Capitol Hill
Hearings
Reforming the Juvenile Justice System to Improve Children’s Lives and Public Safety
Full Committee Hearing | April 21, 2010
On Wednesday, April 21st, the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing to explore how reforming the juvenile justice system can help increase public safety and protect children’s well-being. This is the first full committee hearing of the 111th Congress looking at the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). (More info)
Meeting the Challenges Faced by Girls in the Juvenile Justice System
Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee Hearing | March 11, 2010
In light of the rising number of girls in the nation’s juvenile justice system, on Thursday, March 11th the House Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities held a hearing to examine the unique challenges girls face in today’s juvenile justice system as the committee works toward reauthorizing the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act. Among other things, the subcommittee will examine confinement conditions, mental health, victimization, and public safety. (More info)
In Our Own Backyard: Child Prostitution and Sex Trafficking in the United States
Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law | February 24, 2010
- More info
- Watch testimony – Luis Cdebaca, Ambassador-at-large, Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
Keeping Youth Safe While in Custody – Sexual Assault in Adult and Juvenile Facilities
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security | February 23, 2010
Girls in the Juvenile Justice System: Strategies to Help Girls Achieve Their Full Potential
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security | October 20, 2009
Ensuring Economic Opportunities for Young Americans
Full Education and Labor Committee Hearing | October 1, 2009
On Thursday, October 1, the House Education and Labor held a hearing to examine the impact on declining rate of youth employment and strategies to ensure that there are economic opportunities available for young Americans. (Read more)
Press Releases
Fattah: President’s Landmark Student Loan Aid Must Be Followed by Education Reform for College Readiness
Chaka Fattah (D-PA) | April 5, 2010
Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), the leading Congressional advocate for urban education, today outlined his legislative priorities for education reform on the same day he witnessed President Obama signing the landmark overhaul and funding increase for college loan programs.
“President Obama has taken a major step today toward cementing a place in history as ‘the Education President,’ and his advocacy for significant reform in our core federal education policy will add to that legacy,” said Fattah, Chairman of the Congressional Urban Caucus and author of major education legislation during his eight terms in Congress. (Read more)
Sen. Brown Introduces Bill to Expand Youth Corps Program
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) | March 26, 2010
The core components of the Youth Corps model include:
• opportunities for educational advancement, including secondary school completion and preparation for postsecondary education;
• work experience, skills training, and career counseling;
• collaboration with other youth serving systems, such as child welfare and juvenile justice, to provide and coordinate support services for vulnerable youth;
• partnerships with local workforce and education systems, including labor, employers, postsecondary institutions, and community-based organizations, to develop pathways to postsecondary and labor market success; and
• post-program support. (Read more)
Congressman Bobby L. Rush Introduces Legislation to Invest More Than $8 Billion in Reducing Youth Unemployment
Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) | March 24, 2010
With nearly 5 million youth between the ages of 16 to 24 being unemployed, today, congress man Bobby L. Rush took a significant step toward eradicating youth unemployment by introducing a $8 billion bill that aims to alleviate chronic unemployment, reduce the national drop-out rate, decrease youth violence, and provide a pathways of opportunity for young people and at-risk youth. (Read more)
Congresswoman Waters Joins Colleagues and Black Ministers to Discuss Health Care Reform, Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) | March 17, 2010
“Since the discovery of the HIV/AIDS epidemic over 25 years ago, we have watched it wreak havoc on minority communities, disproportionately affecting them in comparison to their makeup of the American population” said Congresswoman Waters. “Almost 50 percent of new HIV diagnoses are in the African American community alone, significantly impacting our community. I am encouraged that the ministers have come here mobilized, educated, and ready to act to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in our community and in all communities.” (Read more)
Solicitation for the National African American Youth Initiative Summer Program
Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen (U.S. Virgin Islands) | March 16, 2010
Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is pleased to announce that the National African American Youth Initiative (NAAYI) is accepting applications for students to attend their summer program set for June 18-28, 2010.
