[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 178 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS BILL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, some questioned whether Washington 
could ever agree on a replacement for No Child Left Behind. They 
needn't question any longer. Just consider today's headline from the 
Associated Press: ``Outdated education law up for major makeover in the 
Senate.''
  This morning we expect that a new Senate that is back to work will 
send the Every Student Succeeds Act to the President for his signature. 
This forward-looking replacement for a broken law would open new 
opportunities for our kids and put education back in the hands of those 
who understand their needs best: parents, teachers, States, and school 
boards.
  This bipartisan legislation would strengthen charter schools. This 
bipartisan legislation would prevent distant bureaucrats from imposing 
common core. This bipartisan legislation would substitute one-size-
fits-all Federal mandates for greater State and local flexibility. In 
short, it is conservative reform designed to help students succeed, 
instead of helping Washington grow. It is a significant achievement for 
our country.
  I thank everyone who helped make this moment possible. At the top of 
the list are two Senators. There is Senator Alexander, a former 
Education Secretary from Tennessee, a Republican; and there is Senator 
Murray, a former preschool teacher from Washington State, a Democrat. 
They worked very hard. They worked across the aisle, and they worked in 
good faith.
  Their success in this effort is our country's gain. It is a win for 
parents, and it is a win for dedicated teachers. Most importantly, it 
is a win for children because these young Americans deserve the 
enhanced opportunities the bill would provide.
  There is something else we know about Senator Alexander and Senator 
Murray about their accomplishment. It is a testament to what a new and 
more open approach can bring to the legislative process. It gives 
Senators of both parties more of a say. It gives Senators of both 
parties more of a stake. So Senators are more likely to be interested 
in working together and seeing good ideas through to completion. That 
is just what we have seen here.
  Senator Murray said: ``I am very proud of the bipartisan work we have 
done on the Senate floor--debating amendments, taking votes, and making 
this good bill even better.''
  Senator Alexander said: ``The bill is just one more example that 
Congress is back to work.''
  I couldn't agree more. Finding a serious replacement for No Child 
Left Behind eluded Washington for years. Today it will become another 
bipartisan achievement for our country.
  I urge every colleague to join me in voting to send this forward-
looking, conservative reform to the President's desk. Let's help every 
student by passing a bill NPR calls a ``sea change in the federal 
approach'' and the Wall Street Journal hails as ``the largest 
devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter-century.''

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