Louise Slaughter: “I oppose this rule and the underlying bill because the bill makes unprecedented changes in many Federal educational…”

“I oppose this rule and the underlying bill because the bill makes unprecedented changes in many Federal educational initiatives. Despite that fact, the Committee on Rules chose to block any amendment that might otherwise be offered during floor debate, except two amendments prefiled with the Committee on Rules. What is the majority afraid of? Some might say that in the press of business at the end of the fiscal year, we cannot afford open debate and amendment. But this bill was reported from the committee on June 24. Why was that report not filed until September 11, forcing consideration at this busy time? Mr. Speaker, I fear the process has been manipulated to shut down debate on how this bill will affect millions of children across our Nation. Closed rules are the refuge of those who fear democracy. Mr. Speaker, our country's public schools are in critical need of our support, our resources, and our guidance. Supporting public education needs to be placed at the forefront of the House's agenda. This bill does just the opposite. Under the guise of reform, H.R. 3248 consolidates many important education programs into a single block grant, with no accountability and no guarantee that the money will be spent on the specific needs for which they were originally intended. The 31 programs eliminated by this misguided legislation were created for this very reason, to fill existing needs.”