October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7061 of the Bureau of the Census, including such tional Institute of Standards and Technology The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the procedures that have been implemented since (NIST) Special Publication 800–37r1. All of bill is considered read the first time. the data breaches of systems of the Office of the FISMA reportable systems supporting The gentleman from Utah (Mr. Personnel Management were announced in 2015. the Census Bureau are continually assessed CHAFFETZ) and the gentlewoman from (b) REPORT.— per this guidance and all have a current Au- the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) (1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 90 days thorization to Operate. In addition, the Cen- after the date of the enactment of this Act, the sus Bureau is currently behind a Managed each will control 30 minutes. Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Com- Trusted Internet Protocol Service (MTIPS) The Chair recognizes the gentleman mittee on Homeland Security and Governmental provider and is protected by the Department from Utah. Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on of Homeland Security (DHS) Einstein 1 and Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I Oversight and Government Reform of the House 2, which looks at network flow information yield myself such time as I may con- of Representatives a report on the review re- and network intrusion detection. The Census sume. quired by subsection (a). Bureau is engaged with DHS and MTIPS pro- Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support (2) CONTENTS.—The report required by para- vider to move behind Einstein 3 Accelerated of H.R. 10, the Scholarships for Oppor- graph (1) shall— (E3A) as soon as the DHS and our MTIPS say (A) identify all information systems of the Bu- they are ready. This will give us the added tunity and Results, or SOAR, Reau- reau of the Census that contain sensitive infor- cybersecurity analysis, situational aware- thorization Act. mation; ness and security response capabilities for The SOAR Reauthorization Act con- (B) described any actions carried out by the DHS to augment our efforts. tinues the three-sector approach to Secretary of Commerce or the Director of the The Census Bureau also is actively engaged education within the District of Co- Bureau of the Census to secure sensitive infor- with the Department of Commerce to imple- lumbia. This approach gives equal mation that have been implemented since the ment Phase 2C of the Continuous funding to D.C. Public Schools, D.C. data breaches of systems of the Office of Per- Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program Public Charter Schools, and the Oppor- sonnel Management were announced in 2015; by the end of calendar year 2016. This will tunity Scholarship Program, often re- (C) identify any known data breaches of in- provide us the capability to identify cyberse- formation systems of the Bureau of the Census curity risks more efficiently and prioritize ferred to as the OSP. that contain sensitive information; and the risks based on potential impacts. The The OSP gives scholarships to chil- (D) identify whether the Bureau of the Cen- initial meeting with DHS and the service dren in low-income families to attend a sus stores any information that, if combined provider took place on October 15. 2015. The private school so that those children with other such information, would comprise Census Bureau reports regularly on this and can experience a quality education. classified information. other aspects of its cybersecurity program to The average OSP family makes less Mr. CHAFFETZ (during the reading). the Department of Commerce, Office of Man- than $22,000 per year. These scholar- Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous con- agement and Budget, and DHS. ships allow families to place their chil- Please know that the security of our re- sent to dispense with the reading. spondents’ information is paramount at the dren in learning-rich environments. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Census Bureau. We take seriously our re- District of Columbia Public Schools objection to the request of the gen- sponsibility to honor privacy and protect rank at the top in spending per stu- tleman from Utah? confidentiality. We will continue to work dent, but are near the bottom in aca- There was no objection. with the Department of Commerce and DHS demic performance. The Opportunity The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there to implement effective data security proce- Scholarship Program gives these stu- objection to the original request of the dures and ensure compliance with FISMA re- dents the education they deserve so gentleman from Utah? quirements. they can pursue the American Dream. Thank you. There was no objection. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 10 works not only JOHN H. THOMPSON, A motion to reconsider was laid on Director. to provide scholarships to students who the table. need them the most, but also to im- f GENERAL LEAVE prove the current state of public school Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OPPORTUNITY and public charter school education. ask unanimous consent to submit for AND RESULTS REAUTHORIZA- This bill authorizes equal funding for TION ACT the RECORD a letter from John Thomp- D.C. Public Schools and for D.C. Public son, Director of the Census Bureau, to GENERAL LEAVE Charter Schools in addition to the Op- Chairman MCCAUL, myself, and others, Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I portunity scholarships. indicating the Bureau will comply with ask unanimous consent that all Mem- My friends across the aisle claim FISMA when developing the report re- bers may have 5 legislative days within that the SOAR Act takes money away quired by H.R. 3116 and will continue to which to revise and extend their re- from public education. However, that is work with the Secretary of Homeland marks and include extraneous mate- quite the opposite. The SOAR Act in- Security and others to secure the Bu- rials on H.R. 10. creases funding for public education in reau’s network. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the District of Columbia. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gen- In fact, since the three-sector ap- objection to the request of the gen- tleman from Utah? proach has been in effect, D.C. Public tleman from Utah? There was no objection. Schools and D.C. Public Charter There was no objection. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Schools have received a combined $435 million in Federal funding for school UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ant to House Resolution 480 and rule COMMERCE, ECONOMICS AND STA- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in improvement. TISTICS ADMINISTRATION, U.S. the Committee of the Whole House on Mr. Chairman, the District of Colum- CENSUS BUREAU, the state of the Union for the consider- bia schools would not have received Washington, DC, October 20, 2015. ation of the bill, H.R. 10. these funds had it not been for the OSP Hon. MICHAEL MCCAUL, The Chair appoints the gentleman and this three-sector approach. Now we Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, from North Carolina (Mr. HOLDING) to are debating reauthorizing this ap- House of Representatives, preside over the Committee of the proach and giving $20 million annually Washington, DC. to each sector for 5 years, $300 million DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This correspondence Whole. across 5 years for D.C. education. is regarding the U.S. Census Bureau’s com- b 1552 pliance with the Federal Information Secu- It is hard to imagine how anyone who rity Management Act (FISMA) and the pro- IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE advocates for public education would visions of Senate Amendment (S. Admt.) 2710 Accordingly, the House resolved oppose such an approach that has to H.R. 3116. The Census Bureau is compliant itself into the Committee of the Whole poured millions of dollars into the D.C. at this time with the requirements of House on the state of the Union for the public education system, particularly FISMA, and is working with the Secretary of consideration of the bill (H.R. 10) to re- since the OSP is getting a great return Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland authorize the Scholarships for Oppor- on its investment and is producing re- Security to provide information on the data security procedures required by S. Admt. tunity and Results Act, and for other sults. The OSP produces $2.62 in bene- 2710. purposes, with Mr. HOLDING in the fits for every dollar spent on the pro- We have implemented a formal risk man- chair. gram, according to a study conducted agement program in accordance with the Na- The Clerk read the title of the bill. by one of the program’s evaluators.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21OC7.026 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7062 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 Mr. Chairman, you would be hard House, our friend and colleague, for au- nificant impact on overall student achieve- pressed to find another government thoring this legislation. He has poured ment in math or reading, or for students program that generates this sort of re- his heart and soul out, trying to do from schools in need of improvement. sult and bang for your buck. We are what he can do to help these young We have serious concerns about using gov- ernment funds to send our students to pri- talking about a 162 percent return on children. It has had a very positive ef- vate schools that do not have to adhere to investment here, an investment that fect on so many lives and in future gen- the same standards and accountability as do has not taken one dime from public erations. It is something we can all be public and public charter schools. For exam- education. proud about. ple, private religious schools, which 80% of Mr. Chairman, it is good stuff. We He has worked tirelessly to bring op- students with vouchers attend, operate out- talk about how to keep this program portunity to students within the Dis- side the non-discrimination provisions of the going because it is really affecting real trict of Columbia, and he will be re- D.C. Human Rights Act. Moreover, the people and real lives. We talk about the membered by this body for his effort to voucher proposal is inequitable: if fully fund- ed, the authorization would provide many individual students and their families, bring a quality education to all. I am but it is also borne out in the statis- more dollars per student for vouchers than is proud to be a cosponsor of this legisla- allocated per student in public schools and tics. tion. public charter schools. The Opportunity Scholarship stu- Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues Although we believe that students who are dents are averaging a 90 percent grad- to give students in the District of Co- already receiving a voucher should have the uation rate—90 percent—compared to lumbia the opportunity for a quality opportunity to maintain and use that vouch- D.C. Public Schools, which was roughly education by reauthorizing a program er through graduation from high school, we less than a 60 percent graduation rate that actually works and produces re- do not support expansion of the program to new students. The District devotes consider- in 2013 and 2014. sults. It affects real lives. It is called Further, some 88 percent of the Op- able funds to public education, and our local the Scholarships for Opportunity and portunity Scholarship participants en- policies promote choice for parents. Indeed, Results Act. I urge my colleagues to roll in college. Not only are they grad- over the past decade the quality of public support it. education in D.C. has increased, as a result uating high school at record levels Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of reforms and targeted investment. Fami- above and beyond what is happening in of my time. lies can choose from an array of educational public schools, but they are also going Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield institutions based on publicly available per- on to higher education. myself such time as I may consume. formance metrics, both within the D.C. Pub- These children, though, are more lic Schools system and among the myriad than a graduation statistic. Their indi- Mr. Chairman, I didn’t really expect public charter schools. Secretary of Edu- vidual lives have been forever changed to be on the floor this afternoon man- cation Arne Duncan has called the progress because of the OSP. aging this bill. Ironically, I was sched- of D.C. Public Schools ‘‘remarkable’’, while I want to remind our colleagues uled to host a briefing today for Mem- the National Alliance for Public Charter about Joseph Kelley’s son, Rashawn bers and staff on the constitutionality Schools has ranked the District’s charter Williams. He had fallen behind in every of the District of Columbia statehood sector as the best in the country. Despite such ample evidence that the Con- single subject. His father had to get the bill, where I was going to show a 17- minute HBO ‘‘Last Week Tonight’’ clip gressionally imposed voucher program is in- courts involved to ensure that his effective, while D.C. public schools improve school was following its requirements from John Oliver that lampoons the every year, some members of Congress con- pursuant to Rashawn’s individual edu- Congress for denying District residents tinue to see our city as their personal petri cation plan. Mr. Kelley was able to get their voting rights, budget and legisla- dish. It is insulting to our constituents, who Rashawn a scholarship through the Op- tive autonomy, and statehood. vote for us but not for any voting member of portunity Scholarship Program and Instead, here I am on the floor in a Congress, that some of your colleagues push has said: ‘‘I truly shudder to think virtual reality show not speaking their personal agendas on D.C. in a way they where my son would be today without about the right to self-government, but could never do in their home states. Attack- fighting this latest attempt by the Re- ing D.C. home rule, including any expansion it.’’ of the voucher program, is irresponsible gov- Mr. Chairman, the OSP is changing publican Congress to impose its ide- erning on the part of Congress. outcomes for the least advantaged. The ology on D.C. residents. We call on you to respect the wishes of the program places kids in safer high-qual- b 1600 District’s elected officials on the ity schools that allow them to receive quintessentially local matter of education as a good education. It brings funding to I ask to include the D.C. Council’s you consider this issue. all sectors of education in D.C. to im- letter opposing this bill in the RECORD. Sincerely, prove education opportunities for all. COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, David Grosso, DC Council, At-Large, Mr. Chairman, it is important to Washington, DC, October 8, 2015. Chairperson Committee on Education; note that the bill requires all partici- Hon. JASON CHAFFETZ, Charles Allen, DC Council, Ward 6, Chairperson, Committee on Oversight & Govern- Member, Committee on Education; pating Opportunity Scholarship LaRuby May, DC Council, Ward 8; schools to be accredited. The accredita- ment Reform, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Elissa Silverman, DC Council, At- tion standards give the taxpayer—and, CHAIRPERSON CHAFFETZ: We write as lo- Large; Anita Bonds, DC Council, At- more importantly, Opportunity Schol- cally elected officials to express our opposi- Large, Member, Committee on Edu- arship families—assurances that Dis- tion to renewed efforts to expand a federally cation; Yvette Alexander, DC Council, trict students are receiving the edu- funded school voucher program in the Dis- Ward 7, Member, Committee on Edu- cation they deserve. trict of Columbia. We appreciate your inter- cation; Brianne Nadeau, DC Council, The Opportunity Scholarship cur- est in providing support to public education Ward 1; Jack Evans, DC Council, Ward rently limits entrance based on a con- in the District. We strongly believe, how- 2. trol group for an evaluation study. ever, that federal funds should be invested in Ms. NORTON. Yet, Mr. Chairman, I H.R. 10 removes this arbitrary require- the existing public education system—both have sought a compromise that should public schools and public charter schools— ment, instituting a new study to track be acceptable to Republicans, as it is to rather than being diverted to private President Obama. the results of the Opportunity Scholar- schools. ships. Removing this barrier to entry We support the decision by Congress and We support, and I repeat, we support increases access to the program and the President several years ago to phase out allowing our current D.C. voucher stu- means more families can be afforded the voucher program. Multiple U.S. Depart- dents to remain in the program until quality education for their children. ment of Education reports indicate that the graduation. That ensures D.C. would Mr. Chairman, we had the oppor- program has not lived up to the promises have voucher students for many years tunity to debate this bill in the Com- made by proponents. These studies along to come. mittee on Oversight and Government with two troubling Government Account- That is the kind of sensible com- ability Office reports have also revealed that promise that Congress must get back Reform, and I appreciate the perspec- many of the students participating in the tives heard from both sides. We had a voucher program attend private schools with to or be content with the label ‘‘least good, productive field hearing. fewer resources and lower standards than our productive Congress,’’ as it has come to I want to thank the gentleman from public schools. The evidence is clear that the be known each year under this major- Ohio (Mr. BOEHNER), the Speaker of the use of vouchers has had no statistically sig- ity.