Floor Statements

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 10, the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Reauthorization Act, a bill to continue the popular and successful D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program is based on a simple notion: that every child deserves an excellent education – regardless of a family’s background, income, or zip code.

The program provides scholarships to students in low-income families so they can escape underperforming schools and receive the quality education they need to excel both in the classroom and later in life. And our investment in this effort is paying off.

Last year, 90 percent of 12th graders who received a D.C. Opportunity Scholarship graduated from a high-quality school, and 88 percent went on to pursue a college degree. What’s more, when asked if they were satisfied with their child’s education, 85 percent of parents responded “yes.”

It’s no wonder every year the demand for scholarships far exceeds the number of scholarships available. These positive results also explain why this important program has long enjoyed bipartisan support.

Of course, there are some who don’t believe these vulnerable families deserve the opportunity to do what is best for their children’s education.

At a time when the Obama administration has spent billions of dollars pushing its own pet projects and priorities, it has routinely put this modest, successful program on the chopping block.

Fortunately, a bipartisan majority in Congress has continued to stand by these students and families by continuing to support the program, and Speaker John Boehner has always stood at the forefront of those efforts. Few have fought harder or longer for the educational opportunities of D.C. students than Speaker Boehner.

In fact, throughout his more than 20 years in public office, Speaker Boehner has been a tireless champion for families who simply want the opportunity – any opportunity – for their children to receive a quality education.

The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program began under his leadership while he served as chairman of the House education committee. Thanks to his efforts, this initiative has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of students across the District.

The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Reauthorization Act reflects his continued commitment to these families. More importantly, it reaffirms a bipartisan commitment to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program and the D.C. school children it serves.

I urge my colleagues to help more low-income students in our nation’s capital receive the quality education they deserve by supporting this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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