WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, delivered the following statement on the U.S. House floor regarding the Student Success Act (H.R. 5):

“Today we find ourselves on the House floor yet again debating H.R. 5.  After several months of delay, the Majority party has yet to realize that this bill is not in the best interest of America’s children.  We all agree, Congress must reauthorize a strong Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). H.R. 5 does not meet the test.

“Any reauthorization must ensure:

1) education is properly funded at the state and federal level for all of America’s children;

2)  all students have access to a well-rounded education, which includes subjects like physical education, music, and the arts; and

3) students are annually accessed, which allows for parents and teachers to measure student progress.

“H.R. 5 does none of these things; instead it fails our students, our teachers and our families.  The bill drastically reduces education funding, eliminates and weakens protections for disabled students, fails to provide a well-rounded education for all students, and generally makes it more difficult to educate those for whom the act was designed to protect.

“The bill turns Title I funding into a block grant program, disproportionally harming disadvantaged and low-income students.  Schools across the country, including some in my Congressional district, rely on these funds to help ensure children are given a fair chance to meet state academic standards.  H.R. 5 also allows Title I dollars to become portable, which would divert much needed funds from the highest need poverty schools and districts.

“H.R. 5 removes requirements for states to ensure that students graduate from high-school college and career ready.  The bill focuses primarily on math and reading assessments without providing programmatic support for literacy, STEM and other subjects that provide a well-rounded curriculum.  It eliminates wrap around support services such as afterschool, family engagement, physical, dental and mental health programs so many disadvantaged students need to succeed.

“This year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.  The bill, essentially a civil rights law, reaffirmed that every child has the right to an equal opportunity for a quality education.  However, H.R. 5 undermines the law’s original intent, turning back the clock on equity and accountability in American public education. H.R. 5 ignores the needs of America’s most vulnerable students.

“H.R. 5 is a step backward in our country’s education system, not a step forward.  This legislation fails our students and their families. America  deserves better.”

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