Scott Statement on Election as Ranking Member of Committee on Education and the Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement today on his election as the Ranking Democratic Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce for the 114th Congress:
“I am honored to be elected by my colleagues to lead Democrats on the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the 114th Congress. When I was first elected to Congress, I was privileged to serve on this committee to promote educational opportunity for all children, economic justice for families and fairness and safety for America’s workers.
“During my tenure on this Committee, I have learned from some great leaders – from Chairman Bill Ford and Ranking Member Bill Clay to our retiring Ranking Member and former Chairman George Miller. This committee raised the minimum wage twice; protected child nutrition and head start programs from deep cuts; significantly reduced interest rates for federal student loans while securing the largest investment in higher education since the G.I. bill; and we proudly passed a law that makes quality and affordable health care for all a reality. We still have more work to do.
“This Committee has serious issues to tackle in the next session – closing the achievement gap, reducing the school dropout rate, addressing college affordability, dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline, improving child nutrition, giving America’s workers a long overdue and much deserved raise, guaranteeing retirement security for our seniors, ensuring workers’ rights, and protecting affordable health care for all Americans.
“As Ranking Member, I will continue the same strong and principled democratic leadership of my predecessors that has steered this committee since I was first named to it. I know this task will be much easier due to the dedication and talent of the Committee’s Democratic members. I look forward to working closely with them and our Republican colleagues to advance the priorities of America’s students, families and workers.”
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