On "Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Deplorably Infringed on...

ON ``EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT DEPLORABLY INFRINGED ON PARENTAL RIGHTS IN FIELDS V. PALMDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT.'' -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 15, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2005

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today this House considers a resolution to condemn a ruling by a United States Court of Appeals. Whether we agree with the Court's decision or not, the Court returned its decisions based on Constitutional law. A Congressional resolution in reaction to the Palmdale School District's part in the development and use of the survey tool would be the more appropriate role for this Congress. The Palmdale School District, not the Court, failed the parents and students. Parents have the right to a final say in the type of education their child receives and the right to deny their child's participation in surveys and research. Parents can only do so when they are given full and accurate information.

As a Member of Congress, it is my role to create, consider, and vote on legislation. The Court's role is to rule on those laws. I will vote ``present'' on this resolution before us today because I believe strongly in the separate branches of our government and that Congress oversteps our role by denouncing the Court's decision.

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