Today, House Democrats gave final approval to controversial legislation that not only adds to our nation’s mounting deficit, but also dramatically increases the power of the federal government over our nation’s schools. The
21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187) empowers federal bureaucrats to dictate everything from what building materials must be used to how a school’s carbon footprint must be measured.
“The federal government has always maintained a limited role in education, focusing on key academic priorities such as closing achievement gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers and ensuring services for children with disabilities,” said Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the Education and Labor Committee’s top Republican. “The construction and renovation of schools are among the most fundamental rights and responsibilities belonging to states and local communities. Federalizing this role is a stunning Washingtonpower grab; something that has become all too familiar in recent months.”
Republicans pointed to the rising deficit, high unemployment, and a flailing economy in arguing against the legislation, noting that while there is a very real need for school construction and maintenance, it is states, local communities, and public-private partnerships that are best equipped to respond to local challenges.
“Americans aren’t interested in more federal bureaucracy and less control over their own schools and communities,” said McKeon. “With every state having unique and separate needs, the federal government should not be trying to take control over school construction that can be handled by the school districts and local entities who have spent more than $144 billion on school construction, modernization, and repairs over the last 7 years. Rather than saddling schools with complex new mandates – and taxpayers with the $40 billion tab – we should keep federal education policy focused on students.”
Led by Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Republicans offered a proposal to protect taxpayers by blocking funds for this untested program following any year in which the federal deficit exceeds $500 billion. Democrats defeated the proposal, opting to move forward with $40 billion in new spending despite the record debt and deficits facing the U.S. economy.
Republicans pointed out that President Obama has not endorsed the plan, with his Administration opting not to include any funding for school construction initiatives in his multi-trillion dollar budget, nor did he submit the traditional Statement of Administration Policy usually delivered before legislation is considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.
# # #
