Mr. Speaker, it has been suggested that today’s action will be the final word on the health care debate that has consumed the attention of Washington for more than a year. I would suggest, instead, that much remains to be said – and seen. The ink is hardly dry on the Democrats’ government takeover of health care but already we are seeing its devastating real-life consequences. We discovered a loop... Read more »
I came to Congress seven years ago to do my part to make this country better. Every vote I cast and every policy I help shape must be judged by whether it achieves what my constituents sent me here to accomplish. As each member of this, the people’s House prepares to vote ‘yay’ or ‘nay,’ we should all take a moment to remind ourselves of why we are here. Our job is to ensure American employers hav... Read more »
Good morning. Chairman Kildee, thank you for holding today's hearing - the fourth in the current series as the Committee begins the process of reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). I would also like to thank all of today's witnesses for being here to testify. I believe it is imperative that we examine all issues thoroughly, particularly through the hearing process. We be... Read more »
We’re here this afternoon to discuss the Administration’s blueprint for ESEA. These 45 pages were anxiously awaited by many in the education community, the media, and of course here in Congress. For the last several weeks we’ve been meeting at the member and staff levels on a bipartisan basis with our counterparts in the Senate, and this blueprint is viewed by many as the first attempt by any one ... Read more »
Thank you Madam Chair. Good morning and welcome to all the witnesses. This morning’s hearing is, in congressional terms, a “legislative hearing” – in other words, it’s a direct examination and review of a particular piece of legislation, in this case the Protecting America’s Workers Act. This bill was introduced in April of last year and, since that time, has undergone some fairly substantial revi... Read more »
Good morning. I would like to welcome you all to our hearing today. As we explore our existing juvenile justice system, it is ever important that we also examine the unique experiences faced by girls who enter the system. Today we will hear from a well-regarded group of witnesses who will be able to provide insight to the challenges and characteristics of female offenders. Although recent studies ... Read more »
Good morning and thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to begin by thanking our distinguished panel for appearing today. We appreciate that they have taken time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences and expertise with us. Firefighters and public safety officers do a tremendous job protecting our communities. They are on the front lines of emergencies and represent a key component ... Read more »
Let me begin by stating unequivocally that the incidents uncovered by the GAO are unacceptable. No child should be put in physical danger by the use of seclusion or restraints in school. In each of the cases reviewed by the GAO, there was a criminal conviction, a finding of civil or administrative liability, or a large financial settlement – in other words, everyone agrees that what happened is si... Read more »
Thank you Chairman Miller, and thank you Mr. Secretary for joining us. We have an extremely limited amount of time with the Secretary to cover a number of pressing topics, so I will keep my remarks brief. Secretary Duncan came to Washington billed as a reformer, and I believe he has lived up to that reputation. In particular, his willingness to stand up to the unions and the old ways of doing busi... Read more »
Thank you Chairman Miller, and good afternoon. Today we will examine federal child nutrition programs with an eye toward improving children’s health. Childhood obesity rates are a serious concern for parents and families, and they present a challenge to the health of our nation as a whole. What children eat at school certainly plays a role in their overall nutrition, so I welcome this opportunity ... Read more »
