The following release is from Senator Paul's office:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee giving members merely 48 hours to read and discuss the 868-page No Child Left Behind/Elementary and Secondary Education Act amendment bill, Sen. Rand Paul filed 74 amendments of his own and immediately insisted the committee first read the bill, find out what is in the bill, and hear from those it would most affect.
Today, the HELP Committee, following Sen. Paul’s legislative action, held a markup session to discuss the amendments proposed and ways forward. Members discussed the bill and at Sen. Paul’s urging, scheduled a new hearing to be held Nov. 8. Sen. Paul then forced a vote in committee to repeal No Child Left Behind in its entirety, to which only Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) concurred.
Sen. Paul issued this statement following the markup:
“Today’s news of the hearing offers an opportunity for teachers, superintendents, parents, and students across the country. The HELP Committee will hold a hearing where these groups will be involved in the process to fix No Child Left Behind and offer their opinions on the pending legislation.
“I've been here nearly a year and until my urging, there have been no hearings on No Child Left Behind. I have seen no hearings that involved those most affected by this legislation and I think this is an affront to the process.
“I have sought the input of many teachers and education groups and they shared both a similar concern and position. They would like to be involved in an open political process. They also weren’t in favor of No Child Left Behind. In fact, they wanted more local control. But, I’d like to hear from as many teachers, administrators, and parents as possible, which is why I am asking them to contact my office and share their opinion on No Child Left Behind before the next hearing.”
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