I ran for office on the platform that national security begins at home with the economic security, health security, education security, and environment/energy security of our citizens; these four security pillars, along with defense security, provide for our country’s overall national security. Like all the others, education security is not just an individual matter, but rather critical to America’s collective prosperity.

I chose to be a member of the Committee on Education and Labor because I believe we must dedicate ourselves to improving our nation's schools and continue our efforts to make college more affordable and accessible, so that every student has the opportunity to succeed. That is why I have supported making college more affordable, by expanding student aid by $19 Billion; and the single largest investment in college financial assistance since the 1944 GI Bill, including increasing the maximum Pell Grant by $1,090 -- to $5,400 -- by 2012, cutting interest rates in half on need-based college loans, and providing loan repayment for those who enter public service careers;

We cannot wait until college to provide access to a quality education, though. I support funding for the Head Start early childhood education program, the premier national school readiness program in the United States, which has served well more than 25 million low-income children to be better prepared to succeed in school and later in life.

In an effort to better prepare our students for the increasingly competitive workplace of the 21st century, I have brought together local school districts and companies to be America’s premier example of partnering middle school students with the businesses and industries that can secure their economic future. Opportunities exist for young people to excel in high-value manufacturing fields and obtain quality jobs within an “artisan” workforce, but they need to receive appropriate training during their school years. This program will provide students and parents an experience-based curriculum to help young Americans make informed decisions on how to effectively pursue adult careers. Working with mentors from local trades and professions, students will be exposed to the technologies, work ethic, responsibilities, and satisfaction associated with using of their scholastic ability, inborn talents, and energy to full effect.

Affordable education makes employment possible but not sustainable. That is why I also believe that we must provide adequate health insurance to all Americans, including families and small businesses, children, seniors, and veterans. In addition, mandating participation in a health care plan ensures that the healthy as well as the less healthy are included in the health care coverage pool, thus driving down the cost of premiums as individuals with health risks are distributed among the entire population.

Important Legislation:
Click Here for information about the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009