Global Learning Loss Assessment Act of 2021

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Representatives Houlahan and Fitzpatrick, for their work on the Global Learning Loss Assessment Act.

As of December 2020, the United Nations estimated that school classrooms for one in five children, which is over 320 million children, remained closed. Further reports indicate more than 880 million children worldwide faced disruptions to their education due to full and partial school closures.

The continued closure of schools and classrooms is having a devastating impact on the education and the development of the next generation. This bill requires a report on COVID-19 impacts on the United States to support education programs in developing countries.

Last year, the United States provided over $900 million to support basic education programs, including support for teacher training, curriculum development, and expanding access to education for refugees and communities in conflict zones.

In many countries, including here in the United States, schools were forced to pivot to virtual learning or close entirely. This bill does not provide any additional assistance. Instead, it requires USAID to assess how previously appropriated funds have been impacted by school closures and other COVID-19-related issues.

It also requires an assessment of how the administration and our implementing partners are changing programs to avoid backsliding in education outcomes as COVID-19 continues to prevent regular schooling.

It is critical that we understand the impacts of COVID-19 on our programs to ensure our foreign aid is used efficiently and effectively.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Houlahan for this important legislation that she is introducing. Education lays the foundation for future prosperity and stability. I am deeply concerned by the impact this pandemic is having on school children, particularly amongst the vulnerable communities facing conflict and refugees who are already experiencing barriers to educational access.

We must understand the full scope of these challenges in order to address programs accordingly and ensure effective use of our funds. So I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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