Rand Paul: “I support H.R. 2846, which forbids the use of Federal funds to develop or implement a national test without explicit…”

“I support H.R. 2846, which forbids the use of Federal funds to develop or implement a national test without explicit authorization from Congress. Supporters of protecting the United States Constitution from overreaching by the executive branch should support this bill. The administration's plan to develop and implement a national testing program without Congressional authorization is a blatant violation of the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers. However, support of this bill should in no way be interpreted to imply that Congress has the power to authorize national testing. Education is not one of the powers delegated to the Federal Government. As the 9th and 10th amendment makes clear, the Federal Government can only act in those areas where there is an explicit delegation of power. Therefore, the Federal Government has no legitimate authority to legislate in this area of education. Rather, all matters concerning education, including testing, remain with those best able to educate children: individual States, local communities and, primarily, parents. I therefore urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2846 which stops the administration from ultimately implementing national tests and oppose all legislation authorizing the creation of a national test.”