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.067 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7063 This bill goes beyond the com- voucher program was ostensibly de- kids, students, their parents, eyes promise, we have offered, by seeking to signed to serve. filled with hope and opportunity and admit new students as well. We are Greater confidence in D.C.’s public success. here so that Speaker JOHN BOEHNER schools is also clear. D.C. public school I come to the floor today to add my has a capstone to his own political ca- enrollment has increased for 7 consecu- support for H.R. 10, the SOAR Reau- reer. The D.C. voucher program is his tive years, right alongside the very thorization Act, because it works. This pet project, not D.C.’s. The Speaker large number of charter schools. legislation will ensure the continu- has introduced only two bills this Con- If Congress wants to support D.C. ation of the successful D.C. Oppor- gress: a bill on the Iran nuclear agree- students, we ask that you support our tunity Scholarship Program, which ment and this bill. home rule public choice, not impose was established by Congress in 2004, to Even if Members do not respect yours. Any new funding for education provide eligible low-income families in D.C.’s right to self-government, they in the District should reinforce the the District of Columbia with the op- should at least care whether the pro- hard work of our city, our parents, and portunity to attend the school of their gram improves achievement, which was our residents, who have shown the Na- choice. the stated reason for vouchers in the tion how to build a fully accountable Innovative programs like the D.C. first place. Far from helping students, public school choice program. D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program are however, the program has demon- residents, not unaccountable Members necessary to fix our broken educational strably failed. of Congress, know best what our chil- system and prepare our children for the According to the congressionally dren need and how to govern our own 21st century workforce, and I am con- mandated evaluation of the program’s affairs. founded that any of my colleagues effectiveness, this program, these During this debate, Mr. Chairman, we would oppose a program that provides vouchers, have failed to improve aca- will consider an amendment I have of- students with an opportunity for a bet- demic achievement, as measured by ob- fered to restore the scientific integrity ter education, especially one that has jective math and reading testing of the program’s evaluation, one like been an unqualified success. scores. the evaluation Congress has always On average, students in the Oppor- Most importantly, the program has mandated, and another to crack down tunity Scholarship Program have a not had significant impacts—that is on so-called voucher mills. graduation rate of 90 percent, well also from the congressionally man- Given that the Speaker’s bill will above the national average, as well as dated evaluation—has not had ‘‘signifi- surely pass, I want to work with Mem- D.C.’s overall graduation rate of 58 per- cant impacts’’ on the achievement of bers who support vouchers to ensure cent. These students continue to suc- students whom the program was de- that our voucher students attend high- ceed in their pursuit of higher edu- signed to most benefit: those who pre- quality schools, like our accredited cation, with 88 percent of the graduates viously attended low-performing public Catholic and other parochial schools, going on to attend a 2- or 4-year college schools. not fly-by-night, often storefront or university. While the benefits to D.C. children The majority cites improved high schools in low-income neighborhoods are clear, the program also plays an school graduation rates. However, the that were opened only after the vouch- important role in empowering parents evaluation did not examine dropout er program was created to get access to to make the best choice for their kids rates or the rigor of the schools’ cur- unrestricted Federal funds. and engaging them in their educational riculum or graduation requirements. I appreciate that the majority indi- and academic progress. A recent survey The majority also cites high college cated in committee and on the floor of parents found that 85 percent of par- attendance rates. However, the evalua- that they also want to prevent voucher ents are happy with their child’s cur- tion did not measure college attend- mills. I look forward to continuing to rent Opportunity Scholarship Program ance rates. work with them as this bill moves for- school. Even if the program were successful, ward to protect our families from H.R. 10 has garnered the support from Mr. Chairman, it would still not be voucher mills. a wide array of stakeholders. Just yes- needed, at least in the District of Co- Under the Home Rule Act of 1973, terday, in an op-ed entitled ‘‘A Mis- lumbia, which has perhaps the most ro- Congress gave the District authority to guided Attack on D.C.’s Needy Stu- bust public school choice program in establish its own education system; dents,’’ The Washington Post editorial the country. Almost 50 percent of our and unlike some other local jurisdic- board defended the SOAR Act and public school students attend charter tions, D.C. has never created a voucher wrote in support of reauthorizing the schools, which the National Alliance program. Instead, like many D.C. bills D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, for Public Charter Schools ranked as in Congress, this bill seeks to impose a noting that over 6,100 children have the strongest in the Nation. In addi- program on the District that does not benefited from the program, while tion, 75 percent of public school stu- have national support. thousands more are on waiting lists. dents in the District attend out-of- Just think of it. Only 3 months ago, The Washington Post also notes that boundary schools. What D.C. has devel- both the House and Senate defeated nearly 75 percent of D.C. residents sup- oped amounts to a model choice edu- Republican national private voucher port the program, which has provided cation program. amendments on the floor. Members re- more than $600 million in funding for Moreover, the D.C. public schools ject private school vouchers for their traditional public schools, charter pub- have made some of the most impressive own constituents but want to impose lic schools, and the voucher program. improvements in the country, by any them on mine. No wonder. It is important to note, Mr. Chair- measure, spurred by competition from Since 1970, every single referendum man, that this bill does not take any the rapidly growing D.C. charter to establish State-funded vouchers or funding away from D.C. public schools. schools, not from the small number of tuition tax credits has failed, and by In fact, the legislation authorizes equal voucher schools. In fact, a 2013 assess- large margins. Now the majority wants funding to public schools, charter ment of D.C. public schools indicated to do to the District what it would not schools, and scholarships. that the District had made the greatest dare do at home. The recent vote to With an average family income of improvement of any urban school dis- deny voucher funding on a national less than $22,000 for participating fami- trict in the Nation. level shows where Republicans really lies, this program really is a lifeline for D.C. charter schools have even higher stand. low-income D.C. families, offering stu- educational achievement and attain- I reserve the balance of my time. dents up to $1,572 to pay for tuition, ment than D.C. public schools. D.C. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I am fees, and transportation. Why, Mr. charter schools outperform D.C. public pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gen- Chairman, would any of us want to pro- schools across traditionally disadvan- tleman from Michigan (Mr. WALBERG). hibit these students and families from taged groups, including African Ameri- Mr. WALBERG. I thank the chair- opportunity and success? cans and low-income students, and man for this opportunity. This is a hand up to the American have a higher percentage of such stu- Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor Dream. Ensuring our children have ac- dents, precisely the students the today, after looking in the eyes of the cess to the best possible education

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.082 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7064 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 should not be a partisan issue, and re- support them; but, unfortunately, for debate today is about what we do for ceiving a quality education should not certain communities, far too many those who don’t. be limited to people of means. schools continue to struggle due to Unfortunately, too many kids in our I urge my colleagues to continue sup- lack of resources on one hand and re- country have their destiny determined porting this program and pass H.R. 10. lentless attempts to undermine them by their ZIP Code. These children are It is the right thing to do. Let’s do it on the other. Private vouchers only stuck in poorly performing schools, for the kids. further perpetuate these inequities by and their parents feel powerless to do Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield siphoning additional resources for few anything about it. myself such time as I may consume. students while leaving the rest behind That is why education choice and the I simply want to say, once again, in underfunded public schools. Opportunity Scholarship Program mat- that no child currently enrolled in the In our global economy, it is more es- ter. Programs like D.C. OSP allow par- program under the compromise that I sential than ever that every child re- ents to choose the best educational en- have offered would be stricken from ceives a quality education. To do that, vironment for their child. The freedom the program and all current voucher our public schools need adequate re- provided by school choice levels the students could stay until graduation. sources. Diverting public money to pri- playing field and helps ensure all chil- It is new students that we object to, vate and parochial schools only wors- dren have a chance to succeed. given the evaluation that shows that ens the problem. This legislation will continue to the program had not met its goal, I support access to a world-class pub- bring greater educational opportunities which was to improve reading and lic education for all students; but too to the most underprivileged students in math scores. By contrast, we have had often, the majority in this body under- the District of Columbia, and it takes improvement in reading and math cut that goal, whether through the so- zero—let me repeat that—zero dollars scores both in the D.C. public schools called Student Success Act that leaves away from D.C. Public Schools. Be- and the D.C. charter schools. students in a lurch or today’s SOAR cause of this legislation, more than Also, Mr. Chairman, there is no wait- bill that sorely misses the point. 6,000 students have had the opportunity ing list for vouchers in the District of I urge my colleagues to listen to the to attend a great school. Even better, Columbia. However, there are long people of the District of Columbia and an incredible 90 percent of D.C. OSP waiting lists for our charter schools, students graduate from high school. their elected representative, Ms. NOR- and now, even for some public schools. The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Pro- TON. Most importantly, listen to the Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield teachers and the parents who oppose gram is clearly a success and needs to 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from this bill, and reject this legislation. continue. New Jersey (Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN). Mr. Chair, I hope for a day when we Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I am will be talking about even bolder pro- b 1615 pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gen- posals on this floor, because the truth tleman from Indiana (Mr. MESSER), the Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. I thank is we already have school choice in chairman of the Republican Policy the gentlewoman from D.C. America if you can afford it. The only Committee. Mr. Chair, it is extremely unfortu- real question is: What are we going to Mr. MESSER. I thank the gentleman nate that we are here yet again debat- do for everybody else? ing legislation that would interfere for yielding. Our Founding Fathers wrote in the Mr. Chair, I rise in support today of with the ability of D.C. residents to Declaration of Independence that all make decisions for themselves. So far H.R. 10, the Scholarships for Oppor- men are created equal and endowed this Congress, the House has attempted tunity and Results Reauthorization with certain unalienable rights. In to block laws that would protect Dis- Act. modern America, the pursuit of happi- I want to commend Speaker BOEHNER trict women’s reproductive rights and ness comes on the back of a quality for introducing this important legisla- reform Washington’s drug laws. And education. now we are asked to continue a failed tion and thank him for a lifetime of ex- Mr. CHAFFETZ. I reserve the bal- private school voucher program, a pro- traordinary leadership on this issue. ance of my time. gram that a majority of the D.C. Coun- Throughout his speakership and under Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chair, I want to cil opposes and on which they are not his leadership as a former chairman of remind the gentleman that the $100 even consulted, a program that D.C.’s the House Committee on Education million doesn’t come out of the air, own longtime Congresswoman opposes. and the Workforce, Speaker BOEHNER that this majority is cutting $2 billion I am shocked at the arrogance of this improved educational opportunities for from K–12. Most of our children are K– body to set aside the will of the citi- all students. Literally thousands of 12. That money has to come from some- zens of the District of Columbia so kids have access to the American where. We know it comes from edu- fleetingly. It is disgraceful that in this Dream because of his dedication to the cation funds. building, a symbol of our democracy, D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the we impose such policies on a city that As chairman of the Congressional gentleman from California (Mr. does not even get a vote on these deci- School Choice Caucus, I was honored to TAKANO). sions. have Speaker BOEHNER keynote a rally Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, I rise in op- Additionally, I oppose this bill be- earlier this year with hundreds of Op- position to H.R. 10, legislation that cause it weakens D.C.’s public school portunity Scholarship recipients. would reauthorize the D.C. private system. Instead of taking public dol- I have to tell you, I am amazed at school voucher program. lars to outsource our children’s edu- some of the rhetoric that I have been This bill prioritizes an ideological cation to private schools, we should be hearing today, talking about it is dis- agenda over the rights of D.C. residents focusing on truly reauthorizing the El- graceful that this legislation is before to self-govern and, more importantly, ementary and Secondary Education you. over the rights of all students to get a Act. We need an updated ESEA that I will tell you what is disgraceful. It quality education. strengthens public schools for all our is disgraceful that any child in Amer- In study after study, the voucher pro- children and prepares students for the ica has to go to a terrible school, and gram has failed to show any meaning- globally competitive world we live in. it is disgraceful that anyone would say ful improvement in student achieve- Education should be the great equal- that we should do anything but make ment, safety, satisfaction, motivation, izer, and every student should have ac- sure that every one of these kids has or engagement; yet since 2003, it has cess to the best education, regardless an opportunity to go somewhere where received nearly $190 million while fail- of their ZIP Code or their socio- they will have a chance to succeed. ing to adhere to basic accountability economic status. There are public Every child deserves equal access to standards. schools in this country that are among a great education. Lots of kids have Its funding should be dedicated to the very best in the world. I am proud great public school options in America. improving our underfunded and that several of them are in my district. Other families can afford to send their underresourced public school system, a Mr. Chair, we know that public kids to private school if they don’t school system that is required by law schools can work when we properly have a great public school option. This to serve all students.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.068 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7065 Unlike public schools, private schools schools have improved so much that rushed through our committee shortly receiving voucher students have no re- some of them also have waiting lines. after Speaker BOEHNER announced his quirement to serve all students. Spe- I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the retirement, and the bill is not sup- cifically, they are able to—and do—re- gentleman from Maryland (Mr. CUM- ported by D.C.’s elected representative ject students based on prior academic MINGS), our very distinguished ranking in Congress or a majority of the D.C. achievement, language ability, socio- member. City Council. economic background, and other dis- Mr. CUMMINGS. I thank the gentle- So all the rhetoric justifying massive criminatory factors. woman from the District of Columbia cuts to education funding—all the talk The Acting CHAIR (Mr. POE of for yielding and for her leadership. about budget constraints, about tight- Texas). The time of the gentleman has Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition ening our belts, and about making sac- expired. to H.R. 10. We have been told that the rifices—all that goes out the window Ms. NORTON. I am pleased to yield purpose of this bill is to help all D.C. when Republicans want to give $100 the gentleman an additional 30 sec- children get a better education. I million in taxpayer funds to private onds. strongly support that objective, but schools. Mr. TAKANO. Many do not offer the this bill does not do that. b 1630 necessary services for students with Let me be crystal clear: public funds As a graduate of public schools and a disabilities. should support public education. But longtime advocate of quality public It is a mistake to continue funding a this bill proposes to spend more than education, I believe our highest pri- program that fails to serve all stu- $100 million over 5 years to fund vouch- ority must be to use limited taxpayer dents, damages the public school sys- ers to send public school students in dollars to support programs that will tem, and disregards the District’s right the District of Columbia to private truly meet the educational needs of all to choose its own education policy. schools while House Republicans are of our children. This bill does not do I thank the gentlewoman from D.C. proposing to cut $2 billion from public that. I urge our colleagues to reject for yielding me the time. K–12 education nationally. H.R. 10. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, may Coming from the city of Baltimore, I Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, at I inquire as to how much time each understand firsthand the complexities this time, I am pleased to yield 2 min- side has. of turning around struggling inner-city utes to the gentleman from Minnesota The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman schools. Almost 10 years ago, I became (Mr. KLINE), the chairman of the Com- from Utah has 17 minutes remaining. deeply involved in improving one of my mittee on Education and the Work- The gentlewoman from the District of own neighborhood schools—and I am force. Columbia has 14 minutes remaining. still involved in that—the Maritime In- Mr. KLINE. