Providing for Further Consideration of H.R. 5, Student Success Act, and Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2647, Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership, the gentleman from Washington, and the members of the Committee on Rules for bringing this rule to the floor. I think it is a good rule. I urge a ``yes'' vote on it and the underlying bill, which I am hopeful and pleased we are going to get to today.

In response to some of the last speakers, first of all, let me associate myself with the remarks of Ms. Stefanik from New York. She is right on. This is exactly the kind of policy and law that we need in this country at this particular time because it puts the trust and the personal responsibility back in the hands of the people where it belongs; and that is our parents, our teachers, our school principals, and superintendents.

How arrogant for anyone to think that we here in Washington know better how to raise our children than those children's parents, working hand in hand, side by side, with that child's teacher and school leaders.

This bill is needed. It is right on point. It is needed for the 21st century, and I want to address some of the misinformation that might be out there.

First of all, I want to be very clear, Mr. Speaker, that the civil rights protections, which I agree with my friend, the ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, are very, very important--critical. That is all kept here. That language remains because it is essential.

Secondly, we mandate disaggregated data so that we can see from a holistic, collective standpoint how our children of whatever ethnic background are doing. That is very important. That is kept. Title I is there. There is some more portability, but we think that is a good thing because choice in this subject is a good thing.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would say that this isn't about money. Federal spending in education has gone up 300 percent since the Federal Government got involved in this business, and test results are flat. It is not about money. It is about leadership.

The best way to empower leaders is to give them the tools that they need so that they can help our children grow and compete in the 21st century world and win. That is exactly what the Student Success Act does. It trusts teachers and parents over Washington bureaucrats.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for full support from this House for the rule and for the underlying legislation.

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