The NAAYI program involves an intense schedule where students meet with prominent African American leaders and role models. The students are also introduced to national health and scientific organizations and learn about the role of these organizations in the delivery of health care. Students are given an opportunity to develop an awareness of health and science careers available to them and the educational opportunities in the government and in the private sector. (Read more)
Bennet: To Meet the Needs of the Economy, We Need to Close the Achievement Gap Now and Ensure All Kids Can Go to College
Michael Bennett (D-CO) | March 10, 2010
Kaufman: “We Need To Create A New Generation of Jobs”
Senator Ted Kaufman (D-DL) | March 5, 2010
…we can promote policies that encourage women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in engineering. While women earn 58 percent of all bachelor’s degrees, they constitute only 18.5 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded in engineering. African Americans hold only 4.6 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded in engineering, and Hispanic Americans hold only 7.2 percent. We can, and must, do better. (Read more)
Lincoln Report: Arkansas Older Youth Need Support After School
Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) | February 26, 2010
Washington –The need to strengthen and support successful before-school, after school and summer programs for older youth was the topic of a legislative briefing hosted by the office of U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln yesterday. Lincoln recently introduced the After school Partnerships Improve Results in Education (or ASPIRE) Act to provide a new funding stream for after school programs to reach more students of middle and high school age in lower-income or rural areas. (Read more)
Norton to Address Responsible Fatherhood with Eric Holder at Town Hall Meeting on Thursday
Congresswoman Eleanor Norton (D-DC) | February 18, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will address responsible fatherhood at a Town Hall Meeting on Fatherhood and Solutions to Youth Violence, co-sponsored with the Alliance of Concerned Men, Thursday, Feb. 18, 3-5:30 p.m., at the University of the District of Columbia, Blg. #46 East, UDC’s auditorium. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, whom Norton recommended to President Clinton to become the first African American U.S. Attorney here, also will speak. Norton said “I deeply appreciate the Attorney General’s continuing interest in his hometown, where he served as U.S. Attorney, particularly his understanding of the links between fatherhood, mentoring kids, and violence. Attorney General Holder’s willingness to give the keynote address at this critical town hall on fatherhood and solutions to youth violence is an important indication of the quality and significance of the work of Tyrone Parker and the Alliance of Concerned Men.” (Read more)
Gillibrand Unveils Comprehensive Plan To Battle HIV/AIDS Among African American Communities
Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) | February 12, 2010
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced today that she has introduced comprehensive legislation in the Senate to reduce, prevent, treat and fight against HIV/AIDS among African American communities. The National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act of 2009, which was authored and introduced in the House by Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), would expand outreach and prevention efforts, train health care providers, create care centers, and develop research to find solutions to fight this disease that has hit nearly 48,000 African Americans citywide and an estimated half a million nationwide. (Read more)
House Judiciary Committee Favorably Reports Rep. Scott’s Youth PROMISE Act
Congressman Bobby Scott (D-IL) | December 2, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup of H.R. 1064, the Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support, and Education Act, referred to as the Youth PROMISE Act. The Committee voted to report the bill favorably to the whole House of Representatives by a vote of 17-14. (Read more)
Rush introduces “Conflict Resolution and Mediation Act of 2009″ to combat youth violence in America
Press Release | November 2, 2009
CHICAGO – Today, Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL), surrounded by students, educators, community leaders and child welfare advocates at the Gary Comer Academy announced plans to introduce federal legislation to combat violence among America’s youth. The “Conflict Resolution and Mediation Act of 2009″ authorizes the U.S. Department of Education to make grants available to local education agencies (LEAs) directly impacted by discord and violent behavior. (Read more)
Chairman Harkin Applauds Passage of Comprehensive Measure for Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS
U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions | October 19, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of2009 by unanimous consent.
