Statement from Edward J. McElroy,

President, American Federation of Teachers,

on Passage of the House Labor, HHS and Education Bill

Washington, D.C. — During debate this week House Republicans denied Democrats the opportunity to offer an amendment to the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill that would have added $5.6 billion for critical education programs that help special education, low-income and college students by reducing tax cuts for the wealthiest among us.  This amendment would have improved the bill, which falls far short of the amount pledged for the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  It is irresponsible and harmful that Republicans vote for billions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans but refuse to make good on their promise to help all students succeed in school.

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