Student Success Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 5.

My colleague from Nevada must be talking to different teachers and parents than I am. This bill would hurt students and teachers and undermine the longstanding Federal mandate to guarantee educational opportunity for all students.

I am particularly concerned about the impact this bill would have on English language learners, especially at a time when Nevada schools have seen a significant increase in ELL students. These students enrich our schools with new cultural perspectives, but they need resources and quality instruction to help them succeed academically. H.R. 5 would reduce such resources just when schools and students need them most.

This bill would also be devastating for students in special ed. Most students with learning disabilities can meet high standards if they are given the appropriate tools. H.R. 5, however, denies them the chance to learn and thrive.

Education is the best investment we can make for the future of our Nation, yet H.R. 5 starves our schools, reduces standards, and diminishes our national commitment to equal access to learning.

Let's call it what it is, the Letting Our Students Down Act, and let's vote it down.

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