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I am dustries Academy High School. Chairman CHAFFETZ for yielding. pleased to yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- It takes vision, commitment, ac- Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. countability, and, yes, resources to support of H.R. 10, the Scholarships for GROTHMAN). begin the process of turning troubled Opportunity and Results Reauthoriza- Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Chair, I love schools around. However, it is impos- tion Act. It is a bill to continue the America. America should be number sible to turn around public schools if popular and successful D.C. Oppor- one, and America’s capital should be we divert public resources to private tunity Scholarship Program. number one. schools. This program is based on the simple I love to talk to immigrants who do Put simply, H.R. 10 attempts to help notion that every child deserves an ex- so much of the work in our Capital a few students at the expense of the cellent education regardless of the City. They all know America is great. vast majority of the District’s chil- family’s background, income, or ZIP They gush about how anybody can dren. Code. The program provides scholar- work in America and realize the Amer- By dividing the funding it would pro- ships to students in low-income fami- ican Dream. vide among D.C.’s public schools, pub- lies so they can escape underper- But when I ask about their kids and lic charter schools, and private school forming schools and receive the quality where they go to school, they almost vouchers, H.R. 10 provides a third of its education they need to excel both in uniformly send their kids to Maryland total funding to a tiny fraction of the the classroom and later in life. Our in- or Virginia schools. Even immigrants District’s students. Specifically, the vestment in this effort is paying off. who can barely speak English and come bill would fund vouchers to enable only Last year, 90 percent of 12th graders from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Eritrea, 1,442 students—a tiny fraction of the who received a D.C. Opportunity schol- or Nigeria know that D.C. schools District’s 47,548 students—to attend arship graduated from a high-quality mean stay away. How embarrassing for private schools. school, and 88 percent went on to pur- our country that new immigrants who The lack of equity is stunning. Our sue a college degree. What is more, barely speak English view our Nation’s focus should be on maximizing the im- when asked if they were satisfied with Capital schools with contempt. pact of the Federal Government’s lim- the child’s education, 85 percent of the Finally, President Obama, we love ited resources to serve all of the Dis- parents responded ‘‘yes.’’ It is no won- you and Michelle for the love you show trict’s students. der every year the demand for scholar- your daughters. You show your love for Since this bill last passed in 2011 over ships far exceeds the number of schol- your daughters by spending some of my strong objection and along party arships available. These positive re- your substantial salary to keep your lines, studies of the program have dem- sults also explain why this important daughters out of the D.C. Public onstrated that the use of a voucher had program has long enjoyed bipartisan Schools. Please, President Obama, no effect on academic achievement, as support. show a little love for the children who measured by math and reading scores, Of course, there are some who don’t don’t have such wealthy parents and school safety, student satisfaction with believe these vulnerable families de- sign the SOAR Act. their school, or motivation and engage- serve the opportunity to do what is Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chair, I just want ment. best for their children’s education. At a to tell the gentleman that the so-called Previous studies of this program time when this administration has immigrants that he speaks to who send show that 50 percent of the students spent billions of dollars pushing its their children to schools in Maryland from the first two cohorts of the D.C. own pet projects and priorities, it has and Virginia live in Maryland and Vir- voucher program eventually dropped routinely put this modest, successful ginia. Eighty percent of the jobs in the out of the program. Students in the program on the chopping block. Fortu- District of Columbia go to people who program are also less likely to attend a nately, Mr. Chairman, a majority in live in the suburbs. school that offers support programs for Congress has continued to stand by As to the schools in the District of those that are academically challenged these students and families by con- Columbia, as I have indicated, there or have learning difficulties. tinuing to support the program, and are waiting lines to get into almost all In addition, this bill is a direct as- Speaker JOHN BOEHNER has always the charter schools, and the D.C. public sault on D.C.’s home rule that was stood at the forefront of those efforts.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.071 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7066 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 Few have fought harder or longer for I was recently reminded just a couple ness, what more do you need to under- the educational opportunities of D.C. weeks ago when I was sitting in the stand? students than Speaker BOEHNER. In hearing seeing the families, seeing the Look, it is very evident about what is fact, throughout his more than 20 years moms who were just beaming with going on here. If you want our children in public office, JOHN BOEHNER has pride about their children having this to succeed, if you want our children to been a tireless champion for families special opportunity. In the 2013 and excel, and if you want America to be who simply want the opportunity—any 2014 school year, the Opportunity able to compete worldwide, then edu- opportunity—for their children to re- Scholarship Program had a graduation cation is the answer. The true issue ceive a quality education. The D.C. Op- rate of 89 percent, which is astonishing here is a moral issue and a civil rights portunity Scholarship Program began compared to the D.C. Public Schools issue. under his leadership. Thanks to his ef- graduation rate of 58 percent. I really believe that President forts, this initiative has made a posi- As a former minister, I have taken Obama, in 2008, was on to something. tive difference in the lives of thousands groups in the heart of the inner cities, This is what the President said: of students across the District. This places like New York and Baltimore. The single most important factor in deter- act reflects his continued commitment Specifically, in Cleveland, there is a mining student achievement is not the color to these families. More importantly, it school there called Sunbeam Elemen- of their skin, it is not where they come from, reaffirms a bipartisan commitment to tary School. Thieves had stolen the it is not their parents or how much money the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Pro- copper off the weathervane, the school their parents have. It is who their teacher is. gram and the D.C. schoolchildren it was filthy, and there was a metal de- Mr. Chairman, if there is one thing serves. tector for an elementary school. We that has made this country excep- Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues brought in a team of 60 or 65 people and tional, it is that we have allowed ev- to help more low-income students and refurbished the school and did our best. eryone the opportunity to rise from support this legislation. But do you know what? That was only whatever level they started at to what- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield a temporary fix. The SOAR Act is a fix ever level they can achieve. It is only myself such time as I may consume. that lasts for a lifetime. It gives schol- possible through education. This pro- Mr. Chairman, this morning, a Mem- arships to children in low-income D.C. gram works. ber said that a letter had come from a families to attend a private school. Mr. Chairman, $60 million is going to member of the city council, Anita This piece of legislation also allows be equally divided between the D.C. Op- Bonds, asking that her name be re- parents the opportunity to provide a portunity Scholarship Program, D.C. moved from the letter sent by the quality education for their children. Public Schools, and the D.C. Public council, the majority of the council, I believe that education will only be Charter Schools. When we give this saying that they opposed reauthoriza- successful if two foundational truths money to the parents of these children, tion of this bill. That member has since are rediscovered: first, that parents when they get a chance to see their called me. She writes: know what is best for their child, and children excel, when they get a chance ‘‘Dear Member of Congress, to see their children grow, and when ‘‘Due to some confusion about my position they should have the freedom to pursue on the District of Columbia voucher bill the path that works for them; sec- they see a chance for their children to (H.R. 10), I want to make my position clear. ondly, and finally, States must stand have great success, how can we sit in I oppose this bill, and I intend to remain a up to the Federal Government to re- America’s House and debate about is signatory of the letter previously acknowl- claim their freedom to educate their this really what it is all about? edged that seven of my colleagues on the children. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield D.C. Council and I sent to Chairman Jason Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Chaffetz dated October 8, 2015, in oppostion myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, Members can keep re- to the bill.’’ Signed, Councilmember At-large, Anita Mr. Chairman, once again, let’s get peating all they want to figures that Bonds. this straight. The control study did not have come from the air. The only thing Mr. Chairman, I submit her letter for evaluate college attendance. It was not evaluated by the congressionally man- the RECORD. a part of the study. Now, it did evalu- dated evaluation was the test scores. ate graduation rates. Mr. Chairman, Our public school students and our COUNCIL OF THE charter school students have to take DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, what it did not evaluate was dropout Washington, DC, October 21, 2015. rates. these tests. These children took these DEAR MEMBER OF CONGRESS, Due to some Private schools are notorious for tests. confusion about my position on the District sending back to the District of Colum- Our public school students are doing of Columbia school voucher bill (H.R. 10), I bia children who they think are not better—not nearly as good as they want to make my position clear. I oppose doing well or they are not acting as should—and so are our charter schools. this bill, and I intend to remain a signatory they think they should act. Unless we In fact, our charter schools are doing of the letter previously acknowledged that seven of my colleagues on the D.C. Council had those figures, we would have no even better than our public school stu- and I sent to Chairman Jason Chaffetz dated idea what the graduation rates were, dents, and these students didn’t move October 8, 2015, in opposition to the bill. because the graduation rates are those at all. That is what the congressionally Sincerely, who were left in the school and did not mandated study showed. ANITA BONDS. get sent back. As to civil rights, these schools are Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I re- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance exempted from many of the civil rights serve the balance of my time. of my time. laws, and for that reason, the Leader- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I am Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, at ship Conference on Civil and Human pleased to yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- this time, I am pleased to yield 11⁄2 Rights, the NAACP, and a number of tleman from North Carolina (Mr. minutes to the gentleman from Penn- organizations wrote opposing reauthor- WALKER.) sylvania (Mr. KELLY). ization of this bill. Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance support today of H.R. 10, the Scholar- Chairman, I rise in strong support of of my time. ships for Opportunity and Results Re- H.R. 10. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I am authorization Act. In the 10 months Now, why would I rise in support of pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen- that I have been here, one of the neat this? If you hear the rhetoric from the tleman from South Carolina (Mr. SAN- things that I have experienced is when other side, you are saying this is not a FORD.) we participated in a site visit with the program that works; but if you com- Mr. SANFORD. I thank the chair- Oversight and Government Reform pare the results, it does work. When man. Committee under Chairman CHAFFETZ you just hear that only 55 percent of Mr. Chairman, I think that there is earlier this year and had a firsthand people in D.C. Public Schools graduate one fundamental question in this de- opportunity to interact with the kids from high school and yet if they have bate, and that is: Should a child be and families about the success of the an opportunity to go to this other trapped in a school that traps them? D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. school, 89 percent graduate, my good- Should a child be trapped in a school

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.073 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7067 that, for whatever reason, isn’t work- gives that chance, and it creates a then-D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, ing for them but would forever limit healthy competition that causes all who was also supported by the chair- their capacity and their potential in schools to improve, therefore helping man of the Council’s Education Com- life? To me, that is what H.R. 10 is all all students, even those who aren’t in mittee, and it has produced results. about. the program. The graduation rates are amazingly I think it is important to remember As I have seen in my home State of good, at roughly 90 percent, compared that 98 percent of the kids that have Indiana and across this great country to D.C. public schools that are less entered this program have come from touring schools and visiting class- than 60 percent. I think that is strong schools that were not performing; and rooms, Opportunity scholarships pro- evidence that it is a winner, that it in that regard, this is simply a way vide students a hand up in improving does provide a good opportunity for out, it is a hand up. I think it fun- their lives, their family’s lives, and people, and that it should be reauthor- damentally recognizes that dignity and their communities. That is why we ized. worth that comes with giving some- have a moral obligation to pass this With that, I reserve the balance of body a choice. legislation and why I urge my col- my time. I think it is something that every leagues to join me and join the others Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I con- human being wants, which is simply a here on the floor in reauthorizing the tinue to reserve the balance of my choice. I think it is a recognition of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. time. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, may fact that one size never fits all, that Mr. Chairman, a great education is a I inquire as to how much time each God makes us all different, and there- great equalizer. It opens doors to un- fore a plethora of different choices is side has remaining? limited possibilities and provides stu- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman vital in the marketplace. dents the tools that they need to suc- from Utah has 6 minutes remaining. Finally, it is recognition of the fact ceed in life. The gentlewoman from the District of that the marketplace has the ability to Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I re- Columbia has 6 minutes remaining. create choices that might take forever serve the balance of my time. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, at in other systems, time that these kids b 1645 this time, I am pleased to yield 1 do not have. I would ask that we minute to the gentleman from Ohio refocus on the kids. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, at this time, I am pleased to yield 1 (Mr. BOEHNER), the author of this piece Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield of legislation and the distinguished minute to the gentleman from Georgia myself such time as I may consume. Speaker of the House. (Mr. ALLEN). Mr. Chairman, I don’t know about Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Chairman, let me Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise other Members’ districts, but I chal- thank my colleague for yielding, and lenge Members to meet what the Dis- today to support the Scholarships for thank all my colleagues who are sup- trict of Columbia has done to keep stu- Opportunity and Results Reauthoriza- porting this legislation today. dents from being trapped in bad tion Act. Many of us remember the story of schools. Speaker BOEHNER led the Nation over ‘‘The Little Engine That Could.’’ What In your districts, can 75 percent of 10 years ago when he provided flexi- happened was that the train full of the children choose to go to a better bility to Washington, D.C., children toys wanted to get over the mountain performing district? They can in mine. and their parents through School to get to the kids on the other side. In your district, are there 110 pub- Choice. I believe that School Choice is The big engine said: No, I cannot. The licly accountable charter schools as an paramount to increasing educational rusty old engine said: No, I cannot. But alternative to your own traditional gains for all children, but especially the little engine says: I’m not very big, public schools? There are in mine. our Nation’s students who are most in but I think I can. I think I can. