High Country Times

Today, the Education and Workforce Committee approved four legislative bills aimed at safeguarding students, empowering workers, and decreasing bureaucratic hurdles. Alongside this, the Committee reported adversely on a Democratic resolution of inquiry, which Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) described as an attempt to sidetrack measures meant to address longstanding educational shortcomings.

Chairman Walberg expressed, “Republicans are committed to protecting children from the radical gender ideology taking root in our classrooms. For too long, schools have subjected students to a left-wing agenda that subverts parents’ role in their child’s wellbeing and distracts from what teachers are meant to do: teach. These bills are important steps in protecting parental rights and students. Additionally, the Committee blocked Democrats’ resolution of inquiry that would derail efforts to reduce the role of Washington bureaucrats. Federal involvement in education has resulted in lower scores and higher costs, which is why Republicans are working to return education to the states so students, not systems, are empowered."

He also noted the advancement of legislation updating the nation's wage-and-hour rules. “Instead of giving the federal government as much control over America’s workforce as possible, Republicans are giving the workforce more flexibility, choice, and mobility. The bills passed today help create a more skilled workforce, empower employee growth, create a pro-family work environment, and provide innovative solutions to the high cost of child care," he stated. Walberg highlighted the Committee's readiness to adapt to evolving worker needs to promote American prosperity.

The Committee reported favorably on several bills:

H.R. 2617, the Say No to Indoctrination Act, seeks to affirm biological classification into two sexes and counters gender identity ideologies.

H.R. 2616, the PROTECT Kids Act, underscores the primary role of parents in decisions about their child's identity in school settings and aims to protect teachers from being forced to conceal information from parents.

H.R. 2262, the Flexibility for Workers Education Act, removes barriers preventing businesses from providing voluntary education and training opportunities to workers without cost implications.

H.R. 2270, the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act, encourages family-friendly workplace environments by allowing child care benefits without impact on overtime calculations for hourly workers.

The adversely reported legislation, H.Res. 237, seeks documents regarding reductions and downsizing at the Department of Education. The resolution purportedly undermines initiatives to tackle extensive education challenges, maintaining a status quo where the proficiency of eighth graders is suboptimal.

Full details of the Committee's meeting and discussions are available in the video of the markup.