[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4859]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 1965

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                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the 
50th Anniversary of the landmark legislation: The Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965. When this bill was signed into law 50 
years ago, President Johnson understood that ``full educational 
opportunity'' should be our nation's primary goal. This momentous 
legislation affirmed that every child has an equal right to a quality 
education regardless of zip code.
  Our public education system has come a long way since 1965, and 
though we have made great strides in closing achievement gaps and 
increasing the graduation rate, the law is not perfect. There is still 
much, much work to be done. As Congress looks to rewrite this law, we 
must remember the core tenants of Elementary and Secondary Education 
Act. We must seek to ensure that our public education system offers 
equal opportunity for all, and that the needs of our nation's most 
vulnerable children are being met.
  Education is our nation's great equalizer. For 50 years, the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been our nation's driving 
force for educational equity. Education is critical to lift children 
out of poverty and afford opportunities that once seemed unachievable. 
We should expand support for elementary and secondary education--not 
limit it--so that all Americans can receive the education they deserve.

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