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance need. Well, from the beginning, the D.C. of my time. The SOAR Act gives scholarships to Opportunity Scholarship Program has Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I am low-income students to attend a pri- been the little engine that could. We pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- vate school, providing them an oppor- started this back in 2003 with the help tleman from Indiana (Mr. ROKITA). tunity to access a quality education of D.C.’s Mayor at the time, Anthony Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Chairman, I thank that would otherwise be out of reach. Williams, and D.C. councilman Kevin the chairman for his leadership in School Choice has proven to be suc- Chavous. bringing this excellent bill to the floor. cessful in Washington, D.C., as stu- For years the government was prom- This bill—of which, in full disclosure, I dents using their scholarships have a 90 ising the Moon to D.C. families and am an original cosponsor of—will con- percent graduation rate compared to spending the Moon, essentially, but tinue to promote school choice and the 58 percent graduation rate for D.C. nothing changed. So we said: If we are provide Opportunity scholarships to public schools in 2013 and 2014. going to support public schools and D.C. students that are most in need, We heard today that these statistics charter schools, let’s also give low-in- while also expanding D.C. Public Char- have been questioned, and we hope that come families the chance to apply for ter Schools, therefore providing more the public schools are improving. But scholarships to attend the school of opportunities for Washington students with this act would they actually be their choice. Let’s give them that to excel and set themselves up for pro- improving? power. ductive and successful lives. I encourage my colleagues to stand Because if you have got the re- Now, to date, the Opportunity Schol- up for School Choice by supporting the sources, you already have school arship Program has been an edu- SOAR Act. choice. You can send your kids to cational lifeline for more than 6,000 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I con- whatever school you want to send them children from very low-income D.C. tinue to reserve the balance of my to. You can move from the neighbor- families, and more than 16,000 have ap- time. hood you are in to where they have got plied to participate since the 2004–05 Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I a better school. But if you are poor and school year. Quite simply put, this pro- yield myself such time as I may con- you are stuck in a bad neighborhood gram works. sume. and your child doesn’t have that It is no secret I am a big proponent of I would draw our Members’ attention chance or, frankly, any chance, they school choice. As chairman of the to the editorial board comments from are just dead in the water. Early Childhood, Elementary, and Sec- yesterday. This is from the Washington Well, the D.C. Opportunity Scholar- ondary Education Subcommittee, I Post: A misguided attack on D.C.’s ship Program has been that little life- have heard about the challenges many needy students. line that could. All told, 6,100 students students in schools are facing, and I I want to remind people, as they did have escaped underperforming schools. firmly believe that when parents have in this document here in this editorial, In that time, the program has received a choice, kids have a chance. This pro- that eight council members seem un- some 16,000 applications. Last spring 90 gram, which has helped pave the way aware that the program was estab- percent of 12th graders using the Op- for others like it across the country, lished in 2004 at the initiation of the portunity scholarships graduated and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.075 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7068 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 88 percent enrolled in a 2- or 4-year col- ternative. It is true that, a former ing various schools within the District of Co- lege. Of the 1,400 students in the pro- mayor, who himself went to Catholic lumbia. We write to urge your support of the gram this year, 87.4 percent would have schools, said he was for vouchers. Well, Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Mr. Chairman, I ask you, then, since Reauthorization Act (SOAR) (H.R. 10). been in a school that the government The SOAR Act is bipartisan legislation has identified as in need of improve- the District of Columbia has control of which ensures our rights as parents to ment. its own education apparatus, why choose the best public, charter or private These are the kind of results parents hasn’t the District of Columbia set up school for our children. It not only provides dream of for their kids. And while it is its own voucher schools? Some other up to $20 million for Opportunity Scholar- my name on the bill, the best cham- districts have done that. Because the ships for low-income families to attend pri- pions of this program are some of the majority, they don’t prefer vouchers, vate schools, but also authorizes an addi- most fearless kids you will ever see. Mr. Chairman. tional $40 million per year for public and Not only did they have to overcome Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how charter schools in the District of Columbia. much time I have remaining? This three-sector initiative provides oppor- the doubts of the education establish- tunities for all our children to succeed! ment, they also had to withstand ef- The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from the District of Columbia has 2 Nearly 6,200 children from very low-income forts by some of the most powerful peo- families in the city have attended private ple in this city to kill this program. minutes remaining. schools through the Opportunity Scholarship So today I am asking each of you to Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, there Program over the past eleven years—88% support H.R. 10, which reauthorizes are many reasons why I oppose this coming from areas zoned for schools in need bill. First, it has failed the goal that this program for another 5 years. Here of improvement and 97% African-American the Congress gave it. Bring these chil- is why. Yes, this issue is personal to or Hispanic. These students graduate at dren’s test scores up. The public rates 30 points higher than the city’s public me and has been for a long time. But, schools have brought their test scores schools and have a near 90 percent college frankly, it ought to be personal to up. The public charter schools have enrollment rate. These are proven results! every single Member of this body. done even better in bringing their test The SOAR Act is an example of what Those of us who work here, who works in education. When we can choose the scores up. These children’s test scores best public, charter, or private school for our make a good living here, owe some- have not risen. thing to the kids in this town. We owe children, there are not only more opportuni- Moreover, I can’t fail to note how re- ties to engage in their education, but also for these kids a fighting chance at success. cently the majority has cut K–12 by $2 So what I am asking you to do today them to achieve greater academic excel- billion while taking $100 million out of, lence. These outcomes strengthen the city’s is help these kids get over the moun- obviously, education funds to fund a education system as a whole. tain. Help us keep building the move- private school voucher bill. We believe that maintaining and fully ment that could. Vote for H.R. 10. Mr. Chairman, not everybody on my funding all educational options are critically Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield side of the aisle is for public charter important for the city’s families, especially myself such time as I may consume. schools, but I have supported public low-income families served by the Oppor- The Speaker has said that, without charter schools because my own con- tunity Scholarship Program. No child should this program, these children would be denied a safe, quality education because stituents wanted and needed a way out of their family income or zip code. have been in bad neighborhood schools. of neighborhood schools very often. We therefore urge you to support the swift Well, I think it must be noted that the Yet, even though I come to this floor passage of the SOAR Act. District of Columbia has done more to with home rule choices, this body is in- Sincerely, make sure that those children are not sisting on its choices, knowing full well Ms. Nichelle Cluff, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ikoli, Ms. trapped in such schools than any dis- that nobody in the District of Colum- Stephanie Montgomery, Ms. Mary Mont- trict I have yet read about or heard of. bia can vote against their choices. gomery, Ms. Nina Harris, Ms. Eboni Purvis, I have noted that 75 percent—that And it says to the District of Colum- Ms. Juliette Randolph, Ms. Ashley Adams, means the overwhelming number—of bia residents: No matter what you do, Ms. Naa Borle Sakeyfio, Mrs. Mariama Bah, people, no matter how good your Ms. Mia Wilson, Mrs. Sherri Calhoun, Ms. children stuck in neighborhood schools Lamonica Jeffrey, Mr. Darrell Cousar, Mr. that they believe are not good schools choices are, no matter how much you James Calhoun, Mr. Andrew Cyr, Ms. Kayann go to the other side of town, if nec- meet the standards we often talk about McCalla, Mrs. Aldrina Cabrera, Ms. Kiana essary, to a better school. Far from when it comes to choice, you, who have Wright, Ms. Albertine Cole. being trapped, they are encouraged to no vote on this floor, who will not vote Ms. Dianna Coley, Ms. Tonya Carter, Ms. choose a better school. And I have also on this bill when the bell rings in a few Giovanna Grayson, Ms. Luciana Udeozor, Ms. cited the 110 charter schools that in- minutes, must do what we say. Andrea Davis, Mrs. Obiagel nuel-Ejiofor, Mr. That, my good friends, is not a chap- Emmanuel Ejiofor, Mr. Rogers Ferguson, Mr. crease their choices. Girma Mihretu, Ms. Molita Gaskins, Ms. And, Mr. Chairman, I want you to ter in democracy. It shows once again that Republican do whatever they care Latoya Myers, Ms. Djenane Jeanty, Ms. know that many of the voucher parents Keona Lewis, Mrs. Nicole Knott, Mr. Rudy whom I have met with—after all, they to do to the District of Columbia, even Knott, Mr. Hanna Boku, Mr. Rashawn are my constituents—have said to me when they reject the same choice for McCain, Ms. Ann Mmayie, Ms. Rita Pineda, that they tried to get into one of our their own constituents, and vote down Mr. Okechukwu Mbarah. charter schools, but the waiting lists for their constituents what they now Mr. Carlings McPhail, Ms. Ann Meruh, Ms. were too long, which is why they went impose on mine. Just a few months Shantel Powell-Morgan, Mrs. Marguerita ago, the House and Senate voted down Ramos, Mrs. Muanza Sangamay, Ms. Felicia to the voucher schools. Thomas, Ms. Sydney Williams, Ms. Caren Now, isn’t it interesting that the vouchers, but today—today—they will vote to impose these same vouchers on Kirkland, Mrs. Temitope Tayo, Mr. Anthony voucher schools have no waiting list, Ugorji, Ms. Natasha Tutt, Ms. Dina Bayou, but the D.C. charter schools and many the District of Columbia. Ms. Natasha Tutt, Mr. Calvin Wright, Mrs. of our public schools have waiting lists, I yield back the balance of my time. Julia Ugorji, Mrs. Chinwe Mbarah, Mr. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I so much so that D.C. has had to com- Souleymane Bah, Julie McLaughlin, Sheila yield myself such time as I may con- bine the public schools and the charter Martinez, Susan Morais. sume. schools on one list in a lottery so that Joan Sapienza, Eddie Donahue, Jeseph I want to correct the record there. I Yohe, Carter Jefferson, Vincent Browning, families can choose which school to go think, obviously, somebody misspoke. Jonathan Bender, Peter Frantz, Ellen to. The House did not vote on vouchers in Graper, Elizabeth LeBras, Kiandra Willis, How many Members on that side of this Congress. That is not what has Robert McKeon, Marcela Price Souaya, Ste- the aisle have a lottery that lets the happened. phen Lennon, Aleasa Chiles-Feggins, Sally children, the parents, choose the best Mr. Chairman, I insert into the Leakamariam, Juleanna Glover, Christopher school for them to go to? Do not dare Reiter, Cristina Khalaf, Tom Shea, Sean Vin- RECORD the letter we got from 500 fam- cent. tell me that the District of Columbia ilies, D.C. residents, urging us in the leaves children trapped in failing Karen Brennan, Ceci Smith, Adrienne Vin- adoption of this. cent, Pedro Smith, Donna Gibson, Colleen schools. It has gone out of its way to do HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Cavanagh, Chris Long, Aleasa Chiles- just the opposite. Washington, DC, October 20, 2015. Feggins, Mariela Alardon-Yohe, Jennifer And what does it get for it? The im- DEAR REPRESENTATIVES: We are a large and Browning, Philippa Bender, Melanie Jeffer- position by this body of yet another al- diverse number of parents of children attend- son, Veronica Nyhan Jones, Michael

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.076 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7069 Truscott, Eavan O’Halloran, Sakinah O’Keefe, Luwam Berhane, Patti Exposito, resa Fitzgerald, LaShawne Thomas, Sarah Dupree, Morris Redd, Ron Josey, Susana Michael Henry, Dan Hickey, Carmen Kane, Frank Washington, Mary Ann Welter, Ramos-Izquierdo, Aimee Donahue. Burducea, Joseph Finnegan, Michael Hyatte, Shawn Hunter, Leslie Sherrill. Marisse Rovira, Linda Girardi, Sharlene Peter Komives. Donise Yeager, Keyana Caroline, Sandra Mentor, Lisa Richa, James McLaughlin, Eric Stogoski, Fred Dombo, Dave Madden, Gray, Latasha Monnique Jones Ward, An- Glenda Morales, Samuel Parker III, Clarence Justin Glasgow, Bernardo Ahlbom, Mark thony Speight, Deborah B. Jones, Kim Jones, Leyla Y. Teos, Mavian Nouget, Kip Emery, Doug Skomy, Stephen Grimberg, Atwater, Alvena P. Toland, Loretta Henry, Ross, Beatriz Lopez, Charles Malloy, Steve Brendan Delaney, John DiMartino, Jeffrey Marilyn Sharpe, Davon Wilson, Sherry Bry- Trynosky, Carlos Aquino, Yanira Reyes, MacKinnon, Hirut Teklu, Erika Lopez- ant, Elroy Black, Lisa Newman, Shakia Hen- Nelly Romero, Sandra Huerta, Eboni Curry, Padilla, Michelle Marshall, Abebe Kebede, derson, Octavia Powell, Anita M. Harris, Amanda Lawrence. Shayla Mack, Tesfaye Bune, Michael Krestin Clay, Laneka Brakett, Ana Acedo- Laura Hernandez, Mogus Meles, Danielle O’Keefe, Daniel McCahan, Lorenzo Exposito. Garcia. Aguirre, Julie Corsig, Andy Corsig, Alan Sarah Henry, Stephanie Hickey, Radu Garry Jones, John Wallace, Nakeisha Joaquin, Stephen Connors, Colton Campbell, Burducea, Elizabeth Finnegan, Theresa Thompson, Donald Lampkins, Renard Haw- Amy Dean, Flavio Cumpiano, John Hyatte, Irina Komives, Julia Stogoski, kins, Tammy Williams, Tynisha Dunn, Menditto, Michelle Theic, Liza Figueroa, Michelle Dombo, Lisa Madden, Megan Glas- Jovanna Bailey, Latasha Johon, Bobby Shenelle Henry, Glenda Urquilla, Kelly gow, Tatiana Ahlborn, Celina Emery, Mary Perry, Shalita Knight, Keyana Howard, Ken- Brown, Maria Granados, Catie Malloy, Ingrid Skorny, Christina Grimberg, Celine Delaney, neth Meredith, Calep Epps, Ty’ron Byers, Mejia, Jill Trynosky. Ginny Treanor, Gail MacKinnon, Mekuria Chase Blakney, Curtis Watts, Kishara Odom, Marlene Aquino, Roselia Gonzalez, Nubia Gebremichael Bint, Renee Lopez-Padilla, Jeffrey Corry, Antonia Payne. Easil, Jessica Martinez, Beatriz Jansen, Emebet Worku. Denise L. Lowery, Stephanie Payner, Juan Carlos Acajabon Mendez, Betiel Carlotte Crawford, Solomon Meshesha, Tanya Lambright, Elaine E. Harris, Elbert Zekarias, Maria Torres, Carrie Hillegass, Etsegent Demissie, Sri Winarti, Denisha Laker, Ryan Storr, Sylvester Bynum, Mike Hillegass, Barbara Richitt, Victoria Dempster, Demssie Gebremedhin, Lavelle Lamb, Dominique Johnson, Paulette Connors, Kiandra Willis, Marilyn Campbell, Alembanchi Taye, Tezita Woldegebriel, Willims, Martasha Fermine, Oyhani Wil- Bob Dean, Felice Goodwin, Shanti Stanton, Tesfaye Abebu Bune, Magie Maling, Jessica liams, Nasir McKeiver, Kenneth Wood, Neta Molly Robert, Jen MacLennan, Michael Cabrera, LaShawn Debnam, Barbara Destry, Vaught, Mary Joyner, Michelle L. McIntyre, Grady. Jaanai Johnson, Hewan Abera, Siddiq Ander- Kaitlin Gallagher, Will E. Henderson, Jea- Sharon Blume, Brendan O’Brien, Kenia son, Markina Bailey, Odessa Brown, Rosa nette Hubbard, Ontavia Lynch, Tasha Reyes, Salvador Hernandez, Rob Grabarz, Caiza Maldonado, Sharon Coffey. McKenzie, James R. Wills, Jr. Bentley Storm, Molly Bruno, Jennifer Leon- Dianna Coley, Felicia Dyson, Ruth ard, Geoff Morrell, Christy Reap, Genet Fekadu, Dana Grinage, Sandra Hall, Lakia Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I Demisse, Javier Aguirre, Neil McGrail, Kai Harris, Shirlene Jackson, Francine Johnson, also introduce into the RECORD The Schmitz, Jimmy Kemp, Kathy Hagerup, Nicole Johnson, Rajeeyah Burks, Mohamad Washington Post editorial from yester- Stephanie McGovern, Yohannes Z. Hadgu, Nugroho, Woinishet Gelete, Johnny Kassa, day, ‘‘A Misguided Attack on D.C.’s Thomas Fitton, Melinda Johnson. Cynthia Downes, Genet Tirksso, Wosen Needy Students,’’ actually supporting Theresa Nahazar, Ann McAllister, Dan Admasu, Sara Caceres, Johanna Rizo Mar- this. Goodwin, Daphne de Souza, Darren tinez, Nikita Pray, Estela Arellano. MacLennan, Alexandra Walsh, Andrew Sagrario Agaton, Mary Addae, Ruth Barn- [From the Washington Post, Oct. 20, 2015] Blume, Greg Talbot, Darren Jansen, Susan well, Meka Burch, Sherri Calhoun, Catrice A MISGUIDED ATTACK ON D.C.’S NEEDY Tanis, Sarah Grabarz, Ashley Storm, Jaclyn Coleman, Barbara Cunningham, Lashawn STUDENTS Madden, Barton Leonard, Ann Morrell, Pat Durant, Moanick Fenner, Michelle Glover, (By Editorial Board) Reap, Jana Patterson, Barbara Swaboda, Carmen Hall-Ali, Deborah Jackson, Darlene Stephanie McGrail, Adriana Schmitz. Johnson, Denise Johnson, Wendy Jones, Mi- Is the federally funded scholarship pro- Susan Kemp, Brian Crowley, John McGov- chael Jones, Alfreda Judd, Lynetta McClam, gram for poor D.C. families being forced on ern, Michael Scanlon, Kelly Fitton, Bassam Adrienne Miles, Claudia Moreno. an unwilling city? It is safe to say that thou- Khalaf, John Nahazar, John McAllister, Pauline Murray, Brigitta Nyahn, Naha sands of D.C. parents whose children are on Marc Sozio, Tyson Redpath, Laverne Poindexter, Erin Skinner, Felicia Thomas, the waiting list for a scholarship do not Lightbourne, Nick Milano, Trisha Corcoran, Sharon Waller, Lanita Wood, Ms. Myeshia think so. Nor, we would venture, do the 6,100 Eleanor Hopkins, Liza Lindenberg, Katie Johnson, Ms. Venete Eason, Ms. Kanita children, predominantly minorities, who Krantz, John Morrissey, Joe Patterson, Washington, Mrs. Barbara Graham, Sophie have used the scholarships to attend private Chima Oluigbo, Sonia Cruz. Alozie, Blanca Magarin, Jeanine Henderson- schools. For that matter, students in the Mercedes Rubio, Eddie Donahue, Gilbert Lebbie, William Walker, IV, Tigistu Zewdie, city’s public schools who have benefited Richa, Nick Saunders, Stephen Sexton, Sydonie Fisher, William James, Akwilina from the infusion of federal dollars that has Thomas Faust, Meg Molloy, Michelle Wolf, Perry, Monalisa Reno. accompanied the voucher program probably Bruce Cormier, Ryan Angier, Jen Rowan, Zakia Williams, Shonta Jones, Pamela would not embrace the argument either. Lauren Buckley, Collin Cullen, Mary Matthews, Cecilia Mensah, Tonya Moore, So whom do members of the D.C. Council Santiviago, Kelly Sozio, Renee Redpath, Priscilla Moultrie, Carolina Novoa, Deborah think they are helping as they urge Congress Kevin Madden, Susan Milano, Joe Corcoran, M. Parker, Michelle Roberts, Sandra to kill this program? Mary Glaser McCahan. Stackhouse, Leslie Void, Varnell Wash- Fortunately, it does not appear that the Kate McAuliffe, Meg Knight, Ann ington, Ms. Kitty Dawson, Ms. Mia Butler, council members will succeed in inflicting Morrissey, Courtney Knowles, Nnenna Ms. Tiana Robinson, Mrs. Jill Gelman, Nejat this wound on their city. Congress appears Oluigbo, Robert Cruz-Reyes, Lydia Dolan, Teman, Nathaniel Garbla, Tefaye Tamire, poised to reauthorize the D.C. Opportunity Lauren Lennon, Tom Knight, Joe Patrice Aubrey. Scholarship Program, which provides needy Beemsterboer, Sarah Sexton, Larisa Faust, Fatmatta Kamara, Stephon Knox, students with up to $12,572 to pay for tuition, Jim Molloy, Kristin Lindquist, Sarah Dwishnicka Randolph, Nicole Wood, Erica fees and transportation to a school of their Cormier, Katreena Vigil Pineda, Mike Iweanoge, Amanda Brown-Parks, James choice. The average family income for par- Rowan, Mark Buckley, Brenda Cullen, Sergio Parker, Teata Sanders, Samora St. Firmin, ticipating families is less than $22,000. A bill Santiviago, Gary Fabiano. Dionne Clemons, Vernessa Perry, Donald extending the program for five years and Rene McGuffin, Jorge Costa, Meghan Matthews, Tashana Ellis, Donita Adams, championed by outgoing House Speaker Deerin, Kelly Stanton, Art Frye, John Caroline Beruchan, Steven Garrison, Ms. John A. Boehner (R–Ohio) is set for a floor McGill, Mike Bruno, Matt Ritz, Margaret Holly Destry, Ms. Victoria Heimbold, Mr. vote Wednesday, while a bipartisan group of Bond, Billy MacArtee, Anthony Puglisi, Solomon Weldeghebriel, Ms. Jamil Rasp- senators has filed a companion bill that Monica Micklos, Tim Yost, Ray Powers, berry. would continue the program through 2025. Chris Dolan, Darrell Clark, Chris Connolly, Anne Hedian, Atchoi Osekre-Bond, Margie Seeking to derail those efforts, a mis- Joni Veith, Courtney Taylor, Athena Mey- Bacon, Jill Wright, Cathy Falk, Chanda guided majority of the D.C. Council, un- ers. Foreman, Colleen Scheidel, Kenny Stack, doubtedly egged on by Del. Eleanor Holmes Joshua Corless, Allison Sheedy, Robin Juliette Randolph, Barbara Andercheck, Norton (D–D.C.) and other voucher critics, Barth, Sam Depoy, Jung Kang, Connie Indra Thomas, Dog Harvey, Darah Tracy, wrote a letter to Congress objecting to what Fabiano, David McGuffin, Michelle Costa, JB Ginger Beverly, Tonya Wright, Brandon they portrayed as an intrusion into local af- Deerin, Mike Stanton, Barbara Frye, Steph- Winder, Antilecia O’Neal, Uanna Ferguson, fairs. These eight council members seemed anie McGill, Anne Zorc, Erin Ritz, Chris Aster Robi, Bernadette Aniekwe. unaware that the program was established in Delaney, Elena MacArtee, Laura Puglisi, Patrice Davis, Ms. Maria del Carmen 2004 at the initiation of Anthony Williams Jeff Micklos, Liz Yost, Tom Hohman. Reyes, Ms. Ingrid Lucas, Ms. Stephanie (D), then D.C.’s mayor, and with the strong Desiree Gabbidon, Yves Clark, Michelle Goodloe, Mrs. Helen Andemariam, Michael support of Kevin Chavous (D), then chair of Connolly, Tom Veith, Jay Taylor, Greg Mey- Thomasian, Neslyn Moore, Judy Steele, the council’s Education Committee. Like- ers, Shannon Corless, Stefan Hagerup, Woo Kathleen Downey, Judith Home, Niamh wise, they were unmoved by polling that has Lee, Marty Depoy, Stephanie O’Leary, Susan O’Mahoney, Arleen Hall, Bobby Rienzo, Te- shown 74 percent of D.C. residents support

