Good morning, and welcome to our committee hearing on teacher quality initiatives. I’d like to thank our witnesses for joining us today. Your time is valuable and we appreciate the opportunity to get your perspective on how states, school districts, and the federal government can support and encourage more effective teachers. Current law recognizes a teacher as “highly qualified” if he or she hold... Read more »
Recently, we learned about the challenges confronting the retirement security of workers and retirees. The lingering effects of the recession and an uncertain regulatory environment reaffirm the need for policymakers to tread carefully as they consider changes to the rules that govern retirement investment. Policies in this area should provide clear guidelines that protect workers, but also be fle... Read more »
We are here to consider H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act. In an effort to strengthen the competitiveness of our workforce and help keep jobs here in the United States, the legislation prevents the National Labor Relations Board from dictating where an employer can and cannot create jobs. On April 20, the National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against The Bo... Read more »
The severity of our nation’s fiscal crisis cannot be overstated. More than 14 million Americans are looking for work. Meanwhile, federal spending continues at an unprecedented pace, with an average of $4 billion added to our country’s debt every day. We need to encourage economic growth and investment. Instead, leaders on the other side of the aisle are pushing more reckless policies, red tape, an... Read more »
Since the start of the 112th Congress, the Education and the Workforce Committee has actively examined federal laws, rules, and regulations within our jurisdiction. The intent of our oversight has been to take a close look at federal policies and their impact on the economy, job creation, and taxpayers. As a result of these efforts, just yesterday we advanced bipartisan legislation to modernize th... Read more »
The amendment in the nature of a substitute makes some minor technical changes regarding the short title, and inserts new language to reiterate that states and school districts must comply with existing Title I school allocation and civil rights requirements. I want to be very clear that states and school districts will still be expected to comply with all civil rights requirements just as they cu... Read more »
I’d now like to turn to consideration of the State and Local Funding Flexibility Act, which is the third in the committee’s series of reforms designed to overhaul current elementary and secondary education law. Since the beginning of the 112th Congress, members of this committee have met with teachers, principals, superintendents, and state leaders to discuss ways to improve the nation’s education... Read more »
I appreciate the opportunity to speak briefly on the legislation before the committee this morning. I would like thank you, Mr. Miller, and Ms. Woolsey for your leadership, and for working with us to advance federal workers’ compensation reform. The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act has long represented our commitment to the men and women who serve our nation in the federal workforce. Employment... Read more »
The committee will now consider H.R. 2465, bipartisan legislation that begins an important effort to modernize and reform the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. The current debt limit debate is a stark reminder of the size and cost of the federal government. It is our responsibility as stewards of taxpayer resources to help guarantee programs and agencies under our jurisdiction operate effective... Read more »
Thank you, Chairman Jordan. I appreciate the opportunity to hold a joint hearing with the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight, and Government Spending, and I would like to thank our witnesses and guests for joining us today. Supporting freedom of choice in higher education should be a priority for all Members of Congress. Postsecondary education o... Read more »
