Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule as well as the underlying bill, H.R. 5, the Student Success Act. I want to thank also, as others have, the gentlewoman from North Carolina for her continued leadership on an important issue. And I also would like to commend the gentleman from Colorado on his interest in this legislation as well. Although we differ in opinions on what this legislation would do, I believe it is a conversation that we need to have. You see, I have had the privilege to be married to a public school teacher for 25 years. I also have three children who are the product of a public school education, one of whom is a special needs child who has spina bifida, who graduated just a few years ago. I was happily there to present her with her diploma when she rolled across that stage. We can talk about a lot of things today; but when it gets down to it, it's about the kids in our country and how they're educated and what role this body is to play in that. I think that's an honest conversation. As I speak today as a parent, education policy is near and dear to my heart because I believe our democracy was founded on the principle that every child should have the opportunity to learn. And I believe that the goal of our educational system should be to instill in our children a love for learning that they will carry with them throughout their entire life.…”