. Our Government's educational policy should be especially supportive of parental choice.”