High Country Times

Today, Chairman Tim Walberg of the Education and Workforce Committee delivered remarks at a session focused on reviewing five bills intended to protect students, empower workers, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

The first measure, H.R. 2617, known as the Say No to Indoctrination Act, aims to formalize President Trump's executive order regarding gender ideology in K-12 education. The bill seeks to restrict the use of federal funds for teachings related to gender as a spectrum. Additionally, Walberg emphasized that federal funding is a privilege and should not support what he described as "extreme teachings."

Another key piece of legislation is H.R. 2616, the PROTECT Kids Act. Walberg has advocated for this bill, which mandates parental consent before schools can assist students in transitioning genders. Underlining his perspective, Walberg stated, "Parents should be the first to know about major changes in their students, not the last.”

H.Res. 237 is a resolution of inquiry from Democrats, which Walberg characterized as a distraction intended to criticize Republican efforts in education. Highlighting the issue, he noted, "Despite all that spending, fewer than a third of eighth graders are proficient in reading and math."

The committee also discussed H.R. 2262, the Flexibility for Workers Education Act, and H.R. 2270, the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act. H.R. 2262 seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act by removing disincentives for employers offering professional development. Walberg described it as an effort to cut through "red tape." H.R. 2270 aims to encourage employers to provide child care and elder care benefits to their employees.

Concluding his statements, Walberg expressed enthusiasm for the legislative process, which aims to bolster opportunities for students and workers while reinforcing the role of parents and caregivers.