America is facing a crisis in our health care system. Costs are spiraling out of control, leaving families, employers, and taxpayers to shoulder the burden. Health care spending today accounts for approximately one-sixth of our economy — more than any other industry. That’s up from 13.8 percent of GDP in 2000 and 5.2 percent in 1960. Millions of Americans have limited coverage or no coverage at al... Read more »
The Subcommittee meets to mark up two bills this morning. This is truly a rare occasion – in fact, it’s the first subcommittee markup we’ve held since the beginning of the 110th Congress. Since we do have a number of items on the agenda, I will keep my remarks brief this morning. As I indicated, we are addressing two bills, both of which relate to the regulation of our nation’s 401(k) system. The ... Read more »
I am pleased the Committee is exploring the timely issue of how technology is transforming our nation’s public schools. More often, people are using different technologies to gather and disseminate information. I believe that in today’s technologically-driven world, states and school districts throughout the country have the opportunity to use these new technologies to improve academic achievement... Read more »
I would like to begin by thanking our distinguished panel of witnesses for appearing today. We appreciate that they have taken time out of their busy schedules to share their expertise and experiences with us. Today’s hearing provides Members of this Subcommittee with an opportunity to discuss the Family and Medical Leave Act and a couple legislative proposals aimed at promoting “healthy families.... Read more »
We’re here today, as the hearing title suggests, to examine single payer health care. Single payer is certainly among the most controversial approaches to health care reform, and frankly, I’m a little surprised to see it on this subcommittee’s agenda. President Obama and Democratic leaders have publicly rejected the notion of single payer. And I’m glad they have. Creating a new, one-size-fits-all ... Read more »
Thank you, Chairman Miller, and good morning. I want to thank you for holding this important hearing and thank our witnesses for being here to shed light on a key opportunity to improve educational options for students and families. Republicans on this Committee have been strongly committed to the charter school movement for quite some time, and we’re pleased to see that the cause is now bipartisa... Read more »
Education – especially a college education – is an engine that drives the American Dream. I would like to see this committee do what it can to help those American Dreams come true. And student loans are one tool that allows students and families to pursue that dream. Today, we are going to hear about different student loan plans. We will discuss whether it’s better to have loans come directly from... Read more »
Thank you, Chairman Miller and good morning. And good morning to you, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for appearing before this committee. I hope your testimony will be the start of a good, meaningful conversation today about the future of education in America. I also hope this conversation can lead to common ground, one where both Democrats and Republicans can work together to improve our nation’s schoo... Read more »
I want to begin by thanking our witnesses, especially Ms. Gaydos and Ms. Price, for being here to share their stories and experiences with us. Today, we are going to hear testimony about the improper use of seclusion and restraints in our nation's public schools. All students, but especially those with disabilities, have the right to attend a school that is a safe and rich learning environment. Ev... Read more »
Today we are here to discuss childhood obesity and child nutrition programs. Over the last ten years, obesity in the United States has been increasing at a staggering rate. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 72 million adults, or over one-third of the United States population, are obese. In addition, 17 percent of children ages 2-19 are c... Read more »
