[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 75 (Friday, May 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E972-E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF THE TROOPS TO TEACHERS AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL DEFENSE 
                           AUTHORIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Courtney, 
Petri, Matsui Amendment, to expand and improve our Nation's existing 
Troops to Teachers program.
  I am pleased to introduce this amendment with my colleagues, with 
whom I also sponsored the Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act 
of 2011. Our amendment would make the program more accessible to 
veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan by reducing the military 
service requirement from 6 years to 4 years.
  It would also expand the number of school districts eligible to 
participate, and create an advisory board to increase awareness about, 
and participation in the program.
  Finally, this amendment transfers the program from the Department of 
Education to the Department of Defense.
  Currently, the program is operated by the Department of Defense, but 
funded through the Department of Education. By housing the 
administration and funding of Troops to Teachers in the same 
Department, we will be able to streamline this program for the benefit 
of all of its participants and the students it serves.
  With their proven service, diverse backgrounds, and leadership traits 
our Nation's veterans can serve their country again, by serving as 
teachers in our country's most vulnerable schools. With more veterans 
returning

[[Page E973]]

home from overseas we need to support programs such as Troops for 
Teachers that successfully transition them from the military back into 
civilian life.
  I have seen firsthand the success of this program by visiting 
teachers in my district who returned from service and used the 
program's stipend to help pay for teaching certification classes and 
exams. This amendment is a win-win for our veterans and our students.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bipartisan amendment.

                          ____________________