[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 24, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H256-H257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from

[[Page H257]]

Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National 
School Choice Week and the importance of school choice.
  I was proud to join my colleague, Senator Tim Scott of South 
Carolina, in introducing the CHOICE Act last Congress, which would 
expand the school choice options and programs for elementary and 
secondary school children. I look forward to working together again on 
similar legislation.
  I was also proud to join Representative   John Moolenaar last week on 
his resolution to designate this week as National School Choice Week.
  In Iowa, we recognize that every child learns and processes 
information differently, and we have empowered parents and students to 
choose the school best suited to their needs.
  We are fortunate to have Governor Kim Reynolds, who is leading the 
Nation in school choice policy, and who has been a strong advocate for 
school choice throughout her tenure.

                              {time}  1215

  During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children were forced to transition 
to virtual learning while some private schools stayed open. 
Unfortunately, this resulted in a significant drop in testing averages 
across core subjects like reading comprehension and math.
  This proved, in some instances, that public schools weren't able to 
adapt to the needs of each individual student. However, some students 
in private or charter schools were able to excel because of smaller 
class sizes or specialized education tailored to their strengths.
  I am honored to represent a State where we put parents first, where 
parents matter, and where parents have a right to a say in their 
children's education instead of Washington bureaucrats. As a mother of 
two, I understand how important it is to ensure that your children 
receive the best education possible.
  I will continue to fight for school choice to ensure every child in 
America has a chance to succeed in the best possible learning 
environment. Our children deserve nothing less.
  I would also like to wish a happy birthday to my nephew. Happy 
birthday, Andrew.
  I would like to extend birthday wishes to Nicholas Pottebaum, one of 
my very first campaign volunteers and now a health policy adviser to 
Senator Grassley. Happy birthday, Nick.

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