Education

One of the most important gifts we can give to our children and grandchildren is a quality education. Education is the key that unlocks the door to opportunity and is critical in preparing the next generation for an increasingly competitive global economy.  With so much at stake in Virginia and across the country, I will continue working in Congress to pass legislation to enable our state and local communities to better target their resources to best serve the needs of their students.  I look forward to continuing to receive input from teachers, principals, local and state administrators, and parents as we work to further strengthen our education system.

Actions

• I introduced H. Res. 614, a resolution opposing the President’s proposal to create a college ratings system.

• I am cosponsor of the Local School Board Governance and Flexibility Act (H.R.1386). This legislation expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the responsibility for education resides with the states and the local educational agencies (LEAs) to which they have delegated authority; and (2) the Secretary of Education should only issue those regulations, rules, guidance materials, grant conditions, or other requirements that are specifically needed to implement federal legislation and are within LEAs' educational, operational, and financial capacity.

• I voted in support of the Smarter Solutions for Students Act (H.R. 1911), which moves federal student loans originating after July 1, 2013, to a market-based interest rate.  I supported this legislation because it removes politicians from the student loan equation and provides peace of mind that student loan repayments will be stable into the future. 

• With my support, the House passed the Student Success Act (H.R. 5).  This legislation updates our nation’s K-12 education laws.  The Student Success Act is based on four key principles: it reduces the federal footprint in education policy, restores local control, supports effective teachers, and empowers parents.