- Download (PDF)
- Read the response of Ranking Member, Mike Enzi
Durbin Meets with Attorney General to Discuss Chicago Youth Violence
Press Release | October 15, 2009
Pelosi Announces Key Provision in Health Insurance Reform for Young Adults
Press Release | October 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, and Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper joined a coalition of 20 youth organizations from 30 states for a press conference this afternoon in the Capitol to announce a key provision impacting young adults in health insurance reform legislation. The provision allows young Americans to remain on the their parents’ insurance through the age of 26. Also speaking at the conference were: Ari Matusiak from the Young Invincibles, Erica Williams from Campus Progress, and Krisja Hendricks. Below are the Speaker’s opening statement, closing remarks, and a question and answer session. (Read more)
Durbin Announces Legislation to Combat School Violence at Community Level
Press Release | October 9, 2009
[CHICAGO, IL] – Chicago students who struggle with violence in their communities would benefit if an amendment U.S. Senator Dick Durbin introduced yesterday to provide funding for youth violence prevention efforts is signed into law. This funding, introduced as an amendment to the Commerce Justice and Science spending bill, would give the U.S. Attorney General discretion to take up to $5 million from an existing grant program in the DOJ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and award that $5 million in grants to community-based, street-level violence prevention programs. (Read more)
Congressman Jackson Says Now is the Time to Stop the Violence
Press Release | October 7, 2009
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. said today that the visit to Chicago by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will help provide “a crucial response to the escalating crisis of youth violence in our city.” The two Obama cabinet members will meet with school officials, students and residents and talk about school violence. (Read more)
U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris Applauds Efforts of Secretary Duncan, Attorney General Holder
Press Release | October 7, 2009
CHICAGO – United States Senator Roland W. Burris today recognized U.S. Attorney Eric Holder and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for their combined efforts to bring an end to youth violence. (Read more)
Senator Roland W. Burris Statement on Fenger High School Violence
Press Release | September 28, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. ––United States Senator Roland W. Burris today made the following statement on the murder charges against three teens in last week’s beating death of Fenger High School student Derrion Albert: (Read more)
Chairman Miller Statement on NAEP Achievement Gap Report
Committee on Education and Labor | July 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement on a new report released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): Achievement Gaps: How Black and White Students in Public Schools Perform in Mathematics and Reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The report provides a comprehensive look at progress in closing the achievement gap between black and white students. (Read more)
Legislation to Make Landmark Investments in College Affordability Clears House Committee
Committee on Education and Labor | July 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation that will make college dramatically more affordable for millions of Americans, at no new cost to taxpayers, was approved today by the House Education and Labor Committee by a bipartisan vote of 30 to 17. The full House of Representatives will vote on the bill next. (Read more)
News
Rep. Fattah Announces $141 Million to Pennsylvania to Turn Around Low-Achieving Schools; Philadelphia in Line for Tens of Millions
Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA) | June 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a leading Congressional advocate for reform in urban education, announced today that the U.S. Department of Education is awarding $141 million to the State of Pennsylvania – much of it bound for Philadelphia – to turn around persistently lowest achieving schools. (Read more)
Chairman Miller Statement on First Lady’s Initiative To End Childhood Obesity
Committee on Education and Labor | February 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, today issued the following statement after First Lady Michelle Obama announced her “Let’s Move” initiative to end childhood obesity. Miller will help lead the effort in Congress to reauthorize the federal school meal and child nutrition programs – one of four pillars of the First Lady’s initiative. (Read more)
Chairman Miller Statement on Race to the Top Expansion
Committee on Education and Labor | January 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement today after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the release of $25 million in grants for school food service equipment to help support high quality and safe school meal programs. Congress invested in these grants as part of a one year extension of the child nutrition programs enacted last October to address immediate challenges schools and food service directors are facing amidst state budget cuts. (Read more)
House Democrats Introduce Legislation to End the High School Dropout Crisis
Education and Labor Committee | November 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic lawmakers announced today they will introduce critical legislation to address the high school dropout crisis, which poses a growing threat to the nation’s economic stability and global competitiveness. Nearly one-third of all high school students do not to graduate every year, costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost revenue. (Read more)
Miller, Hinojosa Join Secretary Duncan in Urging Colleges to Ensure Reliable Federal Student Loan Access
Education and Labor Committee | November 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. George Miller (D-CA) and Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) today joined U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan in urging college campuses to take prudent action to ensure that their students continue to have access to stable, low-cost federal college loans, regardless of what happens in the economy. Their letter to college presidents echoes a letter Duncan sent to institutions last month. (Read more)
Public college costs rising faster than private
Education and Labor Committee | October 20, 2009
Today’s Washington Post highlights a new study by the College Board on college pricing and student aid. It notes that:
Federal Ban Sought On Student Restraint
Education and Labor Committee | July 6, 2009
The Wall Street Journal ran an article this morning to draw attention to the abusive use of seclusion and restraint within schools. These abuses were brought to national attention during a hearing by the Education and Labor Committee.