May 22, 2006: Meet the Press - Norwood/Graham on Border Security
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On the House Floor
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Education
While the vast majority of education funding comes from the states, as it should, I have voted for a number of measures that increase funding for schools, reduce paperwork burdens, eliminate needless regulations, and most importantly, support our teachers at the federal level.
The U.S. Department of Education has received the largest budget increase of any domestic, non-security agency since President Bush took office. Congress has demonstrated a commitment to the Department of Education in the past through a 150 percent increase in funding from $23 billion in fiscal year 1996 to $57 billion in fiscal year 2005. I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue this strong tradition in the fiscal year 2007 budget and appropriations process.
To me, school choice is about one issue. Who should have the right to determine where a child goes to school -- parents or the government? I wholeheartedly believe parents not only have this right, but are in a much better position than the government to decide what is best for their child.
In fact, educational choice is a Constitutional right, as voiced by the landmark unanimous 1925 Supreme Court, Pierce V. Society of Sisters. We all have a Constitutional right to send our children to school wherever we please.
The only remaining question is the big one - how do we pay for it?
Vouchers are an attempt to return decision-making to families. I will not support any voucher or tax credit that would give the government any direct or indirect oversight of religious or private schools or provide funding with strings attached. Vouchers should go to families for use at the school of their choice.
Unfortunately, some public schools in our nation are not just academically underachieving - they are actually dangerous. Voucher programs enable families to ensure the safety of their children and encourage a healthy learning environment.
While school vouchers may not be in the headlines at the moment, education remains an important priority to this Congress, and I believe vouchers are a key component of reform.
