House Passes Education Bill With Civics Ed Support

Washington, DC – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement upon House passage yesterday evening of the Every Student Succeeds Act, legislation that reforms and decentralizes elementary and secondary education and include support for civics education:

“Freedom can only be preserved with knowledge and vigilance, and when people understand the history of our founding and how our government works. So it is undeniably important to the well-being and continuity of our nation’s ideals to support civics education. This week, Congress will pass legislation supporting civics education throughout the United States so the next generation can preserve our great tradition of liberty and build an even stronger America.

“In our community, students have already been challenged to learn about our founding and engage with their government. Our ‘We the People’ competitions teach American values while instilling a sense of cooperation and hard work. But ultimately, raising a civics-minded generation is impossible without the dedication of our teachers and community members. Congress supports their efforts, and I personally thank them for the passion they have in their important work.”

Additionally, leaders of our community’s civics education program provided the following statements:

“I feel certain that Kern County students and educators will benefit from legislative support to provide teacher training and student resources focused on civic education. The efforts of Congressman Kevin McCarthy to move this legislation forward will have an impact on our county which goes far beyond the classroom.” – Terri Richmond, Golden Valley High School social studies teacher & Center for Civic Education California state coordinator

“Leading educators from throughout the nation would like to thank House Majority Leader McCarthy for conveying his strong support for the American History and Civics Education National Activities section (Sec. 2233) that was incorporated in the final conference agreement of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. That section provides for critical and greatly needed federal funding for elementary and secondary education programs that educate students about the U.S. Constitution --- the foundation of our freedom.  Ultimately, Congressman McCarthy’s support won the day for the acceptance by House conferees for this important provision.”  – Charles Quigley, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Education

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