The vast majority of federal contractors are responsible employers who obey the law and do right by their employees. There will always be, as the Chairman noted, bad actors who deny workers basic protections and we can all agree they should not receive taxpayer dollars for work on federal contracts. However, even the most responsible employer can occasionally run afoul of labor and employment laws... Read more »
Federal contractors are essential to government operations. Most employers provide quality, cost effective services while complying with labor and employment law. Unfortunately, there are a few bad actors. We can all agree bad actors who deny workers basic protections, including wage and overtime protections, should not be awarded federal contracts funded with taxpayer dollars. For that very reaso... Read more »
This week, we have an opportunity to advance bold reforms that will strengthen K-12 education for children across America. A great education can be the great equalizer, it can open doors to unlimited possibilities and provide students the tools they need to succeed in life. Every child in every school deserves an excellent education, yet we are failing to provide every child that opportunity. Toda... Read more »
Every student deserves an effective teacher, an engaging classroom, and a quality education that paves the path for a bright and prosperous future. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, the nation’s current K-12 education law has failed to provide students this fundamental right. In fact, the law has only gotten in the way. No Child Left Behind’s onerous requirements and the Obama adminis... Read more »
Good morning, and welcome to the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education in the 114th Congress. I’d like to thank our witnesses for joining us today. We appreciate the opportunity to learn from you about how emerging technology in the classroom affects student privacy. Ms. Fudge, before we begin, I want to take a moment to congratulate you on being... Read more »
After seven years of delay, today marks an important step in replacing a failing law, one that has deprived students an opportunity to earn a lifetime of success. If stagnant student achievement and disappointing graduation rates have taught us anything, it is that expanding the federal government’s footprint in classrooms does not prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succee... Read more »
Today the committee will consider H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, a bill to improve K-12 education by reducing the federal footprint, restoring local control, and empowering parents and education leaders to hold schools accountable. We are here for three important reasons. First, the nation’s elementary and secondary education system is fundamentally broken. Too many students are dropping out of ... Read more »
Last week, we were reminded once again of the persistent challenges facing the American people. The Department of Commerce reported that the economy grew a meager 2.6 percent in the last quarter of 2014. According to the Wall Street Journal, we have now experienced nine straight years of growth below three percent. This anemic economy is hurting families across the country; it’s hurting nearly nin... Read more »
As a father and grandfather, I find it difficult to imagine anything more terrifying than a loved one falling victim to youth sex trafficking. Yet each year, hundreds of thousands of children and families are forced to live with the pain and suffering that stems from this deplorable crime. Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: this crime is taking place right here in our own country; it is impacting our c... Read more »
Today marks the beginning of what promises to be a very busy two years. We all know the challenges that our country continues to face: An anemic economy that isn’t creating enough good-paying jobs; a broken education system that is failing to meet the needs of many students; and a lack of retirement security for millions of hard-working Americans. These are just a few of the problems that continue... Read more »
