[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 70 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY THROUGH QUALITY CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. SEAN P. DUFFY

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2014

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 10) to amend 
     the Charter School Program under the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965.

  Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Chair, on Tuesday, my amazing wife Rachel gave birth 
to our seventh child, a fifth daughter to add to our brood. And whether 
it is our seventh or seventeenth baby, the first few days always feel 
the same. The curiosity of who this little girl will become is just as 
high with her as it was when our oldest was born.
  We wonder, will she have an affinity for math or be drawn to the 
classics? Will she excel in music or languages? Will she have an 
interest in history or world affairs? With all of our children, we know 
only time can answer these questions, but her schooling will certainly 
play a part.
  It is a sentiment shared by millions of parents. That is why I rise 
in strong support of H.R. 10, the Success and Opportunity through 
Quality Charter Schools Act. I am a proud co-sponsor of this 
legislation, and am happy to see it on the floor, especially today.
  My congressional district has the 25th highest number of charter 
schools in the country. All parents want choices and opportunities for 
our children and charter schools provide those options. Schools no 
longer have to be dictated by where families buy their house, and a zip 
code should no longer dictate the quality of education our children 
receive. These things should be chosen based on the education parents 
want their children to receive.
  Demand for charter schools has never been higher. Currently, over 1 
million student names are on waiting lists for a public charter school. 
From New York City to rural Wisconsin, these schools play an integral 
role in educating our children. As our new baby girl grows up, we will 
value the choices she is given because of the Success and Opportunity 
through Quality Charter Schools Act.
  I'm thankful for the committee's work on this important bill.

                          ____________________