[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4548-H4549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 879) supporting the goals and ideals of
American Education Week, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 879
Whereas the National Education Association has designated
November 14 through November 20, 2010, as the 89th annual
observance of American Education Week;
Whereas public schools are the backbone of the Nation's
democracy, providing young people with the tools they need to
maintain the Nation's precious values of freedom, civility,
and equality;
Whereas by equipping young people in the United States with
both practical skills and broader intellectual abilities,
public schools give them hope for, and access to, a
productive future;
Whereas people working in the field of public education, be
they teachers, higher education faculty and staff,
custodians, substitute educators, bus drivers, clerical
workers, food service professionals, workers in skilled
trades, health and student service workers, security guards,
technical employees, or librarians, work tirelessly to serve
children and communities throughout the Nation with care and
professionalism; and
Whereas public schools are community linchpins, bringing
together adults, children, educators, volunteers, business
leaders, and elected officials in a common enterprise: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of American Education
Week; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe
National Education Week by reflecting on the positive impact
of all those who work together to educate children.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, it is my great privilege to rise in support of H.
Res. 879. This measure encourages the people of the United States to
observe National Education Week by reflecting on the positive impact of
all those who work together to educate America's children. American
Education Week spotlights the importance of providing every child in
America with a quality public education from kindergarten through
college and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making
public schools great.
Madam Speaker, America's success in the 21st century will be
determined by our ability to innovate, foster entrepreneurship, and
constantly improve the skill base of our workforce. We believe that the
evolving demands of the global economy make education vital to
sustainable social and economic success. We also believe that education
is a fundamental human right and is the single most important
investment in the future of individuals, communities, the Nation, and
the world. We in Congress and we as a Nation must make it one of our
highest priorities.
H. Res. 879 was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from
Idaho, Representative Walter Minnick, on October 29, 2009. The measure
was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which
ordered it reported by unanimous consent on May 6, 2010. The measure
has the support of over 70 Members of the House.
I thank the gentleman from Idaho for introducing this measure.
And I'd also like to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa for
their support for the bill.
I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise in support of House Resolution 879, supporting the goals and
ideals of American Education Week.
Thousands of teachers in our country inspire our young children to
want to learn and to teach them the vital skills they need both to
succeed in their future careers and in their lives. We also cannot
forget about the librarians, the cafeteria staff, the coaches, the
janitors, the bus drivers, the crossing guards, the administrators, all
those employees who dedicate their time, effort and talents in order to
make sure that our kids are enjoying a safe environment and that
they're welcomed into the classrooms and that they truly learn.
Teachers simply do not receive the gratitude that they deserve. Most
people can remember that one teacher who inspired them in some way and
urged them to explore a subject further. Many of us simply would not
have the same lives or careers without a special teacher to guide us.
For me, that was Mr. Kobiashi in the fifth grade, who really inspired
me to have a true appreciation for the environment and a true
understanding of our oceans and all the living creatures and just
inspired me to be a better person. I still remember him to this day and
can't thank him enough for the service and the thousands of untold
lives that he had touched along the way.
Those are special people, and they ought to be recognized for their
efforts, and while I know that this resolution is important, they truly
get the satisfaction that they deserve and that they need by inspiring
those young people throughout our country.
Yet for all the effort and tireless hours the teachers put in every
single
[[Page H4549]]
day, we oftentimes forget to thank them formally as well. As a country,
we need to do more to thank teachers and educators for their hard work
and service to America's youth.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
American Education Week gives us the opportunity to take a week to
think about and thank all the educators for their work. Hopefully this
week will also inspire all Americans to think about the work that
educators do, not just during American Education Week but every day, so
that we begin to give teachers and educators the thanks and
appreciation that they truly deserve; and that, in each individual
community, those people, those parents and the others affected in the
community, support their teachers, the educators and all the support
staff, and all the moving parts that make these things happen so they
can truly feel the love and support of a Nation and make that
environment the very best environment it can be for our kids to learn.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Texas, Representative Ruben Hinojosa.
