Recognizing National School Choice Week

Floor Speech

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National School Choice Week and the importance of school choice.

I was proud to join my colleague, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, in introducing the CHOICE Act last Congress, which would expand the school choice options and programs for elementary and secondary school children. I look forward to working together again on similar legislation.

I was also proud to join Representative John Moolenaar last week on his resolution to designate this week as National School Choice Week.

In Iowa, we recognize that every child learns and processes information differently, and we have empowered parents and students to choose the school best suited to their needs.

We are fortunate to have Governor Kim Reynolds, who is leading the Nation in school choice policy, and who has been a strong advocate for school choice throughout her tenure.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children were forced to transition to virtual learning while some private schools stayed open. Unfortunately, this resulted in a significant drop in testing averages across core subjects like reading comprehension and math.

This proved, in some instances, that public schools weren't able to adapt to the needs of each individual student. However, some students in private or charter schools were able to excel because of smaller class sizes or specialized education tailored to their strengths.

I am honored to represent a State where we put parents first, where parents matter, and where parents have a right to a say in their children's education instead of Washington bureaucrats. As a mother of two, I understand how important it is to ensure that your children receive the best education possible.

I will continue to fight for school choice to ensure every child in America has a chance to succeed in the best possible learning environment. Our children deserve nothing less.

I would also like to wish a happy birthday to my nephew. Happy birthday, Andrew.

I would like to extend birthday wishes to Nicholas Pottebaum, one of my very first campaign volunteers and now a health policy adviser to Senator Grassley. Happy birthday, Nick.

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