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21OC7.037 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7070 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 the voucher program, which, despite the spe- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chair, today, I will Instead of using Federal resources to sup- cious claims of critics, has improved out- vote against H.R. 10, which would continue a port a handful of students in private schools, comes for its students without taking a dime flawed program that pursues a partisan ide- the Federal Government should focus its at- from regular public schools. Indeed, the three-sector federal approach ology at the expense of a child’s quality edu- tention and available resources on improving has brought more than $600 million to D.C. cation. the quality of public schools for all students. schools, with traditional public schools re- This bill would reauthorize Washington, Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me ceiving $239 million, charter public schools D.C.’s private school voucher program, the in voting against this bill. $195 million and the voucher program $183 only program in the country using federal The Acting CHAIR. All time for gen- million. At stake for fiscal 2016 is an addi- money to send children to private and reli- eral debate has expired. tional $45 million. It is fantasy to think gious schools. The SOAR voucher program Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be there would be additional monies absent was a five year pilot set to expire in 2008. De- vouchers. considered for amendment under the 5- School reform has brought improvement spite four studies by the Department of Edu- minute rule. throughout the system. Yet, many parents cation and two General Accountability Office The amendments recommended by still lack the choices and the access to high- (GAO) reports concluding that the program the Committee on Oversight and Gov- quality education that city politicians take wasn’t working, Republicans in Congress are ernment Reform printed in the bill are for granted for their own families. We credit doubling down by allowing taxpayer dollars to adopted and the bill, as amended, shall D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) prop up unaccredited, and even unsafe, be considered as read. and council members Vincent B. Orange (D– schools. The last thing we need, as our stu- At Large), Mary M. Cheh (D–Ward 3), Bran- The text of the bill, as amended, is as don T. Todd (D–Ward 4) and Kenyan R. dents fall further behind their international follows: McDuffie (D–Ward 5) for not seeking to de- peers, are voucher schools operating in rel- H.R. 10 prive those parents of choice, and we hope ative isolation, free of oversight for curriculum, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- their eight colleagues will rethink their po- quality or management. resentatives of the United States of America in sition and put constituents’ welfare over SOAR is the only program of its kind for a Congress assembled, misguided ideology. reason—there’s no way our states would tol- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES IN ACT. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, the erate such nonsense. Sadly, because D.C. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as bottom line is this program produces has not been freed from the partisan grips of the ‘‘Scholarships for Opportunity and Re- results. I like the variety of choices. Congress, it has become commonplace to see sults Reauthorization Act’’ or the ‘‘SOAR And the Delegate has been a real cham- House Republicans impose their politics on Reauthorization Act’’. pion for charter schools, and I applaud D.C., despite widespread citizen and local (b) REFERENCES IN ACT.—Whenever in this her for that, I support her in that. But government objection, from women’s health Act an amendment is expressed in terms of the reality is the scholarships that we care to marijuana reform to street design. an amendment to or repeal of a section or There’s justification for a program that funnels other provision, the reference shall be con- are talking about here, the Oppor- sidered to be made to that section or other tunity scholarships, have yielded the millions of dollars into a program shown to be provision of the Scholarships for Oppor- best results with nearly 90 percent ineffective and strongly opposed by the people tunity and Results Act (division C of Public graduation rates and roughly 88 per- that should matter—the parents, the edu- Law 112–10; sec. 38–1853.01 et seq., D.C. Offi- cent of the people then going on to col- cators, and taxpayers who support the system. cial Code). lege. Those are amazing statistics. Worse, the SOAR Act strips students of SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE. But I have heard a lot of derogatory constitutional protections of civil rights: federal (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- comments. I have heard everything funds can flow to schools that do not meet the lowing: from misguided, idiotic, disgraceful, federal standards to prevent discrimination (1) Parents are best equipped to make deci- weakens, underfunded. Underfunded? against disabled persons, persons of color, sions for their children, including the edu- Underfunded? That is offensive to us persons of a religious group, women, or any cational setting that will best serve the in- from Utah. We happen to have the low- other protected class. The SOAR Act is a sad terests and educational needs of their chil- step backward for education policy, civil rights, dren. est per pupil funding in the entire (2) In 1995, Congress passed the DC School United States. We are not proud of that and good governance, and I strongly oppose Reform Act, which granted the District of fact. But the reality is we get roughly it. Columbia the authority to create public $6,500 per student, where in Wash- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chair, I rise to charter schools and gave parents greater ington, D.C. you get about $19,500 per speak in opposition to H.R. 10, the Scholar- educational options for their children. student. It is not even close. And yet ships for Opportunity and Results Reauthor- (3) In 2003, in partnership with the Mayor here we are championing and trying to ization Act. of the District of Columbia, the chairman of help give more money, more resources, H.R. 10 would reauthorize the District of Co- the DC Council Education Committee, and to what are underperforming students lumbia private school voucher program, the community activists, Congress passed the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), for DC School Choice Incentive Act of 2003 (Pub- and giving them more choices. lic Law 108–199; 118 Stat. 126), to provide op- I guess one of the things you should five years through 2021. H.R. 10 would reauthorize the Scholarships portunity scholarships to parents of students consider is if the Congress does support in the District of Columbia to enable them this bill, does pass this bill, it is appro- for Opportunity and Results Act, which pro- to pursue a high-quality education at a pri- priated, would anybody on the Demo- vides Federal support for improving traditional vate elementary or secondary school of their cratic side of the aisle actually rec- public schools in the District of Columbia choice. ommend that the city not take the (D.C.), expanding and improving high-quality (4) The DC Opportunity Scholarship Pro- money? D.C. public charter schools, and offering pri- gram (DC OSP) was part of a comprehensive vate school vouchers to a limited number of three-part funding arrangement that pro- b 1700 students. vided additional funds for both the District If it is so idiotic, if it is so awful, if The Obama Administration continues to of Columbia public schools and public char- it is so derogatory, if it is so negative, strongly oppose the private school vouchers ter schools of the District of Columbia. The then why not cut it off right now? See, intent behind the additional resources was to program within this legislation, known as the ensure both District of Columbia public and they want to continue to allow it to D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. charter schools continued to improve. happen for those who have scholarships Members of the House should respect the (5) In 2011, Congress enacted the three-part now because they know it is working, self determination of the residents of DC by funding arrangement when it reauthorized and they could never look those par- not forcing education policy onto children or the DC OSP and passed the Scholarships for ents in the eye and take it away; but their families at taxpayer expense. Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act (divi- they are going to deny that choice to Rigorous evaluation over several years sion C of Public Law 112–10) with bipartisan future generations where we know demonstrates that D.C. vouchers have not support. there has been demonstrable success. yielded statistically significant improvements in (6) While the National Center for Edu- cation Statistics indicates that per pupil ex- So I am proud of Speaker BOEHNER student achievement by scholarship recipients penditure for public schools in the District of and what he has done to champion this compared to other students not receiving Columbia is the highest in the United States, bill. I think it is a good bill. With that, vouchers. performance on the National Assessment of I urge the adoption of this bill. In addition, H.R. 10 would extend this Educational Progress (NAEP) continues to Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- voucher program to a new population of stu- be near the bottom of the country when ex- ance of my time. dents previously attending private schools. amining scores in mathematics and reading

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21OC7.033 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7071 for fourth and eighth grades. When Congress SEC. 4. REQUIRING ELIGIBLE ENTITIES TO UTI- the eligible entity with evidence from such passed the DC School Choice Incentive Act of LIZE INTERNAL FISCAL AND QUAL- an accrediting body that the school’s appli- 2003, students in the District of Columbia ITY CONTROLS. cation for accreditation is in process and ranked 52 out of 52 States (including the De- Section 3005(b)(1) (sec. 38–1853.05(b)(1), D.C. that the school will be awarded accreditation partment of Defense schools). Since that Official Code) is amended— before the end of such period. time, the District of Columbia has made sig- (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of subpara- ‘‘(iii) In the case of a school that, as of the nificant gains in mathematics and reading. graph (K); and date of enactment of the SOAR Reauthorization However, students in the District of Colum- (2) by adding at the end the following new Act, is not a participating school, the school bia still rank in the bottom three States out subparagraph: meets the requirements of clause (i) or, if it does of 52 States. According to the 2013 fourth ‘‘(M) how the entity will ensure that it uti- not meet the requirements of clause (i)— grade math NAEP results, 34 percent of stu- lizes internal fiscal and quality controls; ‘‘(I) at the time the school notifies an eligible dents are below basic, 38 percent are at basic, and’’. entity that it seeks to be a participating school, and 28 percent are at proficient or advanced. SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF PRIORITIES FOR the school is actively pursuing full accreditation The 2013 fourth grade reading results found AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO DE- by an accrediting body described in clause (i); TERMINING ELIGIBLE STUDENTS. that 50 percent of fourth grade students in ‘‘(II) not later than 5 years after the school Section 3006(1) (sec. 38–1853.06(1), D.C. Offi- the District of Columbia are at or below notifies an eligible entity that it seeks to be a cial Code) is amended— basic, 27 percent are at basic, and 23 percent participating school, the school meets the re- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘iden- are proficient or advanced. quirements of clause (i), except that an eligible tified for improvement, corrective action, or (7) Since the inception of the DC OSP, entity may extend this deadline for a single 1- restructuring under section 1116 of the Ele- there has been strong demand for the pro- year period if the school provides the eligible en- mentary and Secondary Education Act of gram by parents and the citizens of the Dis- tity with evidence from such an accrediting 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6316)’’ and inserting ‘‘identi- trict of Columbia. In fact, 74 percent of Dis- body that the school’s application for accredita- fied as a low-achieving school according to trict of Columbia residents support con- tion is in process and that the school will be the Office of the State Superintendent of tinuing the program (based on the Lester & awarded accreditation before the end of such Education of the District of Columbia’’; and Associates February 2011 Poll). period; and (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the (8) Since the program’s inception, parental ‘‘(III) the school meets all of the other require- semicolon at the end and inserting the fol- satisfaction has remained high. The program ments for participating schools under this Act. lowing: ‘‘, or whether such students have, in has also been found to result in significantly ‘‘(B) REPORTS TO ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—Not the past, attended a private school;’’. higher graduation rates for those students later than 5 years after the date of enact- who have received and used their oppor- SEC. 6. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR ment of the SOAR Reauthorization Act, each PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND ELI- tunity scholarships. participating school shall submit to the eli- GIBLE ENTITIES. gible entity a certification that the school (9) The DC OSP offers low-income families (a) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS; COMPLI- in the District of Columbia important edu- has been fully or provisionally accredited in ANCE WITH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—Sec- accordance with subparagraph (A), or has cational alternatives while public schools tion 3007(a)(4) (sec. 38–1853.07(a)(4), D.C. Offi- are improved. The program should continue been granted an extension by the eligible en- cial Code) is amended— tity in accordance with subparagraph to be reauthorized as part of a three-part (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of subpara- comprehensive funding strategy for the Dis- (A)(ii)(II). graph (E); ‘‘(C) ASSISTING STUDENTS IN ENROLLING IN trict of Columbia school system providing (2) by striking the period at the end of sub- equal funding for public schools, public char- OTHER SCHOOLS.—If a participating school paragraph (F) and inserting a semicolon; and fails to meet the requirements of subpara- ter schools, and opportunity scholarships for (3) by adding at the end the following new students to attend private schools. graph (A), the eligible entity shall assist the subparagraphs: parents of the eligible students who attend (b) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this Act ‘‘(G) conducts criminal background checks the school in identifying, applying to, and to amend the Scholarships for Opportunity on school employees who have direct and un- enrolling in another participating school and Results Act to provide low-income par- supervised interaction with students; and under this Act.’’. ents residing in the District of Columbia ‘‘(H) complies with all requests for data (c) USE OF FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EX- with expanded educational opportunities for and information regarding the reporting re- PENSES AND PARENTAL ASSISTANCE.—Section enrolling their children in other schools in quirements described in section 3010.’’. 3007 (sec. 38–1853.07, D.C. Official Code) is the District of Columbia, and provide re- (b) ACCREDITATION.—Section 3007(a) (sec. amended— sources to support educational reforms for 38–1853.07(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended— (1) by striking subsections (b) and (c) and District of Columbia Public Schools and Dis- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘para- inserting the following: trict of Columbia public charter schools. graphs (2) and (3)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs ‘‘(b) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND PAREN- SEC. 3. PROHIBITING IMPOSITION OF LIMITS ON (2), (3), and (5)’’; and TAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary shall make TYPES OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS PAR- (2) by adding at the end the following new $2,000,000 of the amount provided under the TICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM. paragraph: grant each year available to an eligible enti- Section 3004(a) (sec. 38–1853.04(a), D.C. Offi- ‘‘(5) ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS.— ty receiving a grant under section 3004(a) to cial Code) is amended by adding at the end ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—None of the funds pro- cover the following expenses: the following new paragraph: vided under this division for opportunity ‘‘(1) The administrative expenses of car- ‘‘(3) PROHIBITING IMPOSITION OF LIMITS ON scholarships may be used by an eligible stu- rying out its program under this Act during ELIGIBLE STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PRO- dent to enroll in a participating private the year, including— GRAM.— school unless one of the following applies: ‘‘(A) determining the eligibility of stu- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the pro- ‘‘(i) In the case of a school that, as of the dents to participate; gram under this division, the Secretary may date of enactment of the SOAR Reauthoriza- ‘‘(B) selecting the eligible students to re- not limit the number of eligible students re- tion Act, is a participating school, the school ceive scholarships; ceiving scholarships under section 3007(a), is provisionally or fully accredited by an ac- ‘‘(C) determining the amount of the schol- and may not prevent otherwise eligible stu- crediting body described in subparagraphs arships and issuing the scholarships to eligi- dents from participating in the program (A) through (G) of section 2202(16) of the Dis- ble students; under this Act, on any of the following trict of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 ‘‘(D) compiling and maintaining financial grounds: (sec. 38–1802.02(16)(A–G), D.C. Official Code), and programmatic records; and ‘‘(i) The type of school the student pre- or by any other accrediting body determined ‘‘(E) conducting site visits as described in viously attended. appropriate by the District of Columbia Of- section 3005(b)(1)(l). ‘‘(ii) Whether or not the student previously fice of the State Superintendent for Schools ‘‘(2) The expenses of educating parents received a scholarship or participated in the for the purposes of accrediting an elemen- about the entity’s program under this Act, program. tary or secondary school. and assisting parents through the applica- ‘‘(iii) Whether or not the student was a ‘‘(ii) In the case of a school that, as of the tion process under this Act, including— member of the control group used by the In- day before the date of enactment of the ‘‘(A) providing information about the pro- stitute of Education Sciences to carry out SOAR Reauthorization Act, is a partici- gram and the participating schools to par- previous evaluations of the program under pating school but does not meet the require- ents of eligible students; section 3009. ments of clause (i)— ‘‘(B) providing funds to assist parents of ‘‘(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in ‘‘(I) not later than 1 year after the date of students in meeting expenses that might subparagraph (A) may be construed to waive enactment of such Act, the school is pur- otherwise preclude the participation of eligi- the requirement under section 3005(b)(1)(B) suing full accreditation by an accrediting ble students in the program; and that the entity carrying out the program body described in clause (i); and ‘‘(C) streamlining the application process under this Act must carry out a random se- ‘‘(II) not later than 5 years after the date for parents.’’; and lection process which gives weight to the pri- of enactment of such Act, the school meets (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as sub- orities described in section 3006 if more eligi- the requirements of clause (i), except that an section (c). ble students seek admission in the program eligible entity may extend this deadline for (d) CLARIFICATION OF USE OF FUNDS FOR than the program can accommodate.’’. a single 1-year period if the school provides STUDENT ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE.—Section

