[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 13329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                THE ENGLISH LEARNING AND INNOVATION ACT

  (Mr. GARCIA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of improving educational 
opportunities for a group of students that our education system has 
left behind, English language learners, or ELLs. Even though English 
language learners are the fastest-growing student population in the 
United States, they score far behind their English-speaking peers and, 
more likely than others, lack the resources needed to succeed in our 
schools.
  That is why I am introducing the English Learning and Innovation Act, 
which will create two grant programs to enable schools to better 
provide a high-quality education to students working to learn English.
  As someone who grew up in Miami, I recognize the value of students 
who don't yet speak English who are building a vibrant community 
together.
  This bill has the support of a number of organizations, including the 
NEA, NCLR, and the National Association for Bilingual Education. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in taking action to strengthen English 
language education.

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