Parents have had enough. They’re standing up for their kids. And they’re calling on Congress to take action.
That’s why H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights, is being considered on the House floor today. This bill is about helping every student in America succeed.
When Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy took to the House floor to speak on this groundbreaking legislation, he made it clear that House Republicans are committed to a vision of the future built on freedom and called on his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to empower students to succeed by voting yes on H.R. 5.
Remarks as delivered are below.
“I stand today in support of H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights.
“House Republicans made a Commitment to America that we would bring up the Parents Bill of Rights.
“Today, we’re keeping that promise.
“The numbers speak for themselves: in the one month since the Parents Bill of Rights was introduced, thousands of parents have signed onto it.
“This massive surge in support proves parents want more of a say in their children’s education.
“President Biden’s Secretary of Education recently said parents are missing in action.
“He’s just wrong.
“Parents are more motivated than ever and they want us to take action.
“The bill before us today is about every mom, every dad, and every student in America.
“We believe parents should be able to know when your children [are] learning, know [how] your tax dollars are being spent, and whether your child is safe in school.
“And that’s exactly what the Parents Bill of Rights does.
“When we introduced the Parents Bill of Rights, we numbered it H.R. 5… an important reason why is that is the age that children start kindergarten.
“But also, this bill protects five parental rights, one, the right to know what’s being taught in schools to see the reading materials.
“No one is arguing that parents should dictate what is being taught.
“But parents should be able to see their school’s curriculum, publicly know what books are in the library, and get timely notice about any plans to eliminate gifted and talented programs.
“Two, the right to be heard. When we saw Biden’s Justice Department lash out at concerned parents and label [them] domestic terrorists.
“Parents should be allowed to address school board meetings, have their First Amendment rights respected, and have a say in their children’s education.
“Third, the right to see a school’s budget and know how your tax dollars are being spent.
“Four, the right to protect your children’s privacy. Parents should be able to control how any third party uses their children’s personal data.
“[Five], the right to be updated on any violent activity at school. If there is violence in school, parents deserve to know.
“Mr. Speaker, It doesn’t matter the color of your skin, the zip code you live in, or the wealth you have.
“Once you are a parent, [you] will give your life for your child.
“You have a right to get the basic information about your children’s education… the Parents Bill of Rights is an important step towards protecting children and dramatically strengthening the rights of parents.
“Mr. Speaker, in America, education is the great equalizer. Every child deserves a great education and we know that when parents are empowered students will succeed.
“For that reason. I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights.”