Sheila Jackson Lee: “I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1008, ``Honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.'' I urge my…”

“I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1008, ``Honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.'' I urge my colleagues to support and acknowledge Catholic schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education and improving and strengthening our communities and our nation as a whole. Catholic schools deliver high-quality education, challenge students to reach their full potential, and provide thousands of families throughout the United States with outstanding educational options for their children. Today, there are over 6,000 Catholic schools serving around 2,200,000 school children across the nation. In addition to their service to our nation as a whole, Catholic schools also play an important role in the education of over 18,000 school children in my home city of Houston, Texas. Within the city of Houston there are currently 39 Catholic schools, which educate children from kindergarten through high school, and there are 24 other Catholic schools within the greater Houston metropolitan area.”