[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

  (Ms. BONAMICI asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, Benjamin Franklin said: ``An investment 
in knowledge pays the best interest.'' I agree.
  I am proud to lead the Public Schools Week resolution with my 
colleagues, Representatives Pocan, Graves, and Thompson. This 
resolution recognizes the importance of and contributions of our public 
schools to the country and to our Nation's young people.
  I came to Congress to strengthen public education and to make sure 
that all students, regardless of their race, color, national origin, 
ZIP Code, or family wealth, have an equal opportunity to obtain a high-
quality, well-rounded public education.
  At the State of the Union, I was disappointed to hear the President 
dismiss public schools as failing government schools. Public schools 
are not disconnected from the communities around them. They are our 
schools, our children, our students in our communities; and it is our 
collective responsibility to do all we can to strengthen, not weaken, 
our system of public education.
  I will continue to fight for public schools every day, and I am proud 
to honor them this week.

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