[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2123, SCHOOL READINESS ACT OF 2005

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to oppose the 
Boustany amendment and all the explicit discrimination it represents.
  Mr. Boustany's proposal fundamentally changes Head Start hiring and 
firing protections provided for Head Start teachers and staff by 
Federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws. If this amendment passes, 
this would be the first time Congress has acted on the House Floor to 
specifically repeal civil rights protections established to combat 
discrimination.
  The amendment is a blatant attack on civil rights. And, it is 
offensive to Americans who value equal rights and justice, and to the 
many of us who are strong people of faith.
  This amendment would allow faith-based organizations that receive 
Federal Head Start dollars to discriminate in the hiring and firing of 
Head Start employees simply based on religion. These changes could also 
affect Head Start parents who might serve as volunteers or advisory 
board members for their children's Head Start program.
  And these acts of discrimination would be paid for with U.S. taxpayer 
dollars!
  In addition, this amendment changes Federal Equal Employment 
Opportunity laws in the Head Start Act. The effects of these changes on 
the rights of women and people with disabilities are unclear. Certainly 
the questions surrounding this possible reduction in rights should be 
answered before we undo hard-fought civil rights protections.
  Let us be clear. Faith-based organizations currently are providing 
Head Start services. I support faith-based organizations. Their 
missions and their work are valued by all of us. This amendment 
provides no additionl opportunities to faith-based Head Start 
providers. It simply provides them the explicit right to discriminate 
based on religion using taxpayer dollars.
  Mr. Speaker, Head Start is a program intended to reduce barriers and 
to provide increased opportunities and equality for low-income children 
and their families. It is shameful that some of my colleagues are 
acting today to reduce opportunities and increase barriers for Head 
Start families.
  I urge my colleagues--don't give discrimination a Head Start. Oppose 
this dangerous amendment.

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