Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 471, the Scholarship Opportunity and Results Act, and against the Norton amendment. Coming from South Carolina, for 8 years in the general assembly, we debated the positive benefits of school choice. I have heard every argument. But what I have seen prior to 2009 is that here, in D.C., school choice was a model for the Nation as a very successful program. We have seen the positive impact of injecting free market principles into the education system here in Washington, D.C. We have seen thousands of students' lives changed. We have seen them line up for a chance at a better life because they could escape a failing school and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Because all students learn differently, it is imperative that we empower parents. And that is what it is about, empowering parents to make choices for the education of their children; give them the ability to choose the best educational experience for their child, whether it is public, charter, private, or home school. Neither the State nor the Federal Government knows what is best for our children. We do as parents. Parents know what is best for their children, and parents and teachers should have the freedom to work together to find and create motivating learning environments that are necessary for every child to succeed.…”