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Republican Leaders Recognize National School Choice Week

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 27, 2014

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), and House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) issued the following statements in recognition of National School Choice Week (January 26-Feb 1):

Speaker Boehner:

When parents are empowered to select the best schools, students have a better shot at an education that will help them succeed and pursue their dreams.  The Student Success Act, passed by the House last year, provides these opportunities.   This week, as we celebrate school choice and the people who work to advance this idea year-round, I urge the Senate to pass this measure as an important step in strengthening our economy and making life work for more Americans.

Majority Leader Cantor:

As we celebrate National School Choice Week, we come together as parents, teachers, and advocates to improve education. Still too many students are forced to attend schools that don’t address their needs, or worse, aren’t safe. Meeting with parents and students in my home state of Virginia and across the country, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that school choice has on so many families. At a time when the school choice movement faces threats from proponents of the status quo, fighting for education opportunity is more important than ever. Over six months ago, the House acted and passed the Student Success Act to provide parents with more choice so their children have access to good schools and a quality education. It’s past time for the Senate to join us in supporting education choice so all children have the chance to succeed.

Chairman Kline:

The power of school choice cannot be overstated. Charter schools, magnet schools, and scholarship programs have provided thousands of families new hope and opportunity, helping put countless children on the path to a brighter future. More parents deserve the chance to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs, and that’s why House Republicans advanced the Student Success Act. This monumental legislation will strengthen our K-12 education system, expand public school choice, and support the growth of high-quality charter and magnet schools. However, H.R. 5 has been awaiting Senate consideration for more than six months, leaving millions of kids trapped in underperforming schools. Our children deserve better. As we come together to recognize National School Choice Week, I once again call on the Senate to bring the Student Success Act up for a vote and help us craft a final proposal for the president’s signature.

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