Hoyer Statement on the 50th Anniversary of President Johnson Proposing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson proposing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in a speech on January 12, 1965:

“Fifty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson laid out his vision of robust federal investment in public education as a central component of the War on Poverty, marking the beginning of the successful effort to pass the bipartisan Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.  Every child in America deserves a quality education that opens doors to opportunity and a career.  The ESEA’s premise has always been that a pathway to a secure place in America’s middle class begins in a safe and nurturing classroom.  Over the past five decades, Congress has reauthorized this law and made it stronger by coming together in a bipartisan way to put our children’s future first. 

“I was disappointed that the last reauthorization bill considered by the Republican House in July 2013 passed on a partisan vote and was opposed by teachers and student advocates.  It is critical that Republicans work with Democrats this year to bring to the Floor a truly bipartisan ESEA reauthorization that takes steps to help underserved and at-risk youth receive the quality education they deserve.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to help move such a bill forward.”