On the recordMarch 30, 2011
I thank the gentleman from Maryland for his terrific help on all we have done on this bill. Let me count the ways I strongly oppose H.R. 471: Because it reestablished a program that failed to improve academic achievement as measured by standardized reading and math tests; Because it infringes on the local government's right to make decisions about quintessentially local education matters; Because it was introduced without so much as consultation with any elected official from the affected jurisdiction, the jurisdiction I represent; Because it provides Federal funds to send students to religious and other private schools, despite the absence of support for vouchers, as demonstrated by the failure of every State referendum to authorize vouchers, including two in California; and Because it increases the deficit by $300 million, violating the majority's own CutGo for discretionary authorization legislative protocols. Although I am a proud graduate of the D.C. Public Schools and strongly support our public schools, especially given their great improvement, I have always supported public charter alternatives for those parents who are dissatisfied with our traditional public schools. Children can't wait until public schools now in the throes of ``a race to the top'' meet the top. I'm proud that the District of Columbia has the largest charter school system in the United States of America, with almost half of our children attending.…
