Annie Kuster: “This is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill…”

“This is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will proceed immediately to final passage, as amended. {time} 1100 This week, we have debated how best to educate our children and prepare them for the lives and jobs of the 21st century economy. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not the answer. In New Hampshire, we recognize that investments in education are investments in economic growth, job creation, and expanded opportunity for middle class families. Unfortunately, this bill fails to adequately make these investments in our economic future. It fails to reflect the bipartisan support in this House for STEM education, for fairness, and for accountability. Along with the Chamber of Commerce and a broad coalition of stakeholders, I believe that this legislation fails to deliver the education system that our students, our children deserve. While some would rather abolish the Department of Education, I know that we have a responsibility to ensure that every child in this country has a chance to learn and succeed. We may have our disagreements, but we owe it to the people we represent to focus on those areas where we can find common ground. I know that we can all agree on the need to preserve opportunity and safety for our students, and I'm hopeful that you will all support my amendment, which makes four very commonsense reforms.…”