[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 53 (Thursday, March 23, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1332-H1333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORTING HIGHEST QUALITY EDUCATION EVERYWHERE IN AMERICA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, MAGA Republicans continue to use 
political stunts to try to distract the American people with 
unnecessary legislation.
  This week, House Republicans are advancing the Politics Over Parents 
Act. This legislation is part of a harmful and nationwide extreme MAGA 
Republican crusade toward censorship and book bans.

[[Page H1333]]

  It would deprive our students of an accurate and fact-based 
education. Extreme Republicans are bringing culture wars into our 
classrooms.
  I want to be clear, Mr. Speaker. I support a parent's right to be 
involved in their child's education. That is why, together with 
President Biden, Democrats are delivering the support and resources our 
schools need. House Democrats are working together to provide our 
American children with the highest quality level of education 
everywhere in America. That is what parents want for their children.
  Parents want their children to feel safe in their schools. Moms worry 
every day, everywhere, about whether or not they are going to get that 
text or that call about a shooter at their child's school.
  Recently, Mr. Speaker, I spoke at a seniors' event, and afterwards 
visited with the seniors for Q&A. This question came up from a 
grandmom. She is worried about her grandbaby. When will we do something 
about guns? Will her grandbaby be safe?
  Sadly, today, the leading cause of death in children is firearms, but 
House Republicans have not held a single hearing on gun safety. 
Instead, they have found the time to ban and censor books in school 
libraries.
  House Republicans continue to waste time on political stunts.
  House Democrats, on the other hand, are focused on improving public 
education and making our schools safer.
  Americans want Congress to work together to solve real problems. 
House Republicans need to stop wasting time on circus-style hearings 
and divisive legislation that, frankly, will go nowhere.
  The real problem in our schools isn't books or critical race theory; 
it is keeping guns out of schools, addressing teacher shortages, and 
keeping students and staff safe.
  House Democrats will always continue to put children over guns, books 
over bullets because every child deserves to go to school without fear 
of losing their life.

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