Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I also include in the Record a letter from the American Library Association coming out against this Republican proposal. American Library Association, March 16, 2023. Re H.R. 5, ``Parents Bill of Rights Act''--OPPOSE. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker McCarthy and Leader Jeffries: The American Library Association (``ALA'') writes to express our opposition to certain provisions of H.R. 5 (``Parents Bill of Rights Act'') and to urge a NO vote on H.R. 5. Unquestionably, parents should have a voice in their child's education. However, we must oppose H.R. S's school library provisions, which ironically would lead to more government interference in family decisions regarding voluntary reading. These provisions: Are unnecessary and unwarranted; Would create a catalyst for more book banning and censorship; and Would create unfunded federal mandates and regulation where none are needed, at the cost of educating students. This letter explains each of these concerns below and provides background information about school libraries and an analysis of the bill's school library provisions. School Libraries are Essential to Educational Achievement According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 88 percent of all public schools had a school library in 2020-21.…”