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21OC7.035 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7072 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 3007(c) (sec. 38–1853.07(c), D.C. Official Code), District of Columbia Public Schools to com- ing data for the 2015–2016 school year, and as redesignated by subsection (c)(2), is ply with section 1111(b) of the Elementary shall submit the reports required with re- amended by striking ‘‘identified for improve- and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 spect to the evaluations in accordance with ment, corrective action, or restructuring U.S.C. 6311(b)); section 3009(b) of such Act. Effective with re- under section 1116 of the Elementary and ‘‘(B) measure the academic achievement of spect to the 2016–2017 school year, the Sec- Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. all participating students in the grades de- retary shall conduct new evaluations in ac- 6316)’’ and inserting ‘‘identified as a low- scribed in subparagraph (A); and cordance with the provisions of section achieving school according to the Office of ‘‘(C) work with the eligible entities to en- 3009(a) of such Act as amended by this Act, the State Superintendent of Education of the sure that the parents of each student who re- and as a component of the new evaluations, the District of Columbia’’. ceives a scholarship under this Act agree to Secretary shall continue to monitor and evalu- (e) PERMITTING USE OF FUNDS REMAINING permit the student to participate in the eval- ate the students who were evaluated in the most UNOBLIGATED FROM PREVIOUS FISCAL uations and assessments carried out by the recent evaluation under such section prior to YEARS.—Section 3007 (sec. 38–1853.07, D.C. Of- Institute under this subsection. the enactment of this Act, along with their cor- ficial Code), as amended by this section, is ‘‘(4) ISSUES TO BE EVALUATED.—The issues responding test scores and other information. amended by adding at the end the following to be evaluated under paragraph (1)(A) shall (b) DUTY OF MAYOR TO ENSURE INSTITUTE new subsection: include the following: HAS ALL INFORMATION NECESSARY TO CARRY ‘‘(d) PERMITTING USE OF FUNDS REMAINING ‘‘(A) A comparison of the academic OUT EVALUATIONS.—Section 3011(a)(1) (sec. UNOBLIGATED FROM PREVIOUS FISCAL YEARS.— achievement of participating eligible stu- 38–1853.11(a)(1), D.C. Official Code) is amend- To the extent that any funds appropriated for dents in the measurements described in para- ed to read as follows: the opportunity scholarship program under this graph (3) to the academic achievement of a ‘‘(1) INFORMATION NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT Act for any fiscal year (including a fiscal year comparison group of students with similar EVALUATIONS.—Ensure that all District of occurring prior to the enactment of this sub- backgrounds in the District of Columbia Columbia public schools and District of Co- section) remain unobligated at the end of the Public Schools. lumbia public charter schools make avail- fiscal year, the Secretary shall make such funds ‘‘(B) The success of the program under this able to the Institute of Education Sciences available during the next fiscal year and (if still Act in expanding choice options for parents of the Department of Education all of the in- unobligated as of the end of that fiscal year) of participating eligible students and in- formation the Institute requires to carry out any subsequent fiscal year for scholarships for creasing the satisfaction of such parents and the assessments and perform the evaluations eligible students, except that an eligible entity students with their choice. required under section 3009(a).’’. may use not more than 5 percent of the funds ‘‘(C) The reasons parents of participating SEC. 8. FUNDING FOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA for administrative expenses, parental assistance, eligible students choose for their children to PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC and tutoring, in addition to the amounts appro- participate in the program, including impor- CHARTER SCHOOLS. priated for such purposes under section 3007(b) tant characteristics for selecting schools. (a) MANDATORY WITHHOLDING OF FUNDS FOR and (c).’’. ‘‘(D) A comparison of the retention rates, FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH CONDITIONS.—Sec- high school graduation rates, college enroll- tion 3011(b) (sec. 38–1853.11(b), D.C. Official SEC. 7. PROGRAM EVALUATION. ment rates, college persistence rates, and col- Code) is amended to read as follows: (a) REVISION OF EVALUATION PROCEDURES lege graduation rates of participating eligi- ‘‘(b) ENFORCEMENT.—If, after reasonable AND REQUIREMENTS.— ble students with the rates of students in the notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 3009(a) (sec. 38– comparison group described in subparagraph Secretary determines that the Mayor has 1853.09(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended to (A). failed to comply with any of the require- read as follows: ‘‘(E) A comparison of the college enrollment ments of subsection (a), the Secretary may ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.— rates, college persistence rates, and college withhold from the Mayor, in whole or in ‘‘(1) DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY AND THE graduation rates of students who partici- part— MAYOR.—The Secretary and the Mayor of the pated in the program in 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012, ‘‘(1) the funds otherwise authorized to be District of Columbia shall— 2013, 2014, and 2015 as the result of winning appropriated under section 3014(a)(2), if the ‘‘(A) jointly enter into an agreement with the Opportunity Scholarship Program lot- failure to comply relates to the District of the Institute of Education Sciences of the tery with the rates of students who entered Columbia public schools; Department of Education to evaluate annu- but did not win such lottery in those years ‘‘(2) the funds otherwise authorized to be ally the opportunity scholarship program and who, as a result, served as the control appropriated under section 3014(a)(3), if the under this Act; group for previous evaluations of the pro- failure to comply relates to the District of ‘‘(B) jointly enter into an agreement to gram under this Act. Columbia public charter schools; or monitor and evaluate the use of funds au- ‘‘(F) A comparison of the safety of the ‘‘(3) the funds otherwise authorized to be thorized and appropriated for the District of schools attended by participating eligible appropriated under both section 3014(a)(2) Columbia Public Schools and the District of students and the schools in the District of and section 3014(a)(3), if the failure relates to Columbia public charter schools under this Columbia attended by students in the com- both the District of Columbia public schools Act; and parison group described in subparagraph (A), and the District of Columbia public charter ‘‘(C) make the evaluations described in based on the perceptions of the students and schools.’’. subparagraphs (A) and (B) public in accord- parents. (b) RULES FOR USE OF FUNDS PROVIDED FOR ance with subsection (c). ‘‘(G) Such other issues with respect to par- SUPPORT OF PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.—Sec- ‘‘(2) DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.—The Sec- ticipating eligible students as the Secretary tion 3011 (sec. 38–1853.11, D.C. Official Code) is retary, through a grant, contract, or cooper- considers appropriate for inclusion in the amended— ative agreement, shall— evaluation, such as the impact of the pro- (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as sub- ‘‘(A) ensure that the evaluation under gram on public elementary schools and sec- section (d); and paragraph (1)(A)— ondary schools in the District of Columbia. (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- ‘‘(i) is conducted using an acceptable quasi- ‘‘(5) PROHIBITING DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL lowing new subsection: experimental research design for deter- INFORMATION.— ‘‘(c) SPECIFIC RULES REGARDING FUNDS mining the effectiveness of the opportunity ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Any disclosure of per- PROVIDED FOR SUPPORT OF PUBLIC CHARTER scholarship program under this Act which sonally identifiable information shall be in SCHOOLS.—The following rules shall apply does not use a control study group consisting compliance with section 444 of the General with respect to the funds provided under this of students who applied for but who did not Education Provisions Act (commonly known Act for the support of District of Columbia receive opportunity scholarships; and as the ‘Family Educational Rights and Pri- public charter schools: ‘‘(ii) addresses the issues described in para- vacy Act of 1974’) (20 U.S.C. 1232g). ‘‘(1) The Secretary may direct the funds graph (4); and ‘‘(B) STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING PUBLIC provided for any fiscal year, or any portion ‘‘(B) disseminate information on the im- SCHOOLS.—With respect to any student who thereof, to the Office of the State Super- pact of the program— is not attending a public elementary school intendent of Education of the District of Co- ‘‘(i) in increasing academic achievement or secondary school, personally identifiable lumbia (OSSE). and educational attainment of participating information may not be disclosed outside of ‘‘(2) The OSSE may transfer the funds to eligible students; and the group of individuals carrying out the subgrantees who are specific District of Co- ‘‘(ii) on students and schools in the Dis- evaluation for such student or the group of in- lumbia public charter schools or networks of trict of Columbia. dividuals providing information for carrying out such schools or who are District of Colum- ‘‘(3) DUTIES OF THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION the evaluation of such student, other than to bia-based non-profit organizations with expe- SCIENCES.—The Institute of Education the parents of such student.’’. rience in successfully providing support or Sciences of the Department of Education (2) TRANSITION FROM CURRENT EVALUA- assistance to District of Columbia public shall— TION.—The Secretary of Education shall ter- charter schools or networks of schools. ‘‘(A) assess participating eligible students minate the current evaluations conducted ‘‘(3) The funds shall be available to any in each of the grades 3 through 8, as well as under section 3009(a) of the Scholarships for District of Columbia public charter school in one of the grades in the high school level, by Opportunity and Results Act (sec. 38–1853.09, good standing with the District of Columbia supervising the administration of the same D.C. Official Code), as in effect prior to the Charter School Board (Board), and the OSSE reading and math assessment used by the date of enactment of this Act, after obtain- and Board may not restrict the availability

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21OC7.035 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7073 of the funds to certain types of schools on Page 21, line 22, after the period add the Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I have the basis of the school’s location, governing following: ‘‘Nothing in this subparagraph an amendment at the desk. body, or any other characteristic.’’. may be construed to waive section The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will SEC. 9. REVISION OF CURRENT MEMORANDUM 3004(a)(3)(A)(iii) with respect to any such stu- designate the amendment. OF UNDERSTANDING. dent.’’. The text of the amendment is as fol- The Secretary of Education and the Mayor Page 25, beginning line 20, strike ‘‘may di- of the District of Columbia shall revise the rect the funds provided for any fiscal year, or lows: memorandum of understanding which is in any portion thereof,’’ and insert ‘‘shall di- Add at the end of section 6 the following effect under section 3012(d) of the Scholar- rect the funds provided for any fiscal year’’. new subsection: ships for Opportunity and Results Act (sec. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to (f) LIMIT ON PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL STU- 38–1853.12(d), D.C. Official Code) as of the day House Resolution 480, the gentleman DENT POPULATION OF SCHOOL WHO RECEIVE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS.—Section 3007(a) before the date of the enactment of this Act from Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ) and a Mem- to address the following: (sec. 38-1853.07(a), D.C. Official Code), as ber opposed each will control 5 min- amended by subsection (b), is further amend- (1) The amendments made by this Act. utes. (2) The need to ensure that participating ed— The Chair recognizes the gentleman (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘para- schools under such Act meet fire code stand- from Utah. ards and maintain certificates of occupancy. graphs (2), (3), and (5)’’ and inserting ‘‘para- (3) The need to ensure that District of Co- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, the graphs (2), (3), (5), and (6)’’; and lumbia public schools and District of Colum- manager’s amendment that I am offer- (2) by adding at the end the following new bia public charter schools meet the require- ing makes small technical changes to paragraph: ments under such Act to comply with all the bill. ‘‘(6) LIMIT ON PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL STU- reasonable requests for information nec- First, the amendment substitutes the DENT POPULATION RECEIVING OPPORTUNITY essary to carry out the evaluations required term ‘‘low achieving schools’’ for ‘‘low- SCHOLARSHIPS.— under section 3009(a) of such Act. est performing schools,’’ which cor- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—None of the funds pro- vided under this Act for opportunity scholar- SEC. 10. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF AP- responds to the language used by the PROPRIATIONS. ships may be used by an eligible student to District of Columbia on this topic. enroll in a participating school for a school Section 3014(a) (sec. 38–1853.14(a), D.C. Offi- Second, the amendment makes clear cial Code) is amended by striking ‘‘each of year unless the school certifies to the eligi- that the Secretary of Education and ble entity that, for the school year, the num- the 4 succeeding fiscal years’’ and inserting the Mayor of the District of Columbia ‘‘each of the 9 succeeding fiscal years’’. ber of students enrolled in the school who re- will monitor and report on the use of ceive opportunity scholarships under this SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. Act does not exceed the number of students The amendments made by this Act shall funds authorized by this bill. enrolled in the school who do not receive op- apply with respect to school year 2016–2017 Third, the amendment clarifies re- portunity scholarships under this Act. and each succeeding school year. porting requirements in the bill to pro- tect students against arbitrary exclu- ‘‘(B) EXCEPTIONS.—In determining the The Acting CHAIR. No further sion from the program. number of students enrolled in a school who amendment to the bill, as amended, Finally, the amendment requires the receive opportunity scholarships under this Act for a school year under subparagraph shall be in order except those printed Secretary of Education to direct fund- in House Report 114–300. Each further (A), there shall be excluded any student who ing for public charter schools to the was receiving an opportunity scholarship as amendment may be offered only in the District’s Office of the State Super- order printed in the report, by a Mem- of the date of the enactment of the Scholar- intendent of Education. ships for Opportunity and Results Reauthor- ber designated in the report, shall be Mr. Chairman, this is a good amend- ization Act and any student who is the sib- considered read, shall be debatable for ment that reflects the ongoing con- ling of a student who was receiving an oppor- the time specified in the report equally versations with the District of Colum- tunity scholarship as of the date of the en- divided and controlled by the pro- bia regarding this bill. I urge its adop- actment of such Act.’’