I want to thank Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Miller for their work, and Representative Bass for her leadership in working with youth and foster care, and homeless youth in particular, on this bill. Before I came to Congress I founded…

I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Colorado is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I thank the gentlewoman (Ms. Loretta Sanchez) for bringing forward this amendment. This amendment represents a best practice for charter schools. It is an important upgrade to our Federal authorization program to ensure that charter…

In this week of partisan divisions here on the floor of the House of Representatives, we have a unique opportunity in this amendment, in this bill, to come together around supporting public charter schools. This week, Mr. Chairman, is…

Before the State or district money for a public charter school begins, before the doors open, there are expenses. Principals and teachers have to be hired, classrooms have to be configured and outfitted. That is what this money allows…

I thank the gentlelady from North Carolina for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we had the opportunity to have a clean rule around a bill that I had the opportunity to work…

Then I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire as to how much time is remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Colorado has 8 minutes remaining.

I would like to inquire if the gentleman has any remaining speakers on his side.

I am prepared to close. I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk a little bit about some of my experiences in the charter school movement before joining this body. I had the opportunity to found a public charter…

And Mr. Ranking Member, thank you for the kind words. I want to thank Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Miller for their hard work. Particularly in a week where this body has been divided over issues like Benghazi and Lois Lerner, how…

I would like to inquire if the gentlelady has any remaining speakers.

I want to discuss today some of the priorities that Democrats have, which are important to Members of my party, which are included in this bill. I hope that those on my side of the aisle who are listening tonight-- or the capable Education…