Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. We are considering crucial legislation today impacting two important issues, ensuring Americans are able to save for retirement and enabling the education of our next generation. As any parent knows, the education of our children is one of our highest priorities. For far too long, children in Washington, D.C., have not received the education they deserve, and have suffered from unacceptable achievement levels and graduation rates. The SOAR Reauthorization Act, which this rule provides for consideration of, continues a successful three- sector approach to improving the lives and educational outcomes of low- income students in the District. It provides $60 million in funding for students, split equally among D.C.'s public schools, charter schools, and scholarships for students to attend private schools that would otherwise be out of reach. Students receiving private school educations have demonstrated higher test scores and significantly higher graduation rates, showcasing the importance of continuing students' access to these institutions. Students participating in the Opportunity Scholarship Program reauthorized in this legislation have graduated at a rate of 90 percent, besting both other schools in D.C. where only 64 percent of students graduate and the national graduation rate of 82 percent.…”