. ponent and an opponent, shall not be tion. Page 18, strike line 23 and all that follows subject to amendment, and shall not be I reserve the balance of my time. through page 19, line 5 and insert the fol- subject to a demand for division of the Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in lowing: ‘‘(i) is conducted using the strongest pos- question. opposition to the gentleman’s amend- sible research design for determining the ef- AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. CHAFFETZ ment, although I am not opposed to it. fectiveness of the opportunity scholarship The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order The Acting CHAIR (Mr. GRAVES of program under this Act; and’’. to consider amendment No. 1 printed in Louisiana). Without objection, the gen- Page 20, strike lines 4 through 9 and insert House Report 114–300. tlewoman from the District of Colum- the following: Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I bia is recognized for 5 minutes. ‘‘(C) work with the eligible entities to en- have an amendment at the desk. There was no objection. sure that the parents of each student who ap- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I actu- plies for a scholarship under this Act (re- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will gardless of whether the student receives the designate the amendment. ally agree with the chairman, and the chairman has consulted with us on scholarship) and the parents of each student The text of the amendment is as fol- participating in the scholarship program lows: these changes, which are technical in under this Act, agree that the student will Page 9, beginning line 5, strike ‘‘identified nature. participate, if requested by the Institute, in as a low-achieving school according to the I do not oppose this amendment. In- the measurements given annually by the In- Office of the State Superintendent of Edu- deed, I want to thank our chairman for stitute for the period for which the student cation of the District of Columbia’’ and in- working with us before this committee applied for or received the scholarship, re- sert ‘‘identified as one of the lowest-per- markup on this bill on some additional spectively, except that nothing in this sub- forming schools under the District of Colum- technical changes. paragraph shall affect a student’s priority bia’s accountability system’’. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- for an opportunity scholarship as provided Page 10, beginning line 25, strike ‘‘, or by ance of my time. under section 3006.’’. any other accrediting body determined ap- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I ap- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to propriate by the District of Columbia Office preciate working with the Delegate. It House Resolution 480, the gentlewoman of the State Superintendent for Schools for is a good working relationship. We from the District of Columbia (Ms. the purpose of accrediting an elementary or secondary school’’. have our opposition from time to time, NORTON) and a Member opposed each Page 16, beginning line 7, strike ‘‘identified but she did work with us in this way, will control 5 minutes. as a low-achieving school according to the and I appreciate her support of this The Chair recognizes the gentle- Office of the State Superintendent of Edu- amendment. woman from the District of Columbia. cation of the District of Columbia’’ and in- I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield sert ‘‘identified as one of the lowest-per- The Acting CHAIR. The question is myself such time as I may consume. forming schools under the District of Colum- on the amendment offered by the gen- The Speaker’s voucher bill is sure to bia’s accountability system’’. tleman from Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ). pass, and I am sure it is offered with Page 18, line 10, strike ‘‘evaluate’’ and in- The amendment was agreed to. the best of intentions. Therefore, I sert ‘‘report on’’. Page 21, line 12, strike ‘‘A comparison of’’ AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MS. NORTON want to work with him and with Mem- and insert ‘‘A report on’’. The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order bers and with those in the Senate who Page 21, line 18, strike ‘‘with the rates’’ to consider amendment No. 2 printed in support vouchers to provide much- and insert ‘‘as well as the rates’’. House Report 114–300. needed oversight for the millions in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21OC7.035 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7074 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 Federal dollars in this bill. It is in that My amendment would disqualify so- are pending in Colorado and Indiana. In the spirit that I offer a two-part amend- called voucher mills, a small, but sig- November elections, Florida voters rejected ment, and both parts are entirely con- nificant, number of schools that cannot a ballot amendment that would have per- mitted tax dollars to flow to religious insti- sistent with the underlying bill. survive without government funding, tutions, including parochial schools. That The Government Accountability Of- most of which sprang up in low-income would have enabled the state to revive a fice, the GAO, said in 2007 and again in neighborhoods after the program was voucher program that had been declared un- 2013 that the voucher program lacks created to get unrestricted Federal constitutional in 2006 by its highest court. quality control, transparency, and in- funds. Yet Florida continues to offer vouchers for formation. Why should the major recipients of disabled students who want to attend private In response, the first part of my voucher funds—our fully accredited schools and awards tax credits to corpora- amendment restores the scientific in- Catholic schools or other parochial and tions that donate to private-school scholar- ship programs. tegrity of the program’s evaluation, private schools—have to share the In the District, it’s clear that vouchers copied from prior authorizations of this available funding with voucher mills of have provided many children with an edu- bill, and the second prohibits voucher low quality? The way to eliminate cation at well-established private schools mills, not our accredited Catholic these unaccredited schools, which are that otherwise would have been out of reach, schools, which are attended by most of unworthy of our students, is to require and their parents rave about the oppor- our children, but their competition for that their enrollment not consist pri- tunity. Of the 1,584 District students now re- vouchers—a small, but significant, marily of voucher students. ceiving vouchers, more than half attend Catholic schools and a handful are enrolled number of private schools that would Mr. Chairman, I ask that the Post’s at prestigious independent schools such as not exist but for this Federal funding. investigation, entitled, ‘‘Quality con- Sidwell Friends, where President Obama First, my amendment restores the trols lacking for D.C. schools accepting sends his daughters. evaluation of the program’s effective- Federal vouchers,’’ be included in the But the most comprehensive study of the ness that Congress has required since RECORD. D.C. program found ‘‘no conclusive evidence’’ that the vouchers improved math and read- the program was created in 2004—and I [From the Washington Post, Nov. 17, 2012] am quoting from Congress—‘‘to be con- ing test scores for those students who left QUALITY CONTROLS LACKING FOR D.C. their public schools. ducted using the strongest possible re- SCHOOLS ACCEPTING FEDERAL VOUCHERS The study, released by the U.S. Depart- search design.’’ (By Lyndsey Layton and Emma Brown) ment of Education in 2010, found that vouch- In contrast, this bill requires the Congress created the nation’s only feder- er students were more likely to graduate evaluation to be conducted using ‘‘an ally funded school voucher program in the than peers without vouchers, based on data acceptable quasi-experimental research District to give the city’s poorest children a collected from families. And parents re- design that actually prohibits the more chance at a better education than their ported that their children were safer attend- scientific randomized controlled trial neighborhood schools offer. ing the private schools, though the students But a Washington Post review found that themselves perceived no difference. Congress mandated in prior authoriza- Congress set aside $20 million for the D.C. tions.’’ hundreds of students use their voucher dol- lars to attend schools that are unaccredited voucher program this year. Since 2004, the Yet the congressionally mandated or are in unconventional settings, such as a federal government has appropriated $133 evaluation said that randomized con- family-run K–12 school operating out of a million for the program. Private schools that participate in the D.C. trolled trials ‘‘are especially important storefront, a Nation of Islam school based in program don’t have to disclose the number of in the context of School Choice be- a converted Deanwood residence, and a voucher students they enroll or how much school built around the philosophy of a Bul- cause families wanting to apply for a public money they receive, and many de- garian psychotherapist. Choice program may have educational clined to release such information to The At a time when public schools face increas- goals and aspirations that differ from Post. the average family’s.’’ ing demands for accountability and trans- While public schools must report test parency, the 52 D.C. private schools that re- I appreciate that this bill requires for scores and take action when they don’t meet ceive millions of federal voucher dollars are goals, private schools participating in the the first time that schools be accred- subject to few quality controls and offer ited, but it gives unaccredited schools 5 D.C. voucher program are insulated from widely disparate experiences, the Post found. such interference. years, along with the grace period of a Some of these schools are heavily depend- The schools must administer a single year, to become accredited. ent on tax dollars, with more than 90 percent standardized test, but can choose the type. This time frame is so long that it of their students paying with federal vouch- Those scores are not made public, and would allow existing and new ers. schools can stay in the voucher program no unaccredited schools to accept voucher Yet the government has no say over cur- matter how their students fare. riculum, quality or management. And par- Schools that accept vouchers are required students well into the decade. The 50 ents trying to select a school have little percent cap that my amendment pro- to hold a certificate of occupancy and em- independent information, relying mostly on ploy teachers who are college graduates, but poses at least would ensure that vouch- marketing from the schools. they do not have to be accredited. The Post er schools would ultimately be elimi- The director of the nonprofit organization found that at least eight of the 52 schools are nated. that manages the D.C. vouchers on behalf of not accredited. For example, the GAO found that six the federal government calls quality control Parents, not the government, should deter- participating voucher schools had more ‘‘a blind spot.’’ mine a school’s quality, according to Kevin than 80 percent of their enrollment ‘‘We’ve raised the question of quality over- Smith, a spokesman for House Speaker John sight of the program as sort of a dead zone, from voucher students. A Washington A. Boehner (R-Ohio), a proud product of a blind spot,’’ said Ed Davies, interim execu- Catholic schools who designed the voucher Post investigation found one school tive director of the D.C. Children and Youth program. ‘‘Our belief is that parents—when where voucher students comprised 93 Investment Trust Corp. ‘‘Currently, we don’t provided appropriate information—will se- percent of the total. have that authority. It doesn’t exist.’’ lect the best learning environment for their The majority concedes that there is a Republicans in Congress established the children,’’ he wrote in an e-mail. need for the ongoing evaluation of the D.C. voucher program eight years ago to At Archbishop Carroll High School, where program’s effectiveness by requiring a demonstrate the school-choice concepts that 40 percent of students receive vouchers, prin- study of this bill, but after the man- the party has been espousing since the 1950s. cipal Mary Elizabeth Blaufuss agrees. ‘‘The Vouchers were once thought to be moribund, dated study showed that vouchers did question is, to what extent do we trust par- but came roaring to life in 2010 in states ents to make educational decisions for their not improve student achievement, the where Republicans took control. Fourteen kids?’’ she said. majority took care of that by watering states have created voucher programs or ex- Santa Carballo knew little about the Aca- down the mandated evaluation. panded existing ones in recent years. demia de la Recta Porta before enrolling her The second part of my amendment Some states, such as Wisconsin, now in- daughter, Emma, through the voucher pro- prohibits fly-by-night, often storefront clude middle-class families in their voucher gram. She chose it because it was across the school voucher bills by eliminating the programs. Other states, including Virginia, street from the Catholic school for boys that percentage of voucher students in the have begun indirectly steering public dollars her son attends, also with a voucher, and it to private schools by offering tax credits to school to 50 percent of the school’s seemed better than a neighborhood public those who donate to scholarship funds. school that has failed for years to meet total enrollment. No current voucher In some cases, the public has pushed back achievement targets. student or sibling would be affected by against the idea of routing state dollars from ‘‘This is private, it’s good,’’ said Carballo, the cap. public to private schools. Legal challenges an immigrant from El Salvador who works

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.091 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7075 as a waitress and struggles with English. While some schools have libraries, art stu- ment’s seal of approval. Considering ‘‘It’s more intelligent. And it’s religious, it’s dios and athletic fields, the Muhammad Uni- that the purpose of the voucher pro- good. I’m so happy.’’ versity of Islam occupies the second floor of gram is to improve student achieve- A nondenominational Christian school, the a former residence east of the Anacostia ment, voucher bills are inconsistent Academia charges $7,100 a year and occupies River. The unaccredited K–8 school is sup- a soot-stained storefront between a halal ported by the Nation of Islam, according to with the congressional intent and meat shop and an evening wear boutique on director Stephanie Muhammad. should not be enabled with Federal a busy stretch of Georgia Avenue NW near Parents choose the school because of its funds or get the Federal imprimatur. the Maryland line. small classes, safety and strict discipline, I appreciate that the majority indi- The K–12 school consists of two class- she said. cated in committee and also on this rooms. A drum set and keyboard are stowed About one-third of the 55 students hold floor that they, too, oppose voucher in a corner for music class; for gym, students vouchers. Few of the others can afford the travel nearly two miles down Georgia Ave- mills and are willing to work with me $5,335 annual tuition, Muhammad said. They on this issue. I hope to continue to nue to the city’s Emery Recreation Center. are asked to help defray tuition by raising Annette and Reginald Miles founded the funds. Last month, they sold pizzas. This work with the majority as the bill unaccredited school 13 years ago. He is the month, it’s coffee and tea. moves forward in order to eliminate pastor of the associated church, she is the The classrooms are small, located in what voucher bills, which surely no Member school director, their daughter is a teacher were perhaps once bedrooms. On the walls supports. and their grandson is a student. are posters of Louis Farrakhan, the con- Annette Miles declined to say how many of Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- troversial leader of the Nation of Islam. her 70 students receive vouchers. If the pro- ance of my time. On a recent visit, the only bathroom in the gram were to end, the Academia would ‘‘have Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise school had a floor blackened with dirt and a to stretch with fundraising’’ to continue op- in opposition to the gentlewoman’s sink coated in grime. The bathtub was filled erating, she said. amendment. To be eligible for a voucher, families must with paint cans and cleaning supplies con- cealed by a curtain. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman qualify for food stamps or meet other income from Utah is recognized for 5 minutes. requirements. Muhammad said in a subsequent interview Through the D.C. program, the federal gov- that the bathroom is used only in emer- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Chairman, this ernment pays about $8,000 a year for each el- gencies, and students typically use a rest- is the same amendment that Delegate ementary school student and $12,000 for high room on the floor below in a day-care center NORTON offered to the bill during schoolers. That’s less than the $18,000 a year that she had previously described as unre- markup, but it was rejected by the it costs to educate one child in the D.C. Pub- lated to the school. Committee on Oversight and Govern- lic Schools. Many of the participating pri- Kevin P. Chavous, a former D.C. Council ment Reform. vate schools do not offer costly services for member and now a senior adviser to Amer- ican Federation for Children, which lobbies The amendment would cap the en- children with disabilities, who make up rollment of OSP students, the Oppor- about 18 percent of the DCPS school popu- for voucher programs nationwide, said lation. schools receiving public funds should meet tunity Scholarship Program, at 50 per- The voucher payments are enough to cover quality standards. But supporters of the D.C. cent of the school’s population without tuition at most Catholic schools, which en- program have been focused on overcoming affecting current voucher students or roll about 52 percent of D.C. voucher stu- political challenges, he said. siblings. The amendment would also re- dents. But they pay only a fraction of costs ‘‘There should be some accountability store the randomized controlled study at elite institutions such as the Sheridan measures in all these programs,’’ Chavous requirement. School in Northwest D.C., where charges can said. ‘‘Our biggest challenge has been the Mr. Chairman, this program is about reach about $30,000 a year. constant threats to shut this down before we Tiblez Berhane has a daughter in eighth can even measure the schools.’’ opportunity and choice. Parents should grade who is attending Sheridan with a Since Congress created the voucher pro- be able to choose the best schools for voucher and financial aid from the school. gram in 2004, Boehner and Sen. Joseph I. Lie- their children, and private schools ‘‘It’s wonderful,’’ said Berhane, an immi- berman (I-Conn.) have regularly wrestled should have the flexibility to deter- grant from Eritrea who works in a day-care with Democrats over its fate. Republicans mine whether or not to enroll OSP stu- center. ‘‘We could never afford this.’’ and Lieberman want to expand the program; dents. While Sheridan, Sidwell Friends and the Democrats want to phase it out. Washington International School each have I understand the Delegate’s concern ‘‘Our goal is to provide a quality education that students maintain quality stand- one voucher student, the Academy for Ideal to all children—not just a few—which is why Education depends almost entirely on the the Obama administration does not believe ards. In fact, I share it. That is why federal program. vouchers are the answer to America’s edu- H.R. 10 requires participating OSP Founder Paulette Jones-Imaan created the cational challenges,’’ said Justin Hamilton, schools to achieve accreditation no school more than two decades ago, aiming to a spokesman for Education Secretary Arne later than 5 years after the passage of provide a nurturing environment with small Duncan. the act. This is a more effective way to classes and a learning model known as Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) and D.C. ensure the quality than by arbitrarily ‘‘Suggestopedia,’’ a philosophy of learning Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) also are opposed developed by Bulgarian psychotherapist excluding students from the program. to the voucher program, saying public dol- Mr. Chairman, the accreditation Georgi Lozanov that stresses learning lars should go toward improving public through music, stretching and meditation. schools where they can help the most stu- process required by H.R. 10 will ensure Jones-Imaan melds that philosophy with an dents. education and administrative quality African-flavored approach that includes stu- Still, the program has offered some chil- control. The process will help weed out dents addressing teachers as ‘‘Mama’’ and dren a crucial path out of troubled city poor performers from this program ‘‘Baba,’’ honorifics meaning mother and fa- schools. without setting a cap on OSP student ther. Ophelia Johnson and her daughters were enrollment. Jones-Imaan also founded a K–12 public homeless when she learned about the vouch- charter school, Ideal Academy, based on the As for the return to the control group er program. She obtained vouchers for both evaluation, this is unnecessary for the same educational philosophy, in 1999. She her daughters and enrolled them at the Cal- served on the board for more than a decade. vary Christian Academy, which she credits OSP. The OSP has been rigorously But the charter school ran into trouble. with providing her children a secure, caring evaluated using the Gold Standard Last year, the D.C. Public Charter School and consistent environment as she pulled her since 2003, and it has demonstrated Board threatened to close it because of life together. positive results. The Gold Standard chronic poor performance. Ideal Academy ‘‘It’s wonderful,’’ Johnson said about the agreed to shutter its high school, which had Evaluation, using a randomized con- voucher program that allowed her daughters a particularly poor record, in order to keep trolled evaluation, deliberately limits to attend the academy. ‘‘The atmosphere, its lower grades open. The preschool–8th participation in the program. the education, and it’s also a Christian grade Ideal Academy was classified as ‘‘inad- Under this evaluation method, some school. They taught my girls.’’ equate’’ this year by the city’s charter offi- Now, Johnson is employed, newly remar- student applicants received scholar- cials, which means it could be closed if it ried and living with her daughters in a con- ships while other student applicants doesn’t improve. dominium on Capitol Hill. Her older daugh- were placed in a control group that did Meanwhile, the private Academy for Ideal ter, Tabitha, is applying to colleges. not receive scholarships. Given the Education continues on. More than 90 per- ‘‘She’ll be the first to go in the family,’’ cent of its approximately 60 students are OSP’s proven success under this stand- Johnson said, pride in her voice. paying the $11,400 tuition with vouchers, ard, it is time to allow as many stu- Jones-Imaan said. ‘‘If this program were to Ms. NORTON. The Federal vouchers dents to receive scholarships as fund- end, this school would end,’’ she said. give these schools the Federal Govern- ing permits.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21OC7.049 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H7076 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 21, 2015 Mr. Chairman, it is important to tion 3008 (sec. 38-1853.08, D.C. Official Code) is based on gender in admissions, a viola- note that the bill does not forsake amended by adding at the end the following tion of the principles of title IX. evaluation. Instead, the bill requires new subsection: In addition to the discrimination ‘‘(i) REQUIRING PROTECTION OF STUDENTS based on religion or sex, the D.C. the OSP students’ performance base to AND APPLICANTS UNDER CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS.— be compared to that of students of In addition to meeting the requirements of voucher program also raises serious similar backgrounds of the D.C. public subsection (a), an eligible entity or a school concerns about the civil rights of stu- schools. The evaluation method means may not participate in the opportunity dents with disabilities. IDEA requires no more students will be barred from a scholarship program under this Act unless that schools that receive Federal IDEA good education through OSP for the the eligible entity or school certifies to the funds provide appropriate education to sake of the experiment. Secretary that the eligible entity or school all students with disabilities, but at will provide each student who applies for or Mr. Chairman, on average, 2.5 stu- receives an opportunity scholarship under least one study found that the schools dents apply for each scholarship that is this Act with all of the applicable protec- that accept D.C. vouchers serve stu- ultimately awarded. We should be fo- tions available under each of the following dents with disabilities at a much lower cused on meeting the demand for ac- laws: rate than public schools. cess to a good education rather than ‘‘(1) Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Failing to meet the needs of students arbitrarily limiting students’ ability to (42 U.S.C. 2000c et seq.). with disabilities is just one of the succeed. ‘‘(2) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shortcomings of the D.C. voucher pro- I urge my colleagues to reject this (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.). gram, but another issue is the perform- ‘‘(3) Title IX of the Education Amendments amendment, which would unneces- Act of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.). ance of the school. A 2010 Department sarily exclude children from the edu- ‘‘(4) The Equal Educational Opportunities of Education report concluded that the cational opportunities they desire and Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.). use of a voucher had no statistically deserve. ‘‘(5) The Individuals With Disabilities Edu- significant impact on overall student Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- cation Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.). achievement in math or reading. ance of my time. ‘‘(6) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 Additional studies found that stu- The Acting CHAIR (Mr. ALLEN). The U.S.C. 701 et seq.). dents from schools in need of improve- question is on the amendment offered ‘‘(7) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 ment have shown no improvement in by the gentlewoman from the District U.S.C. 6101 et seq.). math or reading due to the voucher ‘‘(8) The Americans with Disabilities Act of of Columbia (Ms. NORTON). 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).’’. program. Furthermore, participating The amendment was rejected. in the voucher program had no impact The Acting CHAIR. There being no b 1715 on student safety, satisfaction, motiva- further amendments, under the rule, Mr. CHAFFETZ (during the reading). tion, or engagement. the Committee rises. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent Mr. Speaker, many of those who ac- Accordingly, the Committee rose; to dispense with the reading. tually won a voucher cannot use them and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there because the voucher does not cover the GRAVES of Louisiana) having assumed objection to the request of the gen- full cost of attending a private or reli- the chair, Mr. ALLEN, Acting Chair of tleman from Utah? gious school. As a result, many who the Committee of the Whole House on Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, win a voucher find that they cannot the state of the Union, reported that I object. use it because they can’t afford the re- that Committee, having had under con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objec- maining cost of the education. So stud- sideration the bill (H.R. 10) to reau- tion is heard. ies have confirmed that fewer than 25 thorize the Scholarships for Oppor- The Clerk will continue to read. percent of the students who use the tunity and Results Act, and for other The Clerk continued to read. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- vouchers are from schools that were purposes, and, pursuant to House Reso- ‘‘in need of improvement.’’ tleman from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT) is lution 480, he reported the bill, as recognized for 5 minutes. The D.C. voucher program fails on all amended by that resolution, back to Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, counts. It violates principles of tradi- the House with a further amendment this is the final amendment to the bill, tional civil rights laws, it makes no adopted in the Committee of the which will not kill the bill or send it improvement on student achievement, Whole. back to committee. If adopted, the bill and it fails to reach the very children The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under will immediately proceed to final pas- it was designed to help. the rule, the previous question is or- sage as amended. Our public schools need more fund- dered. I rise to speak in support of the ing, not less. Rather than funnel tax- The question is on the amendment. Democratic motion to recommit that payer funding to private or religious The amendment was agreed to. would protect the civil rights of stu- schools that lack civil rights protec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The dents at schools that receive vouchers tions and fail to meet the goals of help- question is on the engrossment and by requiring the schools to certify that ing the right students, we should focus third reading of the bill. they provide each student with all ap- our efforts on initiatives that will re- The bill was ordered to be engrossed plicable civil rights protections. sult in overall improvement of the edu- and read a third time, and was read the The D.C. voucher program calls into cational system for all of our students. third time. question multiple Federal civil rights Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to MOTION TO RECOMMIT protections and turns a blind eye to support our children by supporting this Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, the government-funded discrimination. motion to recommit. I have a motion to recommit at the For example, religious schools that ac- I yield back the balance of my time. desk. cept vouchers are permitted to dis- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the criminate on the basis of religion in in opposition to the motion to recom- gentleman opposed to the bill? hiring, a violation of traditional prin- mit. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. I am opposed. ciples prohibiting discrimination based The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The on religion when using Federal money. tleman from Utah is recognized for 5 Clerk will report the motion to recom- The fact is that most religious minutes. mit. schools are part of a ministry of the Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, as I The Clerk read as follows: sponsoring church, and these schools said before, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia is Mr. Scott of Virginia moves to recommit either cannot or will not separate the one of my favorite people in this body. the bill H.R. 10 to the Committee on Over- religious content from their academic I have the greatest respect. His per- sight and Government Reform with instruc- programs. So it is impossible to pre- spective is one that I often share. tions to report the same back to the House vent a publicly funded voucher pro- I would just highlight for this body forthwith with the following amendment: Add at the end of section 6 the following gram for paying for these institutions’ here, because I do urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on new subsection: religious activities and education. this motion to recommit, that we had (f) REQUIRING PROTECTION OF STUDENTS AND Furthermore, schools that accept a field hearing in May. We have had APPLICANTS UNDER CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS.—Sec- vouchers are allowed to discriminate good debate. We had a good markup.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Oct 22, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21OC7.093 H21OCPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 21, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7077 We had always projected to move this Blackburn Hensarling Pompeo Fudge LoBiondo Roybal-Allard bill in the fall. I think it is time to Blum Herrera Beutler Posey Gabbard Loebsack Ruiz Bost Hice, Jody B. Price, Tom Gallego Lofgren Ruppersberger bring up this bill. So we have never had Boustany Hill Ratcliffe Garamendi Lowenthal Rush this issue ever brought to my attention Brady (TX) Holding Reed Gibson Lowey Ryan (OH) as chairman of the committee. Brat Hudson Reichert Graham Lujan Grisham Sa´ nchez, Linda Bridenstine Huelskamp Renacci Grayson (NM) T. I would also highlight that section Brooks (AL) Huizenga (MI) Ribble Green, Al Luja´ n, Ben Ray Sanchez, Loretta 3008, Nondiscrimination and Other Re- Brooks (IN) Hultgren Rice (SC) Green, Gene (NM) Sarbanes quirements for Participating Schools— Buchanan Hunter Rigell Grijalva Lynch Schakowsky ´ I will read just point A. Buck Hurd (TX) Roby Gutierrez MacArthur Schiff Bucshon Hurt (VA) Roe (TN) Hahn Maloney, Schrader ‘‘In General.—An eligible entity or Burgess Issa Rogers (AL) Hanna Carolyn Scott (VA) school participating in any program Byrne Jenkins (KS) Rogers (KY) Hastings Maloney, Sean Scott, David under this division shall not discrimi- Calvert Jenkins (WV) Rohrabacher Heck (WA) Massie Serrano Higgins Matsui Sewell (AL) nate against program participants or Carter (GA) Johnson (OH) Rokita Carter (TX) Johnson, Sam Rooney (FL) Himes McCollum Sherman applicants on the basis of race, color, Chabot Jolly Ros-Lehtinen Hinojosa McDermott Sinema national origin, religion, or sex.’’ Chaffetz Jordan Ross Honda McGovern Sires I do look forward to working with Clawson (FL) Joyce Rothfus Hoyer McNerney Slaughter Coffman Katko Rouzer Huffman Meeks Smith (WA) the gentleman and anybody else on Cole Kelly (MS) Royce Israel Meng Speier these issues moving forward, but I Collins (GA) Kelly (PA) Russell Jackson Lee Moore Swalwell (CA) would urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the motion Collins (NY) King (IA) Ryan (WI) Jeffries Moulton Takai Johnson (GA) Murphy (FL) Takano to recommit. Comstock Kinzinger (IL) Salmon Conaway Kline Sanford Johnson, E. B. Nadler Thompson (CA) I yield back the balance of my time. Cook Knight Scalise Jones Napolitano Thompson (MS) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Costello (PA) Labrador Schweikert Kaptur Neal Titus Cramer LaHood Scott, Austin Keating Nolan Tonko objection, the previous question is or- Kennedy Crawford LaMalfa Sensenbrenner Norcross Torres dered on the motion to recommit. Kildee O’Rourke Tsongas Crenshaw Lamborn Sessions Kilmer Pallone Van Hollen There was no objection. Culberson Lance Shimkus Kind Pascrell Vargas The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Curbelo (FL) Latta Shuster Davis, Rodney Long King (NY) Pelosi Veasey Simpson question is on the motion to recommit. Denham Loudermilk Kirkpatrick Perlmutter Vela Smith (MO) The question was taken; and the DeSantis Love Kuster Peters Vela´ zquez Smith (NE) DesJarlais Lucas Langevin Peterson Visclosky Speaker pro tempore announced that Smith (NJ) Diaz-Balart Luetkemeyer Larsen (WA) Pingree Walz the noes appeared to have it. Smith (TX) Dold Lummis Larson (CT) Pocan Wasserman Stefanik Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Donovan Marchant Lawrence Polis Schultz Stewart Duffy Marino Lee Price (NC) Waters, Maxine on that I demand the yeas and nays. Stivers Duncan (SC) McCarthy Levin Quigley Watson Coleman The yeas and nays were ordered. Stutzman Duncan (TN) McCaul Lewis Rangel Welch Thompson (PA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Ellmers (NC) McClintock Lieu, Ted Rice (NY) Wilson (FL) Thornberry ant to the order of the House of today, Emmer (MN) McHenry Lipinski Richmond Yarmuth further proceedings on this question Farenthold McKinley Tiberi Fincher McMorris Tipton NOT VOTING—5 will be postponed. Trott Fitzpatrick Rodgers Bishop (UT) Kelly (IL) Roskam Turner f Fleischmann McSally Fattah Payne Fleming Meadows Upton Valadao ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Flores Meehan Forbes Messer Wagner b 1751 PRO TEMPORE Fortenberry Mica Walberg Walden Mrs. LAWRENCE and Ms. KUSTER The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Foxx Miller (FL) Franks (AZ) Miller (MI) Walker changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the order Walorski Frelinghuysen Moolenaar ‘‘nay.’’ of the House of today, proceedings will Garrett Mooney (WV) Walters, Mimi resume on questions previously post- Gibbs Mullin Weber (TX) So the bill was passed. Gohmert Mulvaney Webster (FL) The result of the vote was announced poned. Goodlatte Murphy (PA) Wenstrup Votes will be taken in the following Gosar Neugebauer Westerman as above recorded. order: Gowdy Newhouse Westmoreland A motion to reconsider was laid on Whitfield Passage of H.R. 692; Granger Noem the table. Graves (GA) Nugent Williams The motion to recommit on H.R. 10; Graves (LA) Nunes Wilson (SC) Stated for: and Graves (MO) Olson Wittman Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, on roll- Passage of H.R. 10, if ordered. Griffith Palazzo Womack call No. 557, I was unavoidably detained. Had Grothman Palmer Woodall The first electronic vote will be con- Guinta Paulsen Yoder I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Guthrie Pearce Yoho electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Hardy Perry Young (AK) f minute votes. Harper Pittenger Young (IA) Harris Pitts Young (IN) f Hartzler Poe (TX) Zeldin SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OPPORTUNITY Heck (NV) Poliquin Zinke AND RESULTS REAUTHORIZA- DEFAULT PREVENTION ACT NAYS—194 TION ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Adams Carney Davis, Danny The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- finished business is the vote on passage Aguilar Carson (IN) DeFazio finished business is the vote on the mo- of the bill (H.R. 692) to ensure the pay- Amash Cartwright DeGette tion to recommit on the bill (H.R. 10) ment of interest and principal of the Ashford Castor (FL) Delaney Bass Castro (TX) DeLauro to reauthorize the Scholarships for Op- debt of the United States, on which the Beatty Chu, Judy DelBene portunity and Results Act, and for yeas and nays were ordered. Becerra Cicilline Dent other purposes, offered by the gen- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Bera Clark (MA) DeSaulnier Beyer Clarke (NY) Deutch tleman from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT), on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bishop (GA) Clay Dingell which the yeas and nays were ordered. question is on the passage of the bill. Blumenauer Cleaver Doggett The Clerk will redesignate the mo- The vote was taken by electronic de- Bonamici Clyburn Doyle, Michael tion. vice, and there were—yeas 235, nays Boyle, Brendan Cohen F. F. Connolly Duckworth The Clerk redesignated the motion. 194, not voting 5, as follows: Brady (PA) Conyers Edwards The SPEAKER pro tempore. The [Roll No. 557] Brown (FL) Cooper Ellison Brownley (CA) Costa Engel question is on the motion to recommit. YEAS—235 Bustos Courtney Eshoo This is a 5-minute vote. Abraham Babin Benishek Butterfield Crowley Esty The vote was taken by electronic de- Aderholt Barletta Bilirakis Capps Cuellar Farr Allen Barr Bishop (MI) Capuano Cummings Foster vice, and there were—yeas 185, nays Amodei Barton Black Ca´ rdenas Davis (CA) Frankel (FL) 242, not voting 7, as follows:

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