High Country Times

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) expressed her support following the House's approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). She emphasized the importance of preparing the nation's military to address emerging threats.

"Our adversaries will stop at nothing to undermine our national interests, so ensuring the nation’s military is prepared to combat new and serious threats is paramount," Foxx stated. She highlighted that modern battlegrounds now include educational institutions where foreign actors might attempt to influence young minds with propaganda and antisemitism.

Foxx added, "I am pleased to join my colleagues in passing this through the House. Doing so will give our nation’s armed forces the tools to keep America safe."

The NDAA includes several provisions related to education that fall under the jurisdiction of Foxx's committee. These measures prohibit funding for teaching critical race theory within military settings, ensure equal access for military recruiters in secondary schools, and improve teacher retention in Department of Defense (DOD) schools. Additionally, it restricts DOD research funds from universities collaborating with certain Chinese Communist Party institutions.

Other provisions require DODEA schools to inform parents if their child does not reach reading proficiency by third grade and establish a "Boots to Business" program for retiring service members interested in entrepreneurship. The act also allows children living off-base more opportunities to enroll in DODEA schools if space permits.