On the recordFebruary 25, 2021
I rise today to support the nomination of Miguel Cardona to be the next Secretary of Education. He has the background, qualifications, and the temperament to serve in this position. Dr. Cardona has a meteoric rise from a classroom teacher to a school principal, to a commissioner of education for the State of Connecticut. I am glad the President has nominated him to lead the Education Department in such a challenging time for our Nation's schools. COVID-19 related school closures have led to significant learning losses, with millions of children stuck at home, trying to learn. Parents are at their wits' end because many of the adults running public schools across our country are failing to actually follow the science. We should be seriously talking about reopening schools as quickly as possible. That is what the science tells us, and that is what students need. Dr. Cardona testified before the Senate HELP Committee. He stressed the need for students to get back to school, and I am glad that is now, finally, a bipartisan mission. At the same time, each school district, college, university, State and local community faces different circumstances in dealing with this pandemic. Trying to treat them as a monolith instead of providing flexible advice for States and localities to use if applicable and useful would be a mistake. Dr. Cardona said he understands that one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington won't work. Dr.…
