Scott Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Fix No Child Left Behind

Statement

Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the 359-64 passage of S.1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act -- a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and replace No Child Left Behind:

"Today's bipartisan vote to reauthorize the ESEA affirms the principles of Brown v. Board of Education, which held that "it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education,' and "that such an opportunity is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.'

"Fifty years ago, Congress originally passed ESEA to help make that right a reality, and throughout this process, Democrats ensured that the Every Student Succeeds Act truly honored the civil rights legacy of the law.

"Today's vote is also an embodiment of what we can achieve here in Washington -- a workable compromise that does not force either side to desert its core beliefs. This agreement ensures that when achievement gaps are found, meaningful action will be taken to intervene and support the needs of students. It ensures that funds will continue to be directed to communities most in need and it give teachers and schools the resources they need to support all students.

"The Every Student Succeeds Act brings our education system into the 21st century, and will make a positive difference in the lives of our nation's students by giving every student an equal chance to succeed. I look forward to the vote by the Senate that will send President Obama a bill that is indeed worthy of his signature."

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