Opening Statement of Rep. John Kline (R-MN), Senior Republican Member Worker safety and health are among the most fundamental concerns of every employer in this country. No worker wants to risk illness or injury on the job – and no employer wants that risk either. Recognizing that different states have different workplace needs, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act allows states to crea... Read more »
This hearing is about how the federal government works with all institutions of higher education to ensure that the student eligibility requirements for federal student aid outlined in the Higher Education Act are being met. I understand that there is significant history on this topic before us and I look forward to hearing more about GAO’s study and the oversight measures that are being taken to ... Read more »
We’re here today to examine economic opportunities for young Americans. Unfortunately, those opportunities seem to be few and far between these days. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that youth unemployment has reached a staggering 25.5 percent. That’s the highest level since we began tracking youth unemployment back in 1948. These figures are daunting. Although not all young people wish to ... Read more »
The month of September marks the beginning of the school year for many localities across the country. And for the next year, the one person who will have more influence and input other than a set of parents into a child’s development will be a teacher. For those with a young child who is entering school for the very first time, you know these are the most crucial years for learning and growth. And... Read more »
We’re here today to explore how to ensure all children are taught by effective teachers. Study after study has shown that effective, knowledgeable teachers are among the most important factors when it comes to improving student academic achievement. High-quality teachers are more important than state-of-the-art facilities or factors such as the student-to-teacher ratio. Unfortunately, the question... Read more »
We’re here today to examine the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009, a bill that would have major consequences for workplaces across the nation. As I understand it, H.R. 3017 is largely identical to legislation of the same name introduced in 2007. This panel considered the legislation two years ago, and eventually it was brought to a vote in the full U.S. House of Representatives before stal... Read more »
Government takeover. We’ve seen and heard a lot of those two words lately – in the credit markets, the banking sector, the automotive industry, and even the building of our schools. Then there’s health care, an industry that assumes one-sixth of America’s gross domestic product. We’re not talking about health care today, but perhaps we should be. The vote we’ll take on student lending is the culmi... Read more »
I have to confess a certain feeling of ‘déjà vu all over again’ as we prepare to vote on yet another budget reconciliation bill that vastly expands the reach of government. Last week, we approved a plan that sets up the federal government to take control of our health care system. This morning, we’ll be voting on a bill that will put the federal government in complete control of student lending. W... Read more »
I appreciate the opportunity to speak, but I regret that my comments will be in opposition to the bill before us. I was named Ranking Member on the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee earlier this year with great excitement. After all, workforce development and higher education were key priorities for me as a State Senator, and I was anxious to get to work on bipa... Read more »
Today, this Committee will begin consideration of legislation that would completely overhaul the current health care system in this country. I know that many of my constituents are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of their health care premiums, while others are simply unable to afford health care coverage. Many people in my state have lost their jobs and fear that they won't be able to a... Read more »
