[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       LODI TEACHERS RECOGNITION

  (Ms. Pou of New Jersey was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Christine Orosz and Melanie 
Panarese, two exceptional educators in Lodi, New Jersey, whose 
dedication to their students and community exemplifies the very best of 
public education.
  A graduate of Lodi public schools, Christine returned home to serve 
the district that shaped her. Since joining Lodi in 2012, she has grown 
from school counselor to supervisor of school counseling, overseeing 
guidance and mental health support for students across her district.
  Working with first-generation college aspirants, English language 
learners, and students from working-class families, Christine has 
demystified college applications and financial aid. She has opened 
doors that once seemed out of reach.
  Her leadership has helped raise Lodi's high school graduation rate 
from roughly three-in-four students to nearly 90 percent.
  Melanie Panarese, an English teacher at Lodi High School, brings the 
same commitment to her classroom every single day. With two decades in 
the profession and 7 years serving Lodi students, Melanie's lessons 
encourage critical thinking and creativity.
  She also pioneered an academic yearbook course allowing students to 
design, write, and produce the school's yearbook, building 
collaboration and pride in their work. Colleagues praise her 
exceptional ability to make every student feel seen and valued.
  Both Christine and Melanie were named New Jersey Exemplary Educators 
in 2025, an honor reserved for educators who demonstrate true 
leadership and positive influence on students and colleagues.
  At a time when school districts face growing challenges and 
diminishing resources, educators like Christine and Melanie continue to 
step up, providing stability, opportunity, and hope for young men and 
women.
  Together, their work reminds us that investment in public education 
is ultimately an investment in our communities and our future.
  Christine and Melanie represent the very best of public education, 
and I am proud to honor them today.


                        Paterson Schools Funding

  Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, while we are talking about education in 
America, I want to talk about something more serious: the Department of 
Education's continued war on our schools.
  Last month, without warning, the Department informed eight schools in 
our district that it was rescinding $8 million in critical funding.
  I urgently appealed to Secretary McMahon. My office met with the 
Department, and our school districts repeatedly sought engagement. We 
were ignored.
  Over the holidays, the Department informed us that the cuts were 
final and will begin immediately.
  Over the next 3 years alone, schools in our district will lose 
millions of dollars promised and planned for. The program has already 
shown positive educational outcomes, and the negative consequences for 
our kids will be felt for years to come.
  Our school districts have been willing to work with the Trump 
administration to remedy any issue to find a fair path forward, but 
that willingness has not been matched.
  Across the U.S., the Department of Education is dismantling public 
schools. New Jersey is the latest victim.
  I will continue working with our district school officials to use 
every single tool available to restore this funding and to fight to 
support public education. I will not give up on our children.

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