Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today harshly criticized the Obama Administration’s plans to orchestrate a full government takeover of student lending. McKeon faulted the plan, discussed during a hearing by the committee, for eliminating choice and competition for students and families while failing to take meaningful steps t... Read more »
Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the senior Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today joined House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) in introducing the Preserving DC Student Scholarships Act. Boehner, McKeon, and Issa have voiced their strong support for this innovative and successful program and... 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 »
Faced with continued opposition among Americans from across the political spectrum, a top Senate proponent of the controversial card check plan yesterday threw down the gauntlet: either a “compromise” plan goes through, or a vote will be forced on the original plan. That’s not all. A so-called compromise would be jammed through the Senate without full consideration by the committee of jurisdiction... Read more »
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made his first official appearance before the House Education and Labor Committee today, outlining the Obama Administration’s education agenda. Republicans on the panel welcomed Duncan and highlighted opportunities for bipartisan education reform. At the same time, however, GOP members drew sharp contrasts with the Administration on critical issues like coll... 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 »
Speculation continues over the prospects of a compromise on the controversial legislation known as card check. And while supporters of the unpopular plan try to paint their alternatives as reasonable, today’s Washington Post carries an op-ed from the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace’s Brian Worth that demonstrates otherwise— “Union leaders know that they do not have the votes necessary to over... 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 »
As if there wasn’t reason enough already, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Patrick McIlheran has identified yet another reason why Congress ought to preserve secret ballots in workplace organizing drives: they keep things honest. McIlheran’s column shares the story of Rian Wathen, a former union organizer who now works to beat organizing campaigns after being fired by his union for whistle-blo... Read more »
Faced with an unpopular product, supporters of the controversial Employee Free Choice Act are doing what any desperate marketer might: bringing in celebrity endorsements. “…the AFL-CIO recruited the star power of 47 actors, musicians, Broadway performers, comedians, writers, and others to support a bill in Congress that would make it easier for unions to organize.” Rhee, “Unions call out 'star pow... Read more »
