[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     H.J. RES. 57 AND H.J. RES. 58

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2017

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, today, I voted against H.J. Res. 57 
and H.J. Res. 58, two pieces of legislation which threaten students' 
right to a high-quality education.
  In 2015, I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Every Student 
Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized federal regulations for K-12 
education. It is shocking that scarcely one year after ESSA was signed 
into law, Congress is trying to pass these resolutions which will 
devastate public education, particularly for minority and vulnerable 
children.
  H.J. Res. 57 prevents the federal government from uncovering 
discrimination and civil rights abuses in our schools. Under this 
resolution, the U.S. Department of Education cannot require states to 
provide data about vulnerable student groups. This prevents the 
department from holding schools accountable for academic performance 
and disciplinary practices.
  H.J. Res. 58 makes it more difficult for prospective teachers to find 
programs that will prepare them for success in the classroom. It also 
removes incentives to make our teaching workforce more diverse. This is 
especially troubling at a time when California is suffering from a 
teacher shortage.
  Sadly, these resolutions arrive on the same day that the United 
States Senate voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. 
Unfortunately, Senate Republicans ignored grave concerns from parents, 
teachers, and students nationwide about her lack of familiarity with 
basic public education issues, federal laws, and her refusal to protect 
public education and civil rights.
  As the Congresswoman for California's 40th District, I will fight 
against any policy that jeopardizes the ability of students to receive 
an excellent education. That is why I oppose H.J. Res. 57 and H.J. Res. 
58.