Mr. HINOJOSA. I rise today in support of H. Res. 879. I want to thank
the National Education Association, NEA, and its 3.2 million members
for designating November 15 through November 21 as American Education
Week.
I also wish to acknowledge and thank Representative Minnick from
Idaho for introducing this important resolution, and I thank the
gentlelady from California for giving me time to speak.
As subcommittee chairman for Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and
Competitiveness, I congratulate all of our teachers, higher education
faculty and staff, custodians, substitute educators, bus drivers,
clerical workers, food service professionals, workers in skilled
trades, health and student services workers, security guards, technical
employees, and librarians for working tirelessly on behalf of our
children, parents, and communities.
Our Nation's public schools and colleges and universities continue to
be the great equalizer and the backbone of American democracy. They
open the doors of opportunity to millions of graduates every year.
In order to access family-sustaining jobs in our economy, it is
imperative that all children, all youth and adults receive a high
quality education and are equipped with 21st century skills to thrive
in our Nation's economy.
As our Nation strives to build a world-class educational system,
increase graduation rates at all levels, and improve literacy for adult
learners, we must recognize our teachers, our principals, our faculty,
and school personnel for their professionalism and extraordinary
commitment to care for and educate our children, youth, and adults for
a 21st century workforce.
I commend President Obama, I commend Chairman Miller and my
colleagues for making historic investments in education and for
ensuring accessibility and affordability in higher education with the
enactment of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
I urge my colleagues and our Nation to observe American Education
Week and the invaluable contributions of our Nation's educators. You
all make a world of difference in the lives of our students and
families. I thank you.
Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and
I yield back the balance of our time.
Ms. WATSON. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr.
Minnick).
Mr. MINNICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California
and extend her an invitation to come to Idaho anytime.
Madam Chair, you'd be a good addition.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 879, celebrating
the goals and ideals of American Education Week. Public schools are the
backbone of America's democracy and the key to our continuing
competitiveness in a 21st century global economy.
In 2010, the 89th American Education Week will take place November 14
to November 20. Each day will spotlight the importance of providing
every child in America with a quality public education from pre-K
through college.
As Federal legislators, we must continue to support American public
education and make it the very best in the world. Dedicated American
educators, teachers, principals, administrators, and their trade
organizations work tirelessly to serve students and communities
throughout the Nation with care and professionalism.
American Education Week celebrates the effort and achievements of
these dedicated professionals and encourages community, parental and
elected government official involvement in our public schools.
{time} 1400
As a parent of four children, all of whom benefited from an
outstanding public school education, I have witnessed firsthand the
extraordinary lengths to which our hardworking teachers go in helping
American youth to learn. I applaud the nearly 15,000 teachers and
thousands of support staff in Idaho and those throughout this great
Nation who devote their professional lives to ensuring our children are
equipped with the skills, knowledge and work ethic required to succeed
in 21st century America.
Let's all enthusiastically endorse American Education Week. I urge my
colleagues to support this resolution and recognize the efforts and
sacrifices of America's educators.
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my
strong support for H. Res. 879 supporting the goals and ideals of
American Education Week.
I would like to share a quote from Mr. William Arthur Ward who said
``The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior
teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.'' I agree with Mr.
Ward about the incredible difference a great teacher can make in a
child's life. It is in the classroom environment that an educator can
best lay a solid foundation in children's lives by instilling the
values of determination and diligence within them. Quality education is
thus an essential element to opening the door to a bright future for
our country.
Madam Speaker, in celebrating American Education Week, we stand to
acknowledge and celebrate the true importance of a fine education.
During the week of November 14-November 20, I encourage my colleagues
in Congress and all Americans to please take the time to appreciate the
people who have made a difference in educating children across the
nation, especially the local educators in Georgia's 4th District. I
would like to personally thank the school board members,
administrators, teachers, librarians, counselors, parents, substitute
teachers, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and staff members
who have devoted their lives to educating the youth of my district.
I truly appreciate the important difference that educators make in
children's lives through their dedication and tireless effort. I
encourage my colleagues to join me in expressing their appreciation for
all educators in the nation during American Education Week by
supporting this important resolution.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in
supporting this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 879, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
____________________