[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ON ``EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE 
    UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT DEPLORABLY 
 INFRINGED ON PARENTAL RIGHTS IN FIELDS V. PALMDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT.''

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today this House considers a 
resolution to condemn a ruling by a United States Court of Appeals. 
Whether we agree with the Court's decision or not, the Court returned 
its decisions based on Constitutional law. A Congressional resolution 
in reaction to the Palmdale School District's part in the development 
and use of the survey tool would be the more appropriate role for this 
Congress. The Palmdale School District, not the Court, failed the 
parents and students. Parents have the right to a final say in the type 
of education their child receives and the right to deny their child's 
participation in surveys and research. Parents can only do so when they 
are given full and accurate information.
  As a Member of Congress, it is my role to create, consider, and vote 
on legislation. The Court's role is to rule on those laws. I will vote 
``present'' on this resolution before us today because I believe 
strongly in the separate branches of our government and that Congress 
oversteps our role by denouncing the Court's decision.

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