[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H5586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       21ST CENTURY GREEN SCHOOLS

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, a healthy learning environment for our 
children is the gateway to a brighter future. Unfortunately, too many 
of them attend schools that are crumbling, making it harder for 
teachers to teach and students to learn. In fact, research has shown 
better quality schools have higher rates of student achievement.
  For this reason I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 2187, the 21st 
Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act to 
modernize, upgrade, and repair school facilities across this country. 
This legislation creates healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient 
learning environments for our Nation's children. In addition to 
improving our schools, this bill will play an important role in 
protecting our environment and improving our economy through the 
creation of environmentally sound schools and the creation of thousands 
of new construction jobs.
  Madam Speaker, I represent an urban district where many students 
would benefit from the modernization of these schools. By passing this 
bill, these students and others across this country will get the 
opportunity to learn in a healthier and sounder environment.

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