Rep. Bobby Scott Discusses Priorities of House Education and Labor Committee at MWC Event

McGuireWoods Consulting’s National Education team recently hosted an event with Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) in Washington, D.C. Having recently assumed his role as Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Scott discussed the committee’s priorities for the 116th Congress. Chairman Scott emphasized that the main focus of the Committee would be on providing all Americans, regardless of their background, the opportunity that comes with a quality education. In early learning and K-12 education, the Committee will take steps to hold the Department of Education accountable for implementing the Every Students Succeeds Act, ensuring that states and school districts are meeting their legal obligation to address achievement gaps.

Rep. Scott also discussed expanding the use of evidence-based strategies to improve school safety and school climate, while protecting students’ civil rights. He also plans to focus on investing in child care, early learning and K-12 public schools to ensure students and their families have the basic foundation they need to be successful.

In the higher education realm, the Committee will work to provide every student with a quality education, without the burden of unaffordable debt. Rep. Scott provided details on the Aim Higher Act, which provides every student a path to an affordable, high-quality degree or credential. Other priorities include protecting students and taxpayers from predatory, for-profit institutions and public service loan forgiveness.

Federal Updates

  • The House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing examining educator pay and school infrastructure needs. Committee Chairman Scott said additional hearings will follow that focus on the sufficiency of ESSA, Title I and IDEA funding.
  • The Department of Education is hosting the second negotiated rulemaking session on accreditation and innovation from Tuesday, February 19 to Friday, February 22.
  • New education bills include:
    • H.R.1168 To advance STEM education, provide for improved worker, training, retention, and advancement, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
    • H.R.1197 To establish a pilot program to promote public-private partnerships among apprenticeships or other job training programs, local educational agencies, and community colleges, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]
    • H.R.1190 To prohibit an alien who is not in a lawful immigration status in the United States from being eligible for postsecondary education benefits that are not available to all citizens and nationals of the United States. Sponsor: Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-4]
    • H.R.1094 To authorize the Secretary of Defense to make grants to support the study of world languages in elementary schools and secondary schools. Sponsor: Rep. Price, David E. [D-NC-4]

Read more on education policy on the McGuireWoods Consulting website.