On the recordSeptember 8, 2011
I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I want to add my thanks to those of Ranking Member Miller's to the staffs on both sides, to the members of the committee on both sides, and to our colleagues not on the committee, like Mr. Polis, for their input and help on this legislation. All of us were elected to Congress with the promise to enact laws that will make this country a better place for our children and our grandchildren. This starts with ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. For many students and their parents, charter schools are a beacon of hope and, in some cases, the only beacon of hope. They symbolize opportunity, choice, and educational excellence, and it is past time to ensure more families and communities across the United States have access to these groundbreaking institutions. By approving the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act today, we can help put more students on the path to a successful future. I urge my colleagues to put differences aside and to join together in supporting this legislation for the sake of those students trapped in underperforming schools across America. I yield back the balance of my time. The CHAIR. All time for general debate has expired. Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the 5-minute rule and shall be considered read.…





